Airlines

AirIndia introduces a new tool to Reduce Pilot Fatigue

Air India introduced a feature in its rostering system that will aid in the reduction of pilot fatigue, as well as several steps to ensure roster consistency and avoid delays.

These efforts by the Tata Group-owned full-service carrier also come at a time when there are growing worries in some sectors about pilot tiredness and how to deal with it in the face of expanding air traffic and flights.

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Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, said the company has launched a number of fresh initiatives simultaneously that aim to improve the reliability of printed rosters and reduce interruptions, make the best use of standby blocks and establish effective communication channels.

Wilson mentioned the new safety protocols being implemented in every aspect of the airline’s operations, saying, “We launched Coruson a few weeks ago, which was followed by the Boeing Alertness Model (BAM)3, a tool that will prevent the publication of wearying pairings and rosters in our Jeppesen rostering system.

Indigo to introduce new technology to detect fatigue for Pilots(Opens in a new browser tab)

Additionally, the carrier will roll out DocuNet and the Pilot Sector Report (PSR) app as two additional digital tools. By increasing safety, efficiency, and compliance, these tools will “revolutionize its flight operations and pilot satisfaction.”

DocuNet makes document delivery simple while the PSR app speeds post-flight reporting, assuring synchronized and up-to-date data. Both of the solutions are simple to use and readily connect with our current systems, according to Wilson.

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Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.