Sky High: Aircraft Defect Revelations

Since January last year, 377 aircraft have been identified with recurring defects across various airlines. Notably, IndiGo, Air India, and others showed high numbers. The DGCA conducted extensive inspections and audits to ensure safety, revealing the need for increased technical personnel.

In a startling revelation at the Lok Sabha, the government disclosed that 377 aircraft were identified with recurring defects between January of last year and February 3. This data was presented by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol.

The analysis showed that airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet all recorded significant numbers of aircraft with repeated defects. Specifically, 148 IndiGo aircraft exhibited repetitive issues, alongside Air India and SpiceJet reporting numbers in the dozens.

To enhance aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation undertook an exhaustive inspection spree, with nearly 3,890 inspections, various audits and checks, complemented by night surveillance activities. This move comes amid efforts to increase technical staff to mitigate manpower shortages.

(With inputs from agencies.)