Tata-Owned Carrier Faces Deepening Safety Scrutiny Amid Recent Violations
New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reprimanded Air India Express in March for failing to replace engine components on time and falsifying maintenance records to appear compliant. The issue involved an Airbus A320 operated by the Tata Group-owned low-cost airline.
A confidential memo accessed by Reuters reveals that the airline violated a safety directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The component changes were mandated due to manufacturing deficiencies that posed potential safety risks.
Forged Maintenance Records
The DGCA’s surveillance found that engine parts were not replaced within the prescribed deadline. To conceal this, the airline allegedly altered records in the AMOS software—used globally to track aircraft maintenance.
“In order to show that the work has been carried out within the prescribed limits, the AMOS records have apparently been altered/forged,” the memo said.
The VT-ATD aircraft involved serves both domestic and short international routes, including to Dubai and Muscat.
Airline Admits Lapse, Takes Action
In a statement to Reuters, Air India Express acknowledged the error, attributing the delay to software migration issues. The airline claimed it fixed the problem as soon as it was detected.
Though it did not comment on the record forgery claim, the airline said it took administrative action. This included the removal of the quality manager and suspension of the deputy continuing airworthiness manager.
Comes Amid Growing Safety Concerns
This serious lapse occurred months before the June crash of an Air India Dreamliner in Ahmedabad—the deadliest Indian aviation disaster in a decade, with 241 of 242 passengers killed. Though the two events are unrelated, the crash has heightened scrutiny of the Tata-owned airline group.
The March incident is part of a series of violations flagged by the DGCA this year:
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Air India was warned for flying three Airbus aircraft with overdue escape slide checks.
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The DGCA also found serious violations of pilot duty timing rules in June.
Experts Warn of Increased Risk
Aviation expert Vibhuti Singh, a former official of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, called the lapse “a grave mistake.”
“Delayed engine fixes, especially over water or near restricted airspace, increase operational risk dramatically,” he warned.
Multiple Warnings in 2023
Government records show that in 2023, Indian aviation authorities issued 23 safety warnings or fines, of which 11 involved Air India or Air India Express.
Tata Group’s Safety Challenge
Since acquiring Air India in 2022, the Tata Group has aimed to transform it into a world-class airline. However, the carrier continues to face customer complaints about aircraft condition and service quality. The latest safety violations have added to public concern and regulatory pressure.
As Air India Group seeks to expand its global footprint, ensuring strict compliance with international safety standards remains a pressing challenge.
