Air India, the national carrier of India, is facing a lawsuit filed by a pilot over safety concerns regarding the emergency oxygen supply on certain Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.
By Aditya M
The pilot, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims that these aircraft, acquired from Delta Air Lines, have insufficient emergency oxygen capacity for flights over mountainous regions, particularly those between India and the United States.
The controversy stems from the fact that these ex-Delta 777-200LRs were originally configured for shorter routes and may not have the same level of emergency oxygen as newer, longer-range aircraft. This has raised concerns among pilots and aviation safety experts, who argue that inadequate oxygen supply could pose a serious risk to passengers and crew in the event of a depressurization incident at high altitude.
The pilot at the centre of the lawsuit refused to operate a flight from Bengaluru to San Francisco on one of these aircraft, citing safety concerns. This led to his being stood down and subsequently terminated by Air India. He has since filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court, seeking reinstatement and compensation for wrongful termination.
The case has drawn significant media attention and sparked debate about aviation safety standards and the responsibilities of airlines and regulatory bodies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has also been drawn into the controversy, facing criticism for its handling of the pilot's concerns and its investigation into the matter.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for Air India and the aviation industry as a whole. It could lead to changes in regulations regarding emergency oxygen supply on aircraft, stricter safety protocols for airlines, and increased scrutiny of aircraft maintenance and certification procedures.
Add comment
Comments