DGCA has served a second show-cause notice to Akasa Air this December. Serious concerns have been raised regarding the airline’s non-compliance with operational norms. This one brings to the forefront the fact that the airlines operating in India do not follow the regulation of some of the most critical aspects of operations.
Background of the Show-Cause Notice
Akasa Air was given a show-cause notice by the DGCA. It has come in light due to some discrepancies in its operations manual. An operations manual is essentially the heart of any airline, and in that are included procedures and guidelines meant for the everyday running of the airlines’ operations. Aviation regulations strictly hold a mandate for all airlines, updating their operations manuals at least once every six months.
In this regard, sources mentioned that Akasa Air did not update its operations manual in time and was violating provisions under CAR. The notice issued by DGCA also mentioned the Director of Flight Operations at the airline did not ensure compliance and was questioning the internal oversight of the airline.
A representative from Akasa Air indicated the airline is complying with the orders that DGCA has issued while attempting to clear its understanding in the matter. He stated, however, that the emphasis on safety standards and excellence at maintaining those standards remained completely unabated.
Response of Akasa Air About the Issue and the Manner of Compliance
Akasa Air has reiterated its resolve to address the concerns aired by the regulator after it received the showcause notice. The airline company confirmed that the flight operation team is in close contact with the DGCA and that all the clarifications and necessary improvements in operational protocols, based on the requirements of the regulator, would be done.
“We are working closely with the DGCA to clarify this issue and enhance our protocols as required by the regulator,” a spokesperson said, underlining the proactive approach Akasa Air was taking to address the issue.
It has faced some criticism on its past infractions during this clarification period from the airline. It is not even the first time that the DGCA pointed out safety issues regarding Akasa Air. Just last week, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to one of its aircraft maintenance engineers for Akasa Air regarding poor maintenance and certification.
Akasa Air Safety and Operation Standards
Akasa Air’s CEO, Vinay Dube, responded promptly to the notices stating that safety is the first priority for an airline. In a PTI interview, Dube told the public that Akasa Air is committed to upholding world-class safety standards and continues to strive for the best operational processes.
“Safety is Akasa’s priority, world-class safety. We always look at ways in which we can continue to improve ourselves; this is a continuous procedure,” stated Dube. He continued that the airline constantly reviews its training, procedures, and reporting structures with the aim of ensuring or improving safety standards.
Despite this promise to safety, internal concerns have emerged as some pilots claim that training and safety procedures are a problem. However, Akasa Air has outright rejected these claims stating that they are “baseless and untrue.” According to the airline, the pilots have given mostly positive feedback.
“We are always looking at how we can grow from where we have been in terms of high satisfaction without being complacent. All our pilots have given extremely good feedback, our pilots are extremely satisfied, and we continue to find ways to ensure that we are not becoming complacent,” Dube added.
Akasa Air Growth in the Face of Obstacles
Despite regulatory scrutiny, Akasa Air has seen rapid growth in India’s competitive aviation market. The airline currently operates flights to 27 domestic destinations and five international cities, with a fleet of 26 aircraft. Akasa Air achieved a 4.5% market share in the domestic aviation sector by October. With a workforce of approximately 4,300 employees, including 800 pilots, Akasa Air has emerged as one of the major players in India’s growing airline industry.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Akasa Air has to then face the problem of its regulatory issues at the hand of expansion in operations; it has to take care to maintain the high standards in safety and compliance. The show-cause notice issued by DGCA in this regard represents the concern for the strict follow-up in operational protocols and adherence to rules of safety.
This is an important consideration for the long-term survival of the airline because navigation of these regulatory hurdles can make a huge difference between success and failure. Currently, Akasa Air, focusing on process improvements, is looking to establish a position in the aviation industry, while providing safe and reliable services to its passengers.
Conclusion
Akasa Air is currently under the spotlight after the DGCA issued a second show-cause notice this December. Significant operational discrepancies have been reported in the notice, mostly related to the airline’s operations manual and the compliance of CAR provisions. The airline has faced criticism, but CEO Vinay Dube appears optimistic that Akasa Air will prove its commitment to safety and operational excellence. It can overcome regulatory challenges while improving its practices in operation and further solidify its position in India’s burgeoning aviation sector.
Refer :
NewIndianExpress, Link to article
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