The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the Director of Operations and the Director of Training at Akasa Air for six months, citing lapses in pilot training. This decision follows an investigation into the airline’s compliance with civil aviation requirements and comes after unsatisfactory responses to show-cause notices issued earlier this year.
Akasa Air, partly owned by the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala family, has faced scrutiny from the aviation safety regulator over concerns regarding the oversight of its pilot training programs. The DGCA’s findings indicate that the two senior executives failed to ensure proper adherence to mandated procedures and protocols outlined in the civil aviation regulations.
Show-cause notices were issued to the Director of Operations on October 15 and the Director of Training on October 30. However, the DGCA deemed their replies inadequate in addressing the lapses identified during inspections. In response, the regulator took the significant step of suspending both individuals for a period of six months, emphasizing the importance of robust compliance measures within the aviation sector.
In addition to the suspension, the DGCA has instructed Akasa Air to appoint suitable replacements for the positions of Director of Operations and Director of Training. The airline has been urged to ensure that the nominated candidates meet the necessary qualifications and demonstrate a strong commitment to regulatory compliance.
This action by the DGCA underscores the critical importance of safety and regulatory adherence in the aviation industry. The regulator’s firm stance serves as a reminder to all airlines operating in India to prioritize training standards and maintain strict compliance with established guidelines. Akasa Air, which has quickly gained attention in the domestic aviation market, now faces the challenge of addressing these compliance issues while maintaining its growth trajectory.
The suspension of the two key officials is expected to have a ripple effect, prompting airlines across the sector to reevaluate their training and operational oversight processes to avoid similar regulatory actions in the future.