Air India's recent incident involving an Airbus aircraft highlights a critical issue within the airline's compliance culture. The company's internal investigation revealed systemic failures, putting hundreds of passengers at risk. On November 24-25, an Airbus A320 operated eight commercial flights without the essential Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), a mandatory permit issued annually by the regulator after safety and compliance checks. This violation not only poses a significant safety concern but also raises questions about the airline's adherence to regulatory standards.
The investigation uncovered a lack of thorough document checks by engineers and pilots, indicating a need for enhanced compliance protocols. The internal report emphasized the importance of sharing critical information with all relevant stakeholders and the missed opportunities for timely intervention. This incident underscores the urgency for Air India to improve process discipline, communication, and compliance culture, especially after its history of safety lapses.
In June, Air India suffered a devastating crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner, resulting in 260 fatalities. The airline has faced multiple warnings for issues such as running planes without emergency equipment checks, delayed engine part replacements, and forged compliance records. Despite these concerns, Air India has taken some corrective actions, including suspending individuals and grounding the affected aircraft, as ordered by India's civil aviation watchdog, the DGCA. The airline has also proactively reported the incident to the DGCA and committed to strengthening its compliance systems.
The ARC violation carries a penalty of up to 10 million rupees, and the certificate is issued annually after a comprehensive review and verification of airworthiness standards. The DGCA typically conducts a physical inspection, covering various aspects from medical kits to tire condition. Air India's investigation attributed the ARC expiration to multiple latent organizational and process deficiencies, including engine changes and the release of the aircraft for a test flight without the required special flight permit due to an engineer's oversight.
The airline's Director of Flight Operations, Manish Uppal, reminded pilots to adhere to standard operating procedures and check paperwork before each flight, including navigation charts, cargo manifest, and the ARC. Non-compliance may result in serious consequences, as emphasized in the internal email. This incident serves as a stark reminder for Air India to prioritize compliance and ensure the safety of its passengers, especially after its recent history of safety concerns.
