DGCA Orders Air India to Conduct Comprehensive Safety Review Amid Additional Maintenance Checks

Strategic Insights -

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested Air India and its low-cost entity Air India Express to conduct a thorough review of their safety processes following the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 plane earlier this week. The plane crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the loss of 274 lives. In response, the DGCA has ordered enhanced inspections of Air India's Dreamliner fleet, including assessments of certain take-off parameters and electronic engine control tests. The additional maintenance checks are intended to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Key Takeaways:

  • DGCA has asked Air India and Air India Express to conduct a comprehensive safety review in the wake of the plane crash.
  • The review will cover all aspects of safety processes, including crew training, aircraft maintenance, and emergency procedures.
  • Air India has a fleet of 33 Dreamliners, the oldest of which was acquired in 2012.
  • The plane that went down entered service in 2014 and had been operating safely until the accident.
  • Several Air India international flights were cancelled on Tuesday due to the enhanced inspection of the fleet, which has impacted the airline's network.
  • The cancellation of flights has been compounded by the closure of the Iran airspace, forcing airlines to take longer diversion routes.
  • Air India has offered hotel accommodation and full refunds or complimentary rescheduling to affected passengers.

Statistics:

  • 274 lives lost in the Air India Boeing 787 plane crash.
  • 33 Dreamliners in Air India's fleet.
  • Oldest Dreamliner acquired in 2012.
  • Plane that went down entered service in 2014.
  • Several flights cancelled due to enhanced inspection of fleet (exact number not specified).
  • Iran airspace closure has forced airlines to take longer diversion routes.

Sources:

  • DGCA directive to Air India Conducting additional maintenance checks on Boeing 787 aircraft, including assessments of certain take-off parameters, electronic engine control tests and engine fuel-related checks.