Air India Express, the budget carrier of Air India, was reprimanded in March by India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for failing to timely replace critical engine parts on an Airbus A320. The directive for the replacement originated from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). More disturbingly, a government memo revealed allegations that records were falsified to indicate compliance with the mandate.
The issue stems from an EASA airworthiness directive issued in 2023 concerning CFM International LEAP-1A engines. This directive called for the replacement of specific components, including engine seals and rotating parts, due to identified manufacturing deficiencies. EASA warned that failure to correct this condition could lead to "high energy debris release," potentially causing significant damage and loss of control of the aircraft.
The confidential government memo, seen by Reuters, indicated that a DGCA surveillance in March found the required modification "was not complied" on an engine of an Air India Express Airbus A320 (registration VT-ATD) within the stipulated timeframe. The memo further alleged that "the AMOS records have apparently been altered/forged" to show that the work had been carried out within the prescribed limits. AMOS refers to the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Operating System software used by airlines for managing maintenance and airworthiness.
Air India Express acknowledged the error to the DGCA, attributing the missed deadline to a migration of records on its monitoring software. The airline stated that the problem was rectified promptly once identified. While they did not directly address the allegations of record alteration, Air India Express confirmed taking "necessary administrative actions" following the March memo, which included the removal of the quality manager and the suspension of the deputy continuing airworthiness manager.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the lapse was initially flagged during a DGCA audit in October 2024, and the affected aircraft reportedly made only a few flights after the engine parts were due for replacement. Aviation experts underscore the gravity of such oversights. "Such issues should be fixed immediately. It's a grave mistake. The risk increases when you are flying over sea or near restricted airspace," commented Vibhuti Singh, a former legal expert at India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Broader Safety Concerns Across Air India Group
The incident involving Air India Express is not isolated and adds to a growing list of safety concerns surrounding the Air India group, which is owned by the Tata Group. The airline has been under intense scrutiny, particularly since the tragic Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June, which claimed 241 lives and remains under investigation as the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.
Even prior to the engine issue with Air India Express, the DGCA had issued warnings to parent company Air India. In one instance, the airline was cautioned for violating rules by operating three Airbus planes with overdue checks on escape slides. Furthermore, in June, Air India received a stern warning from the DGCA regarding "serious violations" of pilot duty timings.
These repeated warnings and incidents highlight a potential systemic issue within the Air India group concerning adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance. The Indian government informed parliament in February that authorities had warned or fined airlines in 23 instances for safety violations in the past year, with three cases involving Air India Express and eight involving Air India.
Regulatory Response and Industry Implications
Neither the DGCA nor EASA responded to Reuters' queries regarding these incidents. Similarly, Airbus and CFM International, the joint venture between General Electric and Safran, also declined to comment.
The ongoing investigations and the DGCA's increased vigilance indicate a push to tighten safety oversight within India's rapidly expanding aviation market. The industry's growth necessitates a robust safety framework, and these recent events serve as a critical reminder of the paramount importance of strict adherence to maintenance schedules, accurate record-keeping, and a strong safety culture within all aviation organizations.