Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, has announced a significant expansion of its domestic network with new direct flights from Bengaluru to three major cities. The airline is set to launch these routes, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in high-potential markets.

New Route Details

The expansion plan includes:

• Two daily flights each to Ahmedabad and Chandigarh
• Daily flights to Dehradun

This addition will expand Air India Express's network to cover 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, reinforcing its position in the Indian aviation market.

Fleet and Operations

Air India Express currently operates a substantial fleet of 116 aircraft, maintaining over 500 daily flights. This extensive network allows the airline to serve a wide range of destinations across India and internationally.

Strategic Growth

Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, emphasized that the new routes are part of the airline's strategy to tap into high-potential markets. This move aligns with the carrier's broader expansion plans and its aim to enhance connectivity across India.

Safety Incident in Bengaluru

In a separate development, an Air India Express flight encountered a safety incident during its approach to Gwalior from Bengaluru. The Boeing aircraft, carrying approximately 160 passengers, experienced a rough approach, leading to an aborted landing attempt.

Key points of the incident include:

• The pilot decided to pull back and circle before successfully landing 10 minutes later
• Passengers reported feeling violent shakes during the approach
• Formal complaints were filed by passengers, alleging negligence and poor communication
• No injuries were reported from the incident

The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and communication procedures during such situations. Air India Express will likely face scrutiny over its handling of the aborted landing and subsequent passenger complaints.

Conclusion

As Air India Express continues its expansion efforts, this recent safety incident underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards and effective communication with passengers, especially during critical flight phases. The airline's growth plans, coupled with the need to address safety concerns, highlight the challenges and opportunities facing Air India Express as it seeks to strengthen its position in India's competitive aviation market.

Air India Express has come under fire from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for failing to adhere to a crucial airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concerning engines on Airbus A320 aircraft. The regulatory body has taken stern action against key officials of the airline following a surveillance inspection that uncovered the non-compliance.

Penalties Imposed

The DGCA's punitive measures, implemented under its Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual, have targeted three high-ranking officials at Air India Express:

1. Quality Manager: The most severe action was taken against the Quality Manager, whose approval was cancelled.

2. Continuing Maintenance Manager: This official received a warning letter and a financial penalty of ₹1.50 lakh.

3. Accountable Manager: The highest financial penalty of ₹30.00 lakh was imposed on the Accountable Manager.

Non-Compliance Details

The non-compliance issue revolves around an EASA airworthiness directive specifically related to engines on Airbus A320 aircraft. While the exact nature of the directive and the potential safety implications were not disclosed, such directives are typically issued to address critical safety concerns or maintenance requirements.

DGCA's Vigilance

The discovery of this non-compliance during a surveillance inspection underscores the DGCA's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in India's aviation sector. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to ensure airlines adhere to both national and international safety regulations.

Implications for Air India Express

This incident raises questions about Air India Express's internal processes for complying with international safety directives. The airline may need to review and strengthen its procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

While the specific timing of the non-compliance and subsequent penalties was not revealed, the action taken by the DGCA sends a clear message to all airlines operating in India about the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations.

As the aviation industry continues to prioritize safety, this incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that regulatory bodies play in ensuring compliance and maintaining the highest standards of aircraft maintenance and operation.