DGCA Suspends Two Akasa Air Directors for Six-Months Over Training Compliance Failures

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended Akasa Air's director of operations and director of training for six months. This action follows alleged failures in pilot training compliance. The DGCA's decision, dated December 27, highlights lapses in meeting civil aviation standards by these senior executives.

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The suspension was prompted by unsatisfactory responses to show-cause notices issued on October 15 and October 30. The DGCA advised Akasa Air to appoint suitable replacements for these roles. The airline, partly owned by the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala family, acknowledged receiving the DGCA's order.

Compliance Issues and Regulatory Audit

In a statement, Akasa Air expressed its commitment to safety and compliance with regulatory standards. "Safety is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety," the airline stated. The DGCA's orders followed a regulatory audit conducted on October 7 at SNV Aviation Private Limited, Akasa Air's Mumbai base.

The audit revealed that Required Navigation Performance (RNP) training was conducted on simulators not qualified for such training. This practice violated Para 7 of CAR Section 7, Series D, Part VI. The DGCA found repeated lapses in training compliance by the directors.

Training Lapses and Legal Requirements

The DGCA noted that the directors failed to ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). They did not adequately train personnel or meet legal obligations for safe operations. These failures were significant factors in the decision to suspend them.

The DGCA emphasized that the directors did not fulfill their duties to maintain safety as per specific CAR provisions. This lack of adherence to legal requirements led to their suspension from their respective roles.

Akasa Air has been instructed to nominate new candidates for these critical positions. The airline must ensure future compliance with all aviation safety regulations to avoid similar issues.