The DGCA, which is the aviation regulator, has asked Air India to take action. This action is against three senior officials. This is due to the recent Ahmedabad crash of AI 171, which led to over 200 deaths. They have been charged with serious and repeated violations related to flight crew scheduling.
Air India voluntarily disclosed these security lapses. They were uncovered during the post-transition review from ARMS to the CAE Flight and Crew Management System. ARMS stands for the Aviation Resource Management System. It is an integrated software platform. Airlines use it for crew rostering and flight planning. The company has now switched to CAE.
The review showed that the flight crew did not meet mandatory licensing, rest, and recency norms. Yet, they were scheduled to fly.
The DGCA Order and the Reasons for Termination
The order, dated 20th June, stated that these lapses demonstrate a failure in crew scheduling. They also indicate a failure in internal accountability. The absence of strict disciplinary measures against the responsible officials is concerning.
Choorah Singh is the Divisional Vice President. Pinky Mittal is the Chief Manager in the Directorate of Operations, Crew Scheduling. Payal Arora is part of Crew Scheduling – Planning. They have been held accountable.
The aviation watchdog, DGCA, has directed Air India to remove the three from all roles and responsibilities. “Internal disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against these officials without delay. The outcome of such proceedings must be reported to this office. This should happen within 10 days from the date of issue of this letter,” the order stated.
The officials in question should be reassigned to non-official roles until the conclusion of corrective measures in scheduling practices. They will not hold any direct control over flight safety or crew compliance.
The Airline’s Response
The Tata Group-owned Air India has acknowledged the DGCA’s directive and implemented it. It said that the Chief Operations Officer (COO) will directly oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre.
Just one day before, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson assured everyone that their fleet remains safe. They claim to have conducted additional precautionary checks on the Boeing 787 fleet.
They reiterated their commitment to adhere to safety protocols and standard practices after the DGCA directive. The officials also guaranteed transparency and support in all further operations. The effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen.
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