Fleet-Wide Defect Concerns
Recent governmental data, unveiled in the Lok Sabha, points to a considerable challenge within the Air India Group's operational fleet. Specifically, inspections
have identified recurring technical deficiencies in a staggering 72% of the total aircraft analyzed. This information emerged as part of a broader review encompassing six scheduled airlines, where a total of 377 aircraft were flagged for persistent issues since the beginning of last year. The analysis, which scrutinized 754 aircraft across these carriers, underscores a widespread pattern of recurring problems that warrants attention. This comprehensive look at fleet health provides critical insights into the operational status of various airlines within the country's aviation sector. The sheer volume of aircraft affected within the Air India Group indicates a systemic concern that requires thorough examination and strategic resolution. The findings are based on rigorous checks conducted as part of regulatory oversight and operational reviews, aiming to ensure aviation safety and efficiency standards are maintained across the board.
Airline-Specific Defect Rates
Delving deeper into the data, it's evident that various airlines have experienced differing levels of recurring defects. Market leader IndiGo, for instance, had 405 aircraft assessed as of February 3rd this year, with 148 of those planes showing repetitive issues. Air India itself saw 166 aircraft undergo analysis, and a significant 137 of them were identified with recurring defects. Similarly, Air India Express, a subsidiary, reported 54 aircraft with recurring defects out of 101 that were examined. Across the entire Air India Group, which comprises both Air India and Air India Express, a total of 267 aircraft were analyzed, leading to 191 planes being identified with recurring issues, thus accounting for the nearly 72% figure. Other carriers also featured in the analysis: SpiceJet had 16 planes with repetitive defects from a pool of 43 analyzed, and the newer entrant Akasa Air had 14 aircraft flagged for similar issues among its 32 analyzed. This breakdown highlights the varying operational statuses and maintenance challenges faced by different players in the aviation industry.
Nature of Identified Issues
An Air India spokesperson attributed the higher numbers to a deliberate, precautionary approach, stating, 'We have, out of abundance of caution, carried out checks across our fleet.' Further clarification from a senior Air India executive revealed that the defects are categorized into A, B, C, and D segments, based on the urgency and priority of the equipment involved. Crucially, the executive emphasized that for Air India, the majority of these recurring issues fall under category D. This category typically includes items such as seats, tray tables, and in-seat entertainment screens, which are not directly related to the fundamental safety of flight operations. The executive further indicated that these specific problems are slated to be addressed as part of a comprehensive retrofit program for narrow-body aircraft, which is scheduled to roll out over the next two years. This proactive plan aims to systematically resolve these non-critical, yet important, cabin-related deficiencies.
