Aviation

DGCA Imposes ₹1.10 Crore Fine on Air India for violating safety norms

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined Air India a substantial amount of ₹1.10 crore for its failure to adhere to safety norms.

The violation pertains to the operation of leased Boeing 777 aircraft during direct flights lasting approximately 16 hours to and from San Francisco on the West Coast of the United States, as revealed in a statement by the aviation regulator on Wednesday.

A thorough investigation was conducted by the DGCA into the matter, resulting in the issuance of a show cause notice to Air India. The probe disclosed non-compliance by the airline, prompting the issuance of the notice to the accountable manager of Air India Limited. The airline’s response to the show cause notice was meticulously examined in light of statutory provisions and performance limits outlined in crucial documents by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), according to the regulatory statement.

Earlier this month, Air India was also slapped with a fine of Rs 30 lakh by the DGCA for rostering lapses concerning pilots operating flights in low visibility conditions.

The complaint that triggered this investigation included allegations from a pilot who claimed to have refused to operate a leased Boeing 777 aircraft for an Air India flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru on January 30, 2023, citing issues with the oxygen system. The pilot further asserted that, three months later, he was terminated from the airline’s service.

The irregularities in the operations of the leased aircraft were found to be in contravention of regulatory and OEM performance limits, leading to the substantial fine imposed by the DGCA. This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety standards within the aviation industry, as deviations can result in severe penalties to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.

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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.