New Delhi: A financial audit of airlines in India has said revealed how the crisis in the aviation industry may have pushed airlines to cut corners on safety.
Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has said there were "significant findings" in the report of the audit, which was carried out over 3-4 months, on issues like maintenance of aircraft, shortage of commanders, pilots and cabin crew, lack of adequate training, scarcity of aircraft engines, components and crucial spares.
Two airlines, Kingfisher and Air India Express have been particularly hauled up and asked to explain how they are ensuring passenger safety.
An extensive survey of the financial status of airlines had led to concerns about whether they might use shortcuts that would endanger passenger safety. "I have met all of them individually to ask for steps about improvement," said Mr Bhushan.
However, the DGCA chief has dispelled all rumours of cancellation of licenses.
Although, in a statement, Sanjay Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Kingfisher, has clarified, "DGCA did not have any significant findings or concerns with regard to safety at Kingfisher Airlines" and that the airline has "adequate number of pilots and engineers to operate our scheduled services," but this news has left the already struggling Kingfisher Airlines red-faced.
The statement further assures that "safety is of paramount importance" but with one-third of Kingfisher's fleet currently grounded for want of spares, engines and components, and 24 pilots quitting in the last two months, the cash-strapped company will have to do much more than issue statements to regain consumer confidence.
The audit report has is also scathing on Air India Express, saying that there is a shortage of technical staff - especially pilots in the company. This is a clear sign of neglect by the government.
Air India Express too, over the coming days will have to show that it is taking adequate steps to ensure flyer safety. And watching them very closely would be the DGCA, as made clear by Mr Bhushan when he said "All of them have been told about the lapses and asked to inform us about their plans to rectify their problems in a time-bound manner. If there are shortfalls or drawbacks, these will have to be addressed."
Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has said there were "significant findings" in the report of the audit, which was carried out over 3-4 months, on issues like maintenance of aircraft, shortage of commanders, pilots and cabin crew, lack of adequate training, scarcity of aircraft engines, components and crucial spares.
Two airlines, Kingfisher and Air India Express have been particularly hauled up and asked to explain how they are ensuring passenger safety.
However, the DGCA chief has dispelled all rumours of cancellation of licenses.
Advertisement
The statement further assures that "safety is of paramount importance" but with one-third of Kingfisher's fleet currently grounded for want of spares, engines and components, and 24 pilots quitting in the last two months, the cash-strapped company will have to do much more than issue statements to regain consumer confidence.
Advertisement
Air India Express too, over the coming days will have to show that it is taking adequate steps to ensure flyer safety. And watching them very closely would be the DGCA, as made clear by Mr Bhushan when he said "All of them have been told about the lapses and asked to inform us about their plans to rectify their problems in a time-bound manner. If there are shortfalls or drawbacks, these will have to be addressed."
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Air India Express Fined Rs 10 Lakh For Not Compensating Fliers For Cancelled Flights Delta Flight Diverted After Passengers Allegedly Served "Spoiled" Food ''Will Take A Bullock Cart...'': Pune Author Vows To Never Fly With Air India Express, Airline Responds New Revelations About Princess Diana, Rumours On Harry's "Biological Father" "Instills Fanaticism Among Its People": S Jaishankar's "Karma" Swipe At Pak "Learnt No Lessons": Iran Supreme Leader After Hezbollah Chief's Death The Vance-Walz US Vice Presidential Debate: All You Need To Know HP TET 2024 Registration Begins For November Session, Check Details A 7,000 Km-Long Car Rally To Mark Air Force's 92nd Anniversary Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.