Air Asia Fined Rs 20 Lakh For Lapses In Pilots’ Training

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has slapped a fine of Rs 20 lakh on AirAsia (India) Ltd for lapses in pilots’ training.

The airline regulator’s surveillance operation found that certain mandatory exercises of the pilots were not done during Pilot Proficiency check/Instrument Rating check as per schedule, thereby violating DGCA regulations.

The head of training was removed for three months for failing to discharge his duties and eight designated examiners fined Rs 3 lakh each, NDTV reported.

DGCA had issued showcause notices to the concerned manager, head of training, and all designated examiners of Air Asia as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for lack of oversight of their regulatory obligations. Their written replies were examined, and

Action taken on the basis of replies to showcase notices which were issued to the concerned manager and designated examiners of Air Asia asking them to explain lack of oversight of their regulatory obligations.

AirAsia India said in a statement that it is considering an appeal against the DGCA order.

“We acknowledge that a finding related to training exercises of pilots was observed by the DGCA following the main base inspection in November 2022. Immediate corrective action was taken in coordination with DGCA and additional simulator training sessions to address the gap were implemented,” AirAsia spokesperson stated, adding that the airline has already conducted mandatory exercises of the pilots as part of a simulator training done beyond the mandated regulatory training requirements.

“We wish to reiterate that there is no deviation from the safety margins required for our operations. Nonetheless, we are reviewing the DGCA order and are considering making an appeal as per available regulatory provisions,” AirAsia India said.