Air India has conducted an internal investigation revealing “systemic failures” that allowed one of its Airbus A320 planes to operate eight commercial flights without the necessary Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). This critical authorization is issued by regulatory authorities after a thorough safety and compliance assessment is completed annually. The flights, which occurred between November 24 and 25, connected major cities including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
According to the findings reported in a company document, the airline’s engineers and pilots did not adequately verify the aircraft’s documentation, prompting the need for enhanced compliance protocols. The internal report highlighted that “critical information was not shared with all relevant stakeholders,” leading to missed opportunities for timely intervention. The investigation report, dated December 6, underscores the urgency for improvements in process discipline, communication, and overall compliance culture within the airline.
The implications of this incident are significant for Air India, which has previously faced scrutiny over its operational practices. The airline suffered its worst disaster in June when a Boeing Dreamliner crash resulted in the tragic loss of 260 lives. Following the recent Airbus incident, Air India has received multiple warnings from aviation authorities regarding lapses in emergency equipment checks, delayed engine part replacements, and falsified compliance records.
In light of the findings, Air India labeled the November incident as “regrettable” and mentioned that some personnel had been suspended. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has taken action by grounding the affected aircraft and launching a further investigation.
Air India, which operates under the ownership of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has committed to proactively enhancing its compliance systems and initiated immediate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The airline’s swift response showcases its dedication to safety and regulatory adherence, reflecting a hopeful outlook for improved operational standards.
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