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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has issued another show-cause notice to Akasa Air, a relatively new airline that commenced operations in August 2022. This latest notice, dated December 16th, cites a violation concerning the airline's operations manual, a crucial document outlining safety procedures and operational guidelines. Specifically, the DGCA alleges that Akasa Air failed to adhere to the mandated six-month revision cycle for its operations manual, a requirement under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). This oversight, according to sources, constitutes a breach of CAR provisions, prompting the regulator to demand an explanation from the airline regarding why disciplinary action shouldn't be taken. Akasa Air, in its response, acknowledged receiving the notice and stated that it is cooperating fully with the DGCA to address the regulator's concerns and improve its protocols. The airline's statement emphasized its commitment to transparency and collaboration with the DGCA in resolving the matter.
This is not the first time Akasa Air has faced scrutiny from the DGCA this month. Earlier in December, a separate show-cause notice was issued to an Akasa Air aircraft maintenance engineer for allegedly substandard maintenance practices and certification. The cumulative effect of these notices highlights a pattern of regulatory concerns surrounding Akasa Air's operational procedures and compliance with established aviation safety standards. The frequency of these regulatory actions raises questions about the airline's internal operational controls and its capacity to maintain consistently high safety standards, particularly given its relatively short operational history. The DGCA's actions underscore the regulator's vigilance in ensuring the safety and reliability of India's aviation sector and its commitment to holding airlines accountable for adherence to the country’s strict aviation regulations. The consequences for Akasa Air could range from financial penalties to operational restrictions depending on the outcome of the DGCA's investigation and its assessment of the severity of the violations.
Adding to the regulatory challenges faced by Akasa Air, a separate incident involving concerns raised by some of its pilots further complicates the situation. In a letter addressed to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on December 11th, a group of pilots expressed serious concerns about safety and training practices within the airline. The letter alleged that Akasa Air's claims of upholding the highest safety standards are misleading and requested an independent investigation into the airline's management practices, training methods, and safety standards. While Akasa Air swiftly dismissed these allegations as baseless and untrue, the fact that such concerns were raised by pilots, who are directly involved in the daily operation of the aircraft, cannot be ignored. The pilots' letter casts a shadow over Akasa Air’s reputation, potentially impacting passenger confidence and raising further questions about the airline's overall operational integrity. The airline's response, which highlighted its low attrition rate among pilots and the number of recent hires, may not be sufficient to fully address the underlying concerns about potential safety issues. The ongoing investigation and the potential for further regulatory scrutiny underscore the importance of transparency and accountability within the aviation industry.
The confluence of regulatory actions and pilot concerns places Akasa Air under intense pressure. The airline's ability to effectively manage these challenges will significantly impact its long-term prospects and its reputation within the competitive Indian aviation market. The DGCA’s ongoing investigations will be crucial in determining the extent of the violations and in deciding appropriate punitive measures. While Akasa Air has maintained that it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and is taking steps to improve its protocols, the frequency of regulatory scrutiny suggests the need for a thorough internal review of its operational practices. The situation highlights the critical role of regulatory oversight in maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry and the importance of transparent communication between airlines, pilots, and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and aviation personnel. The outcome of these investigations will undoubtedly serve as a significant benchmark for other airlines operating in India and will influence how they approach compliance with aviation regulations and prioritize safety protocols.
Source: DGCA Issues Another Show Cause Notice To Akasa Air Over Violation: Sources