Air India swiftly responded to a turbulence incident on its Delhi-Sydney flight, derosters pilots, and initiates internal investigations.
Incident Details:
- Flight AI-302, operated by B787-800 aircraft VT-ANY, experienced severe turbulence during its journey from Delhi to Sydney.
- Approximately 224 passengers were onboard the flight.
- Seven passengers reported minor sprains as a result of the turbulence.
Immediate Actions:
- Air India derostered the two pilots responsible for operating the flight.
- The pilots have been taken off flying duty until the completion of internal investigations.
- The airline confirms adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with preliminary inquiry findings.
Safe Landing and Passenger Well-being:
- The aircraft landed safely in Sydney on May 17, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
- No passengers required hospitalization due to the turbulence.
- The cabin crew promptly provided first aid to the injured passengers, assisted by a doctor and a nurse onboard.
Regulatory Recommendations:
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recommended grounding the pilots for corrective training.
- DGCA sources cited the flight crew’s failure to adhere to certain limitations during the flight.
Importance of Safety Measures:
- Air India prioritizes passenger safety and operational integrity.
- The temporary derostering of the pilots reflects the airline’s commitment to thorough internal investigations.
Focus of Internal Investigations:
- Internal investigations will analyze the causes and contributing factors of the severe turbulence.
- The adherence to SOPs, flight crew decision-making process, and potential areas for improvement will be evaluated.
Maintaining Passenger Confidence:
- Passenger safety remains a top priority in aviation.
- Collaborative efforts between airlines and regulatory authorities ensure continuous enhancement of safety standards.
- Findings from the internal investigations will lead to necessary corrective measures and improvements.
Air India’s swift response to the turbulence incident demonstrates its commitment to passenger safety. Derostering the pilots and initiating internal investigations highlight the airline’s dedication to identifying and addressing any shortcomings. Through adherence to SOPs and continual evaluation, Air India aims to maintain the highest standards of safety in its operations, ensuring the confidence and well-being of its passengers.