Air India is facing scrutiny after it was discovered that an Airbus A320 flew eight commercial flights without a mandatory airworthiness permit, prompting the airline to admit that its compliance culture requires a significant overhaul. An internal investigation revealed "systemic failures" within the organization that led to the serious lapse, potentially endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers.
The aircraft operated between November 24 and 25, flying passengers on routes connecting New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, all without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The airline's internal report, dated December 6, highlighted a breakdown in communication and process discipline. It stated that engineers and pilots failed to adequately check the aircraft's documents before it was released for flight. The report, signed by Chief Operations Officer Captain Basil Kwauk, has been submitted to the Indian aviation authorities.
According to the internal investigation, the Airbus A320 had undergone engine changes and was cleared for a test flight without the necessary special permit. The aircraft maintenance engineer also failed to verify the onboard documents. Furthermore, pilots did not adhere to standard operating procedures by ensuring the ARC was valid before commencing the eight passenger flights. On December 1, Air India's Director of Flight Operations issued a reminder to all pilots, emphasizing the importance of checking paperwork, including the ARC, before every flight, and warning that non-adherence to company policy would be viewed seriously.
India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched an investigation into the matter and grounded the aircraft. Air India has described the incident as "regrettable" and has suspended several individuals. The airline has also stated that it proactively reported the incident to the DGCA and has implemented immediate preventive measures.
Industry experts note that modern software systems make it difficult to overlook scheduled tasks such as certificate renewal or maintenance, raising questions about how the lapse occurred. Air India possesses an in-house Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) responsible for overseeing such processes.
Operating an aircraft without a valid certificate of airworthiness is a serious offense that puts passenger safety at risk and violates aviation regulations. Under the Aircraft Rules, 1937, operating an aircraft without a valid certificate can attract penalties of up to ₹25 lakh per individual and up to ₹1 crore for large organizations. Furthermore, flying with an expired license can invalidate insurance coverage, potentially creating complications with lessors. The DGCA's investigation could lead to significant penalties and the suspension of top officials.
This incident further complicates Air India's efforts to restore passenger confidence. The airline faces the challenge of reassuring the public that it is committed to safety and regulatory compliance. The results of the DGCA investigation and the implementation of corrective measures will be crucial in rebuilding trust and preventing future incidents.
