Aviation Leader Stands Firm on Safety Record Amid Growing Concerns
Just how safe are the skies over India? This question has gained urgency following the tragic Air India crash in June, which claimed the lives of at least 270 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. In light of this incident, concerns about aviation safety in India have resurfaced, prompting scrutiny of the country’s aviation practices and regulatory measures.
Recent Accidents Raise Concerns
India’s aviation safety record has been a topic of discussion, especially after the recent Air India crash, which marked the third major aviation accident in the country within 15 years. Previous incidents include the Air India Express Flight 1344 crash in August 2020, which resulted in 21 fatalities, and the Mangalore crash in May 2010, which claimed 158 lives. Despite these tragedies, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the chief of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), asserts that India’s aviation safety metrics are generally favorable. He pointed out that India often outperforms the global average in terms of accidents per million flights, with only two years since 2010 exceeding that average due to major accidents. However, recent turbulence incidents and maintenance issues have reignited public concern about the safety of air travel in India.
SpiceJet’s Maintenance Issues
The DGCA’s scrutiny of SpiceJet, India’s fourth-largest airline, has intensified following alarming findings related to maintenance practices. An investigation revealed that two of SpiceJet’s De Havilland Q400 turboprops experienced premature propeller failures. The airline reported the issue to Dowty Propellers, a UK-based manufacturer, which discovered damage to the internal bearings of the propellers. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, SpiceJet reportedly opted to apply more grease to the units, prompting Dowty to escalate the matter to the DGCA. Following an audit, the DGCA uncovered further deficiencies in SpiceJet’s operations, leading to corrective actions against senior management who were unaware of the situation. The regulator has mandated that SpiceJet implement necessary changes to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Regulatory Actions and Safety Measures
In addition to addressing SpiceJet’s issues, the DGCA has taken action against Air India Express for delaying mandatory engine part replacements on an Airbus A320 and for falsifying compliance records. Air India Express acknowledged the errors and has since implemented remedial measures. Kidwai emphasized the importance of self-reporting by airlines, stating that increased transparency is crucial for maintaining safety standards. Furthermore, the DGCA has refined its guidelines for pilots navigating turbulent weather conditions, requiring them to take specific actions when faced with significant risks. This proactive approach aims to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.
Growing Aviation Market and Future Challenges
India’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth, becoming the third-largest passenger aviation market globally. The number of scheduled carriers has surged from around 400 to nearly 850 in just a decade, with passenger numbers more than doubling since 2014-15. Despite this growth, the DGCA faces challenges, including budget cuts that have impacted regulatory oversight. Kidwai noted that the increase in flights necessitates careful attention to maintenance turnaround times. While the recent Air India crash raised concerns, data indicates that it did not significantly affect air travel traffic. Kidwai reassured that public anxiety tends to diminish over time as clarity emerges following such incidents.
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