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DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Akasa Air Over Operations Manual Violation
Team Finance Saathi
17/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Akasa Air for violating operations manual revision norms.
- Akasa Air’s flight operations director was found non-compliant with Civil Aviation Rules.
- Pilots raised concerns about safety standards and training practices, calling for an investigation.
On December 17, 2024, aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issued a show-cause notice to Akasa Air, marking the second such action this month. The notice pertains to violations of aviation regulations regarding the airline's operations manual. The operations manual is required to be updated every six months as part of compliance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), but Akasa Air's manual revision cycle has exceeded this limit, prompting the DGCA to take action.
In response, an Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that the DGCA had raised certain issues with the airline’s flight operations team, specifically concerning the failure to revise the operations manual within the required timeframe. The airline has been given an opportunity to provide clarifications on this matter. Akasa Air's spokesperson assured that the airline is working closely with the DGCA to address the concerns and enhance its protocols to meet regulatory standards.
Regulatory Action on Akasa Air’s Compliance
The show-cause notice was issued on December 16, pointing to the failure of Akasa Air's Director of Flight Operations to ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Rules (CAR). The notice demands that the airline explain why suitable action should not be taken for this violation. The failure to update the operations manual as required could lead to further regulatory scrutiny or penalties.
This is not the first time Akasa Air has come under the regulator’s radar. On December 9, the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to an aircraft maintenance engineer of Akasa Air over poor maintenance standards and certification issues. This came amid growing concerns over the airline's overall safety standards.
Pilots Raise Safety and Training Concerns
Beyond the operations manual violation, Akasa Air has faced criticism from its own pilots regarding safety and training practices. On December 11, a letter was sent to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu by a group of Akasa Air pilots. The letter raised serious concerns about the airline's management practices, training methods, and safety standards. The pilots alleged that Akasa Air’s claims of maintaining the highest safety standards were misleading.
This was a significant development, considering Akasa Air’s commitment to safety. The pilots, however, called for an independent investigation into the matter, highlighting concerns about the safety culture within the airline.
Akasa Air’s Response to Allegations
In response to the safety and training concerns, Akasa Air issued a statement on December 12, calling the pilots’ allegations baseless and untrue. The airline emphasized that the views expressed in the letter did not represent the official stance of the airline’s pilot community. Akasa Air further stated that since October 2023, 324 pilots have joined the airline, and it has maintained an annualized attrition rate of less than 1% for its pilot workforce, indicating a high level of employee satisfaction.
Despite the airline’s reassurance on the matter, the DGCA’s continued scrutiny and the ongoing internal concerns highlight the challenges facing the airline as it seeks to establish itself in the highly competitive Indian aviation market.
Impact on Akasa Air’s Operations
With a fleet of 26 planes and a rapid expansion since its inception in August 2022, Akasa Air has made significant strides in the aviation sector. However, these regulatory challenges and safety concerns could impact its reputation and operations in the short term. As the airline seeks to address these issues, it will need to demonstrate strict adherence to aviation regulations and safety standards to maintain its credibility and ensure safe operations for its passengers.
In conclusion, Akasa Air faces a critical period where it must not only address regulatory violations but also reassure the public and its employees of its commitment to safety and compliance with aviation standards. The airline’s response to these challenges will shape its future prospects in India’s competitive aviation industry.