'No major safety concerns': DGCA clears Air India's Boeing 787 fleet
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Mumbai: Following the fatal plane crash near Ahmedabad last week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet has successfully completed safety inspections with no significant issues. The incident on June 12 that resulted in 241 fatalities sparked significant concerns regarding the safety of these long-haul planes.
In reaction, the DGCA initiated a thorough examination of Air India’s Boeing 787 operations. The airline has 33 Dreamliners in operation — 26 B787-8s and seven B787-9s. From June 12 to 17, 66 flights intended to be conducted with these aircraft were cancelled, whereas 248 flights proceeded as scheduled.
After inspections and a review meeting with senior officials from Air India and Air India Express, the DGCA affirmed that no significant issues were identified. "The DGCA stated that the airline’s maintenance systems and the aircraft were determined to comply with all existing safety standards."
The regulator did highlight certain problems related to maintenance procedures and internal collaboration. It has instructed the airline, currently owned by the Tata Group, to enhance collaboration among departments such as engineering, ground handling, and flight operations. Emphasising the need for spare parts availability and avoiding delays were also pointed out as crucial issues to address.
The DGCA has recommended that the airline implement a more effective and immediate system for reporting technical issues. This would enable quicker decision-making and assist in stopping minor issues from escalating into significant setbacks.
The assessment also examined the increasing disruption resulting from the shutdown of Iranian airspace, which has impacted multiple Indian airlines. Numerous flights to Europe and the Gulf have been forced to be diverted or postponed. Airlines are required to notify passengers quickly and arrange alternative routes to minimise disruption.
Air India and Air India Express run over 1,000 flights each day, with the DGCA stressing the importance of prioritising safety and timely communication with passengers, particularly during periods of disruption.
(PTI)