Airlines

DGCA imposes Rs 20 lakh fine on Air Asia over lapses in pilot training

The aviation regulator DGCA has fined AirAsia (India) Ltd. 20 lakh after its surveillance operation discovered that a few required exercises of the airline’s pilots were not completed during the scheduled Pilot Proficiency Check/Instrument Rating check (which is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization).

The airline’s head of training was also fired for three months “for failing to perform his duties in accordance with applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements”. Additionally, each of the eight appointed examiners has been penalised 3 lakh for the same.

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In a statement, AirAsia India stated that it is evaluating the DGCA judgement and considering an appeal. “We agree that the DGCA made a finding about pilot training exercises after inspecting the main base in November 2022. In coordination with the DGCA, immediate corrective action was taken, and extra simulator training sessions were conducted to close the gap “In the statement, an AirAsia spokesperson said.

In addition to the obligatory regulatory training requirements, airlines have already carried out the pilots’ mandatory exercises as part of simulator training.”We would want to reaffirm that our operations are operating within the necessary safety limits. However, we are examining the DGCA judgement and are debating filing an appeal in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures “Added AirAsia India.

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Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.