Government Confirms Boeing 737 Max Safety Amid Recent Incident

The government reassured that no new engine failures occurred with Indian-operated Boeing 737 Max aircraft, except for an isolated incident in May 2024. Safety measures are enforced through inspections, audits, and penalties, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.

The government confirmed on Thursday that there have been no recent engine failures reported by Indian operators of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, addressed the Lok Sabha, revealing that of the 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in operation in India, a lone incident occurred in May 2024. In this instance, aboard a Spicelet plane, an oil filter bypass light illuminated, prompting a single-engine landing.

As a precaution, the pilot executed a single-engine landing without any reported discomfort among passengers or crew. Mohol emphasized that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) diligently upholds passenger and aircraft safety through inspections, audits, and spot checks.

In the event of severe lapses or non-compliance, the DGCA enforces stringent actions against offending organizations or personnel based on established procedures. These measures include suspension, cancellation, and financial penalties. The DGCA's Annual Surveillance Plan, published on its website, outlines planned surveillance activities for the year. Through continuous monitoring, the DGCA ensures adherence to regulatory standards, taking corrective actions or imposing sanctions when necessary.

(With inputs from agencies.)