Airlines

Air India Fined $95,000 for Breaching Flight Duty Time Regulations

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India’s civil aviation regulator has levied a fine of more than $95,000 against flag carrier Air India for allegedly breaching several flight time limitations rules governing its pilots.

Flight Time Limitations (FTL) rules, which dictate the allowable working hours for pilots and the required rest periods between flights, are standard across the globe. Recently, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) raised the minimum weekly rest period for pilots from 36 hours to 48 hours as part of efforts to combat fatigue among aircrew. air india ltd

The DGCA stated, “The analysis of reports and evidence revealed that M/s air india limited
operated flight with both flight crew aged above 60 years flying together in few instances, which is a violation of Sub Rule (2) of Rule 28 A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.” Additionally, the regulator noted instances of exceeding duty periods, inaccurately documented training records, and overlapping duties during its audit.

Following these findings, the regulator issued a show cause notice to air india sale
on March 1. Subsequently, due to what it deemed as an unsatisfactory response from the airline, a fine of Rs 80 lakh (approximately $95,000) was imposed.

This penalty comes after another incident earlier in which the aviation regulator fined Air India Rs 30 lakh after an 80-year-old passenger collapsed and died during the air india reservation immigration process on February 12.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.