Govt bats for Air India, says zero accident due to maintenance issues | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Govt bats for Air India, says zero accident due to maintenance issues

ByPTI, New Delhi
May 03, 2016 06:17 PM IST

Coming to the defence of the beleagured Air India, government today rejected the perception about the state carrier being the “leader in emergency landings” and asserted that there has been “zero accident” due to any poor maintenance.

Coming to the defence of the beleagured Air India, government today rejected the perception about the state carrier being the “leader in emergency landings” and asserted that there has been “zero accident” due to any poor maintenance.

In this file photo, an Air India plane takes off at Mumbai Airport.(Kalpak Pathak /HT Photo)
In this file photo, an Air India plane takes off at Mumbai Airport.(Kalpak Pathak /HT Photo)

Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajpathi Raju told the Rajya Sabha that every safety procedure is followed in the Air India as “no deficiency” would be allowed in flying Indian aircrafts.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He said the performance of Air India has improved and it is making profit for the first time in 10 years.

“It is unfair to say that Air India is the leader in emergency landings... I do not go into Air India bashing at all. It is unfair to say this,” Raju said while replying to questions in which opposition members voiced concern over emergency landings by the planes of the state carrier.

“During the last two years and the current year, a total of 120 incidents of emergency landing due to medical emergency and technical reasons have been reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Out of the 120 incidents, 102 were due to medical emergency and 18 due to technical reasons,” the minister said.

Of the 120 incidents of emergency landing, 23 are attributed to Air India and the rest to other airlines, he said.

“We follow every safety procedure for all airlines including Air India. We can’t risk people’s life. No deficiency will be allowed to in flying Indian aircrafts in the sky,” he said.

Replying to a question by Congress leader Ambika Soni, the civil aviation minister said all incidents due to technical reasons investigated by DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and safety recommendations emanating from the investigation reports are followed up for implementation with the concerned agencies so as to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in future.

He also asserted that Air India is making profit “for the first time in last 10 years” even as he stated that the aviation safety rating of India was downgraded during the UPA regime, a remark which drew sharp reaction from Congress members.

“Air India’s all-time performance has increased. This year it is making profit, which is the first time in last ten years. It is making an operative profit. Air India is doing good work,” Raju asserted.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On