Aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a penalty of ₹90 lakh ($108,000) on Air India for operating a flight with non-qualified crew members.&nbsp;

Besides, the watchdog has slapped fines of ₹6 lakh and ₹3 lakh on Air India's Director of Operations and Director of Training, respectively, for the lapse.

In a release, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the pilot concerned has been warned to exercise caution to prevent such occurrences in future.

"Air India Ltd operated a flight commanded by a non-trainer line captain paired with a non-line-released first officer which has been viewed by the regulator as a serious scheduling incident having significant safety ramifications," the release said.

After the incident came to its notice through a voluntary report submitted by the airline on July 10, the regulator investigated the operations of the carrier, including examination of documentation and spot check of the scheduling facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-recovers-indian-armys-drone-that-crossed-loc-after-technical-malfunction-752738">Pakistan recovers Indian Army’s drone that crossed LoC after ‘malfunction'</a>

"Based on investigation, it was prima facie revealed that there are deficiencies and multiple violations of the regulatory provisions by several post holders and staff, which could significantly affect safety," the release said.

DGCA also said the flight's commander and the post holders of the airline were provided an opportunity to explain their position through show cause notices issued on July 22.

The reply submitted by the concerned entities failed to provide satisfactory justification. As such, DGCA has initiated enforcement action in terms of provisions of the extant rules/ regulations and imposed the above penalty, the watchdog noted.

For the violations, DGCA has imposed a fine of ₹90 lakh on Air India, ₹6 lakh on the airline's Director of Operations and ₹3 lakh on the carrier's Director of Training.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a penalty of ₹90 lakh ($108,000) on Air India for operating a flight with non-qualified crew members. Besides, the watchdog has slapped fines of ₹6 lakh and ₹3 lakh on Air India's Director of Operations and Director of Training, respectively, for the lapse.

Aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a penalty of ₹90 lakh ($108,000) on Air India for operating a flight with non-qualified crew members. Besides, the watchdog has slapped fines of ₹6 lakh and ₹3 lakh on Air India's Director of Operations and Director of Training, respectively, for the lapse. In a release, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the pilot concerned has been warned to exercise caution to prevent such occurrences in future. "Air India Ltd operated a flight commanded by a non-trainer line captain paired with a non-line-released first officer which has been viewed by the regulator as a serious scheduling incident having significant safety ramifications," the release said. After the incident came to its notice through a voluntary report submitted by the airline on July 10, the regulator investigated the operations of the carrier, including examination of documentation and spot check of the scheduling facility. Also read: Pakistan recovers Indian Army’s drone that crossed LoC after ‘malfunction' "Based on investigation, it was prima facie revealed that there are deficiencies and multiple violations of the regulatory provisions by several post holders and staff, which could significantly affect safety," the release said. DGCA also said the flight's commander and the post holders of the airline were provided an opportunity to explain their position through show cause notices issued on July 22. The reply submitted by the concerned entities failed to provide satisfactory justification. As such, DGCA has initiated enforcement action in terms of provisions of the extant rules/ regulations and imposed the above penalty, the watchdog noted. For the violations, DGCA has imposed a fine of ₹90 lakh on Air India, ₹6 lakh on the airline's Director of Operations and ₹3 lakh on the carrier's Director of Training. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Aviation watchdog slaps $108,000 fine on Air India for safety lapse with non-qualified crew

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2-spicejet-pilots-suspended-over-air-pressurisation-failure-in-flight-252838">Directorate General of Civil Aviation</a> (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. 
 
According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers. 
 
The directions have come in the backdrop of flights getting delayed across the country. 
 
Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-passengers-suffer-as-flight-gets-delayed-due-to-bad-weather-271058">SpiceJet flight</a> SG-8901 from Delhi to Aurangabad got delayed by almost five hours. 
 
"We are like a prisoner inside the SpiceJet aircraft. No one is giving exact timing for take-off," a passenger rued. 
 
Not only in the national capital, but the flight operations across the nation are also getting delayed thus leaving the passengers stranded. Complaints have also been pouring in due to flights getting rescheduled. 
 
Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-thakur-apologies-second-time-in-lok-sabha-reiterates-didnt-call-godse-deshbhakt-265255">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> last week slammed a private airline over "ill-treatment" given to her on a flight from Delhi to Bhopal.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers. The directions have come in the backdrop of flights getting delayed across the country. Earlier today, SpiceJet flight SG-8901 from Delhi to Aurangabad got delayed by almost five hours. "We are like a prisoner inside the SpiceJet aircraft. No one is giving exact timing for take-off," a passenger rued. Not only in the national capital, but the flight operations across the nation are also getting delayed thus leaving the passengers stranded. Complaints have also been pouring in due to flights getting rescheduled. Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker Pragya Singh Thakur last week slammed a private airline over "ill-treatment" given to her on a flight from Delhi to Bhopal.

Behave 'courteously' with passengers: DGCA to airlines

Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review its rule of not allowing off duty pilots to travel in the cockpit.

The pilots' body requested the aviation watchdog to allow airline operators in India to permit their crew members to travel as Additional Crew Members (ACMs) in the cockpit.

"It is with grave concern that we received the notification that your good office has effectively banned the travel of pilots in the cockpit as Additional Crew Members (ACM). This we feel is a knee-jerk reaction by your officers to a recent incident, where a pilot who intended to travel as ACM failed his breathalyzer test. Sir, just because one individual failed a BA test, prohibiting the entire set of professionals from travelling as ACM is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater," ICPA General Secretary Capt. T Praveen Keerthi wrote to DGCA's Director General Arun Kumar.

"A qualified crew member is always an asset in the cockpit. In the simplest form, it means another pair of eyes, ears and hands in the cockpit. One can easily understand that it enhances the level of safety and also security in the cockpit. If an emergency situation arises in the cockpit, the Additional Crew Member will be of invaluable assistance," the Air India pilots' body said.

"With an ACM in the cockpit, the pilots need not summon a cabin crew to the cockpit when leaving the flight-deck for lavatory breaks. So it necessitates only fewer opening and closing of the flight-deck access door," read the letter.

The DGCA had last month said off duty pilots and aircraft engineers are not allowed to travel in the cockpit, a day after it grounded an Air India Pilot for three months as he was tested positive in a pre-flight breath analyzer test.

The off-duty pilot was made to undertake the test after he requested to fly in the cockpit as an Additional Crew Member.

Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review its rule of not allowing off duty pilots to travel in the cockpit.

Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review its rule of not allowing off duty pilots to travel in the cockpit. The pilots' body requested the aviation watchdog to allow airline operators in India to permit their crew members to travel as Additional Crew Members (ACMs) in the cockpit. "It is with grave concern that we received the notification that your good office has effectively banned the travel of pilots in the cockpit as Additional Crew Members (ACM). This we feel is a knee-jerk reaction by your officers to a recent incident, where a pilot who intended to travel as ACM failed his breathalyzer test. Sir, just because one individual failed a BA test, prohibiting the entire set of professionals from travelling as ACM is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater," ICPA General Secretary Capt. T Praveen Keerthi wrote to DGCA's Director General Arun Kumar. "A qualified crew member is always an asset in the cockpit. In the simplest form, it means another pair of eyes, ears and hands in the cockpit. One can easily understand that it enhances the level of safety and also security in the cockpit. If an emergency situation arises in the cockpit, the Additional Crew Member will be of invaluable assistance," the Air India pilots' body said. "With an ACM in the cockpit, the pilots need not summon a cabin crew to the cockpit when leaving the flight-deck for lavatory breaks. So it necessitates only fewer opening and closing of the flight-deck access door," read the letter. The DGCA had last month said off duty pilots and aircraft engineers are not allowed to travel in the cockpit, a day after it grounded an Air India Pilot for three months as he was tested positive in a pre-flight breath analyzer test. The off-duty pilot was made to undertake the test after he requested to fly in the cockpit as an Additional Crew Member.

ICPA requests DGCA to allow additional crew members travel in cockpit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-may-reject-indias-request-for-unimpeded-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-report-240338">Pakistan may reject India's request for 'unimpeded consular access' to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Report&nbsp;</a>

A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to Kulbushan Jadhav, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-factions-agree-constitutional-declaration-for-transitional-government-240336">Sudanese factions agree constitutional declaration for transitional government</a>

Sudan's military council and its main opposition coalition have agreed on a constitutional declaration to usher in a new period of transitional government, African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told a news conference in the early hours of Saturday morning.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-airlines-to-prepare-extra-flights-for-srinagar-tourists-amarnath-yatris-dgca-240337">Indian airlines to prepare extra flights for Srinagar tourists, Amarnath Yatris: DGCA</a>

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-biggest-carmaker-maruti-suzuki-cuts-temporary-jobs-as-sales-plunge-240343">India's biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki cuts temporary jobs as sales plunge</a>

India's biggest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, said it had cut the number of its temporary workers to cope with a slowdown in auto sales, adding to the jobless problem in Asia's third-largest economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-plans-new-election-protest-despite-crackdown-240340">Russian opposition plans new election protest despite crackdown</a>

Thousands of Russian opposition protesters were expected to try and rally again in Moscow on Saturday to demand free elections despite a sweeping police crackdown and ban on the event.

Pakistan may reject India's request for 'unimpeded consular access' to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Report A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to Kulbushan Jadhav, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan.

Pakistan may reject India's request for 'unimpeded consular access' to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Report A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to Kulbushan Jadhav, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan. Sudanese factions agree constitutional declaration for transitional government Sudan's military council and its main opposition coalition have agreed on a constitutional declaration to usher in a new period of transitional government, African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told a news conference in the early hours of Saturday morning. Indian airlines to prepare extra flights for Srinagar tourists, Amarnath Yatris: DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists. India's biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki cuts temporary jobs as sales plunge India's biggest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, said it had cut the number of its temporary workers to cope with a slowdown in auto sales, adding to the jobless problem in Asia's third-largest economy. Russian opposition plans new election protest despite crackdown Thousands of Russian opposition protesters were expected to try and rally again in Moscow on Saturday to demand free elections despite a sweeping police crackdown and ban on the event.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-short-stay-return-as-soon-as-possible-jammu-and-kashmir-government-to-tourists-amarnath-pilgrims-240198">extra flights to and from Srinagar</a> for Amarnath Yatris and tourists.

"All scheduled Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar at short notice to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from there if need be,'' DGCA said.

After DGCA announcement, airlines said they will give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to and from Srinagar.

Earlier in the day, a press conference was addressed by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP in which details of the weapons and ammunition recovered in the state was given.&nbsp;

Details of the seriousness of the threats that are there were also given. They also mentioned that the security forces were going to tackle these threats head-on and will not allow them to succeed.

 
The statement came hours after the Jammu and Kashmir government asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists. "All scheduled Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar at short notice to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from there if need be,'' DGCA said. After DGCA announcement, airlines said they will give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to and from Srinagar. Earlier in the day, a press conference was addressed by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP in which details of the weapons and ammunition recovered in the state was given. Details of the seriousness of the threats that are there were also given. They also mentioned that the security forces were going to tackle these threats head-on and will not allow them to succeed. The statement came hours after the Jammu and Kashmir government asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian airlines to prepare extra flights for Srinagar tourists, Amarnath Yatris: DGCA

Lessors to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-oil-corporation-stops-fuel-supply-to-jet-airways-208130">Jet Airways</a> are planning to ask aviation regulator to de-register many more planes leased to the airline, three sources said, signalling a planned bailout of the debt-laden carrier is failing to assuage their concerns.

About six lessors are expected to apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to de-register up to 15 planes that have already been grounded, over the next 10 days, one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

This is in addition to the five planes that MC Aviation Partners, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, applied on Friday to de-register, the source said.

Once de-registered, lessors can take the plane out of the country and lease them to other airlines.

While some lessors have already taken their planes out after a mutual agreement with Jet, sources say the latest applications to do so are on a non-consensual basis.

This deepens the crisis for Jet that has had to ground more than three-quarters of its fleet of 119 planes, many due to non-payment to lessors, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations.

It was not immediately clear which of its lessors were planning to apply for de-registration in the coming days.

About 100 of Jet's 119 mainly Boeing planes are leased by companies such as Avolon, GE Capital Aviation Services and AerCap Holdings.

Avolon, one of the world's biggest aircraft lessors, on Thursday applied to the DGCA to take two of its planes placed with Jet outside of India, making it the first to pull planes out on a non-consensual basis.

"The lessors are really hassled," said one of the sources, declining to be identified as the discussions were private.

"Nobody wants to take risks."

Jet, India's oldest private carrier now controlled by its lenders, did not respond to requests for comment.

Reflecting the overall risk-off sentiment, Indian Oil halted jet fuel supplies to the airline from Friday noon, saying it hopes to soon resolve payment issue with Jet.

Jet shares ended down 1.6 per cent in a positive Mumbai market.

DOWN TO THE WIRE

India is keen to save Jet to prevent thousands of job losses, which could potentially dent sentiment days ahead of a federal election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to secure a second term.

Jet's lenders, led by State Bank of India (SBI), last month agreed to bail out the airline in a complex deal that involved the banks taking a majority stake in the company, while they continue looking for a new investor, and providing a fresh loan of $218 million.

The lenders said late on Thursday they intended to push forward with their plan but offered no clarity on the interim funding.

Some lessors have been sceptical about whether this proposed bailout can clear their dues on time. Several have not been paid for five to six months, a source has told Reuters.

"It's getting down to the wire. If nothing comes out by next week, I think it's done," said another source.

After Kingfisher Airlines' disorderly collapse in 2012, the government modified rules in line with the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that makes it easier for foreign lessors to repossess aircraft during payment defaults.

In theory, lessors have the option to file a complaint with the DGCA, which in turn can cancel a plane's registration within five working days. But this is subject to some conditions such as clearing dues owed to airport operators, fuel vendors, tax authorities and other private entities.

The government also needs to revise some local laws that conflict with the full implementation of the convention, making it a more complicated process in India than in some other countries.

Lessors to Jet Airways are planning to ask aviation regulator to de-register many more planes leased to the airline, three sources said, signalling a planned bailout of the debt-laden carrier is failing to assuage their concerns.

Lessors to Jet Airways are planning to ask aviation regulator to de-register many more planes leased to the airline, three sources said, signalling a planned bailout of the debt-laden carrier is failing to assuage their concerns. About six lessors are expected to apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to de-register up to 15 planes that have already been grounded, over the next 10 days, one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. This is in addition to the five planes that MC Aviation Partners, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, applied on Friday to de-register, the source said. Once de-registered, lessors can take the plane out of the country and lease them to other airlines. While some lessors have already taken their planes out after a mutual agreement with Jet, sources say the latest applications to do so are on a non-consensual basis. This deepens the crisis for Jet that has had to ground more than three-quarters of its fleet of 119 planes, many due to non-payment to lessors, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations. It was not immediately clear which of its lessors were planning to apply for de-registration in the coming days. About 100 of Jet's 119 mainly Boeing planes are leased by companies such as Avolon, GE Capital Aviation Services and AerCap Holdings. Avolon, one of the world's biggest aircraft lessors, on Thursday applied to the DGCA to take two of its planes placed with Jet outside of India, making it the first to pull planes out on a non-consensual basis. "The lessors are really hassled," said one of the sources, declining to be identified as the discussions were private. "Nobody wants to take risks." Jet, India's oldest private carrier now controlled by its lenders, did not respond to requests for comment. Reflecting the overall risk-off sentiment, Indian Oil halted jet fuel supplies to the airline from Friday noon, saying it hopes to soon resolve payment issue with Jet. Jet shares ended down 1.6 per cent in a positive Mumbai market. DOWN TO THE WIRE India is keen to save Jet to prevent thousands of job losses, which could potentially dent sentiment days ahead of a federal election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to secure a second term. Jet's lenders, led by State Bank of India (SBI), last month agreed to bail out the airline in a complex deal that involved the banks taking a majority stake in the company, while they continue looking for a new investor, and providing a fresh loan of $218 million. The lenders said late on Thursday they intended to push forward with their plan but offered no clarity on the interim funding. Some lessors have been sceptical about whether this proposed bailout can clear their dues on time. Several have not been paid for five to six months, a source has told Reuters. "It's getting down to the wire. If nothing comes out by next week, I think it's done," said another source. After Kingfisher Airlines' disorderly collapse in 2012, the government modified rules in line with the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that makes it easier for foreign lessors to repossess aircraft during payment defaults. In theory, lessors have the option to file a complaint with the DGCA, which in turn can cancel a plane's registration within five working days. But this is subject to some conditions such as clearing dues owed to airport operators, fuel vendors, tax authorities and other private entities. The government also needs to revise some local laws that conflict with the full implementation of the convention, making it a more complicated process in India than in some other countries.

Jet crisis deepens, lessors to de-register more planes over 10 days: Report

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-threaten-to-stop-flying-from-april-1-204355">Jet Airways</a> on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today.&nbsp;

Current availability of aircraft in the fleet for operation is 41 and accordingly scheduled for 603 domestic flights and 382 international flights have been drawn. However, it is a dynamic situation and there may be further attrition in the coming weeks. &nbsp;

DGCA instructed them to comply with relevant provisions of applicable CARs for facilitation of passengers regarding timely communication, compensation and providing alternate flights.

The data is being monitored by DGCA on a regular basis. They are also ensuring that all aircraft in the fleet whether in operation or on the ground are maintained in accordance with Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP).

Jet Airways was also directed to ensure that no Pilots/Cabin Crew/AMEs should be rostered on duty who had reported stress of any nature.&nbsp;

According to sources, ''DGCA held a meeting with domestic airlines over a spike in airfares, haven't issued a diktat but advisory advised airlines to increase capacity &amp; keep fares in check. Several domestic factors led to a spike in fares but airlines have promised to keep them under control.''

Shri Prabhu also instructed DGCA to avoid last minute cancellation or change in schedule so as to minimize passenger inconvenience, and 
ensure that affected passengers are duly adjusted/refunded as per the relevant regulations.

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of Jet Airways on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today.

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of Jet Airways on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today. Current availability of aircraft in the fleet for operation is 41 and accordingly scheduled for 603 domestic flights and 382 international flights have been drawn. However, it is a dynamic situation and there may be further attrition in the coming weeks. DGCA instructed them to comply with relevant provisions of applicable CARs for facilitation of passengers regarding timely communication, compensation and providing alternate flights. The data is being monitored by DGCA on a regular basis. They are also ensuring that all aircraft in the fleet whether in operation or on the ground are maintained in accordance with Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP). Jet Airways was also directed to ensure that no Pilots/Cabin Crew/AMEs should be rostered on duty who had reported stress of any nature. According to sources, ''DGCA held a meeting with domestic airlines over a spike in airfares, haven't issued a diktat but advisory advised airlines to increase capacity & keep fares in check. Several domestic factors led to a spike in fares but airlines have promised to keep them under control.'' Shri Prabhu also instructed DGCA to avoid last minute cancellation or change in schedule so as to minimize passenger inconvenience, and ensure that affected passengers are duly adjusted/refunded as per the relevant regulations.

DGCA reviews Jet Airways' performance on operational, airworthiness & passenger facilitation

Shares of debt-ridden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/government-asked-banks-to-save-jet-avoid-bankruptcy-sources-204282">Jet Airways fell by five per cent</a> Tuesday amid massive cancellation of flights by the airline due to the grounding of a large part of its fleet.

The shares of the company plunged 5 per cent to Rs 225.10 on the BSE.

On the NSE, shares declined 4.77 per cent to Rs 225.45.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday directed his ministry's secretary to hold an emergency meeting on Jet Airways massively cancelling flights after grounding of a large part of its fleet.

The minister's direction came in the wake of the airline drastically reducing its operations due to liquidity crunch.

"Directed Secretary, @MOCA GOI to hold an emergency meeting on the grounding of flights by Jet Airways, advance bookings, cancellations, refunds and safety issues, if any," Prabhu said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Directed Secretary, <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> to hold an emergency meeting on grounding of flights by Jet Airways, Advance bookings, Cancellation, Refunds and Safety issues, if any. Asked him to get a report on Jet compliance issues immediately from DGCA. <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantsinha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantsinha</a>
— Chowkidar Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/sureshpprabhu/status/1107895331776163841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, Jet Airways aircraft maintenance engineers' union wrote to aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Tuesday that three months of salary was overdue to them and flight safety "is at risk".

The airline on Monday said it had grounded four more planes, taking the number of aircraft that are non-operational due to non-payment of lease rentals to 41.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;India's government has asked state-run banks to rescue privately held Jet Airways without pushing it into bankruptcy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to avert thousands of job losses weeks before a general election, two people within the administration told Reuters.&nbsp;

Shares of debt-ridden Jet Airways fell by five per cent Tuesday amid massive cancellation of flights by the airline due to the grounding of a large part of its fleet.

Shares of debt-ridden Jet Airways fell by five per cent Tuesday amid massive cancellation of flights by the airline due to the grounding of a large part of its fleet. The shares of the company plunged 5 per cent to Rs 225.10 on the BSE. On the NSE, shares declined 4.77 per cent to Rs 225.45. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday directed his ministry's secretary to hold an emergency meeting on Jet Airways massively cancelling flights after grounding of a large part of its fleet. The minister's direction came in the wake of the airline drastically reducing its operations due to liquidity crunch. "Directed Secretary, @MOCA GOI to hold an emergency meeting on the grounding of flights by Jet Airways, advance bookings, cancellations, refunds and safety issues, if any," Prabhu said in a tweet. Directed Secretary, @MoCA_GoI to hold an emergency meeting on grounding of flights by Jet Airways, Advance bookings, Cancellation, Refunds and Safety issues, if any. Asked him to get a report on Jet compliance issues immediately from DGCA. @jayantsinha — Chowkidar Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) March 19, 2019 × Meanwhile, Jet Airways aircraft maintenance engineers' union wrote to aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Tuesday that three months of salary was overdue to them and flight safety "is at risk". The airline on Monday said it had grounded four more planes, taking the number of aircraft that are non-operational due to non-payment of lease rentals to 41. Meanwhile, India's government has asked state-run banks to rescue privately held Jet Airways without pushing it into bankruptcy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to avert thousands of job losses weeks before a general election, two people within the administration told Reuters.

Jet Airways shares fell by 5% amid massive flights cancellation

Some lessors of India's Jet Airways have begun terminating lease deals over unpaid dues and are preparing to move the leased planes abroad, escalating a crisis for the cash-strapped carrier, five sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Two lessors have applied to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to deregister at least five planes leased to Jet, three of the sources said. Termination of lease agreements normally precedes applications made to the DGCA.

Jet has delayed payments to its pilots, suppliers, and lessors for months and defaulted on loans after racking up over $1 billion in debt. While it is now meeting some of its payments, it's survival hinges on emergency funding from the country's main state-backed banks.

Frustrated by the unpaid dues, Jet's lessors, including many of the world's biggest players such as GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), Aercap Holdings and BOC Aviation have already taken control of some their planes, sources said, leading to the grounding of nearly a third of its 119 aircraft fleet.

Once the planes are deregistered, they can be taken out of the country and leased to other airlines.

One of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said that of the planes being deregistered, two are potentially being flown to China and one to Ireland.

Another industry source said GECAS and Aercap had filed an application to deregister a total of five planes.

Lease terminations could hit the already fragile confidence of business partners of Jet.

Jet did not respond to requests for comment. AerCap declined to comment and there was no immediate response from GECAS to a query sent outside normal business hours.

All the sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Founder chairman Naresh Goyal, who transformed Jet to India's biggest full-service carrier from its humble start 25 years ago, has said it is thrashing out a bailout plan, led by the state-run banks and Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways.

Before the groundings, Jet controlled over a sixth of the market, capitalizing on a boom in flying. But high fuel taxes, a weak rupee and ultra-low fares have hurt profitability.

Jet's financial troubles have rekindled memories of Kingfisher Airlines' collapse in 2012 that forced lessors to write off millions of dollars.

Last week, FLY Leasing Ltd said it had grounded three planes on lease to Jet and would take them back and reallocate them elsewhere if the airline failed to get approvals for its restructuring plan this month.

Jet has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights and irate passengers have turned to social media platforms to express their outrage.

REPOSSESSION STILL TOUGH

After Kingfisher Airlines' disorderly collapse in 2012, India modified rules in line with the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that makes it easier for foreign lessors to repossess aircraft during payment defaults.

India said last year it was seeking to revise some local laws, which still conflicted with the full implementation of the convention making it a more complicated process in India than in some other countries.

In theory, lessors have the option of filing a complaint with the government, which in turn can cancel the registration of a plane within five working days, allowing lessors to repossess it subject to certain conditions, including unpaid dues. However, this is often a long process.

According to a government notice issued in November, after any application is filed, all airport operators and other private entities, within five days, need to inform the lessor and DGCA of pending dues related to that aircraft for three months preceding the date of deregistration.

Only after these are cleared, the lessor is allowed to fly the aircraft out of India.

On March 11, DGCA clarified that some of the entities included airports, fuel vendors, tax authorities and customs departments, a move that could further complicate repossessions.

Akshay Nagpal, the partner at law firm L&amp;L Partners, said that while this notice is aimed at asking the government and other agencies to be more vigilant in seeking their dues, 'one cannot rule out lessors viewing this as a step back from their long-time demand of making repossession easier.'

Some lessors of India's Jet Airways have begun terminating lease deals over unpaid dues and are preparing to move the leased planes abroad, escalating a crisis for the cash-strapped carrier, five sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Some lessors of India's Jet Airways have begun terminating lease deals over unpaid dues and are preparing to move the leased planes abroad, escalating a crisis for the cash-strapped carrier, five sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Two lessors have applied to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to deregister at least five planes leased to Jet, three of the sources said. Termination of lease agreements normally precedes applications made to the DGCA. Jet has delayed payments to its pilots, suppliers, and lessors for months and defaulted on loans after racking up over $1 billion in debt. While it is now meeting some of its payments, it's survival hinges on emergency funding from the country's main state-backed banks. Frustrated by the unpaid dues, Jet's lessors, including many of the world's biggest players such as GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), Aercap Holdings and BOC Aviation have already taken control of some their planes, sources said, leading to the grounding of nearly a third of its 119 aircraft fleet. Once the planes are deregistered, they can be taken out of the country and leased to other airlines. One of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said that of the planes being deregistered, two are potentially being flown to China and one to Ireland. Another industry source said GECAS and Aercap had filed an application to deregister a total of five planes. Lease terminations could hit the already fragile confidence of business partners of Jet. Jet did not respond to requests for comment. AerCap declined to comment and there was no immediate response from GECAS to a query sent outside normal business hours. All the sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Founder chairman Naresh Goyal, who transformed Jet to India's biggest full-service carrier from its humble start 25 years ago, has said it is thrashing out a bailout plan, led by the state-run banks and Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways. Before the groundings, Jet controlled over a sixth of the market, capitalizing on a boom in flying. But high fuel taxes, a weak rupee and ultra-low fares have hurt profitability. Jet's financial troubles have rekindled memories of Kingfisher Airlines' collapse in 2012 that forced lessors to write off millions of dollars. Last week, FLY Leasing Ltd said it had grounded three planes on lease to Jet and would take them back and reallocate them elsewhere if the airline failed to get approvals for its restructuring plan this month. Jet has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights and irate passengers have turned to social media platforms to express their outrage. REPOSSESSION STILL TOUGH After Kingfisher Airlines' disorderly collapse in 2012, India modified rules in line with the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that makes it easier for foreign lessors to repossess aircraft during payment defaults. India said last year it was seeking to revise some local laws, which still conflicted with the full implementation of the convention making it a more complicated process in India than in some other countries. In theory, lessors have the option of filing a complaint with the government, which in turn can cancel the registration of a plane within five working days, allowing lessors to repossess it subject to certain conditions, including unpaid dues. However, this is often a long process. According to a government notice issued in November, after any application is filed, all airport operators and other private entities, within five days, need to inform the lessor and DGCA of pending dues related to that aircraft for three months preceding the date of deregistration. Only after these are cleared, the lessor is allowed to fly the aircraft out of India. On March 11, DGCA clarified that some of the entities included airports, fuel vendors, tax authorities and customs departments, a move that could further complicate repossessions. Akshay Nagpal, the partner at law firm L&L Partners, said that while this notice is aimed at asking the government and other agencies to be more vigilant in seeking their dues, 'one cannot rule out lessors viewing this as a step back from their long-time demand of making repossession easier.'

Some lessors to end deals with Jet Airways, prepare to fly planes out of India: Sources

Air safety watchdog on Monday suspended the licence of a senior Air India pilot, who is also the carrier's director of operations, for three years, a day after he failed two breathalyzer tests before a flight to London from New Delhi.

This is the second time Arvind Kathpalia has been in trouble over alcohol tests. He was suspended for three months in 2017 for allegedly refusing to take breathalyzer tests.

"The privileges of his licence have been suspended for a period of three years from 11.11.2018 as per the provisions of applicable regulations," a spokesman at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.

Kathpalia, who sits on the airline's board, told Reuters the DGCA directive "is a rule and so it is meant to be followed".

"At present, I don't see how" to contest it, he added.

On Sunday, he had said that he would contest the results of the tests and claimed he was the victim of internal feuding within the loss-making state-owned airline.

An Air India spokesman could not be reached for comment.

India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets with about 20 per cent growth in the number of passengers taking domestic and international flights over the past few years.

More than 1 million flights departed from the country last fiscal year, ended March 31, according to DGCA data.

Between 2015-2017, 132 pilots in India failed a breathalyzer test during the mandatory pre-flight examination, the Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu told parliament in August.

Of these, 112 pilots were first-time offenders and their pilot licence was suspended for three months. Fifteen pilots were repeat offenders and had their license suspended for three years, Prabhu said.

The licence of one pilot, who failed the test for the third time, was cancelled while four expatriate pilots lost their foreign licence for failing the test.

In 2017, Kathpalia was suspended for three months when he had allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test before a flight to Bengaluru from New Delhi, the DGCA said.

In August 2018, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, a trade union representing pilots of the state-owned carrier, filed a court case against Kathpalia requesting stern action against him over the missed breathalyzer tests and other behaviour.

Kathpalia was appointed operations director in June 2017. According to the job description at the time, he is responsible for flight operations, ground operations, and flight safety and training operations.

It is unclear if those remain the job specifications. It is also unclear if he will retain his position as operations director and stay on Air India's board.

Air safety watchdog on Monday suspended the licence of a senior Air India pilot, who is also the carrier's director of operations, for three years, a day after he failed two breathalyzer tests before a flight to London from New Delhi.

Air safety watchdog on Monday suspended the licence of a senior Air India pilot, who is also the carrier's director of operations, for three years, a day after he failed two breathalyzer tests before a flight to London from New Delhi. This is the second time Arvind Kathpalia has been in trouble over alcohol tests. He was suspended for three months in 2017 for allegedly refusing to take breathalyzer tests. "The privileges of his licence have been suspended for a period of three years from 11.11.2018 as per the provisions of applicable regulations," a spokesman at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement. Kathpalia, who sits on the airline's board, told Reuters the DGCA directive "is a rule and so it is meant to be followed". "At present, I don't see how" to contest it, he added. On Sunday, he had said that he would contest the results of the tests and claimed he was the victim of internal feuding within the loss-making state-owned airline. An Air India spokesman could not be reached for comment. India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets with about 20 per cent growth in the number of passengers taking domestic and international flights over the past few years. More than 1 million flights departed from the country last fiscal year, ended March 31, according to DGCA data. Between 2015-2017, 132 pilots in India failed a breathalyzer test during the mandatory pre-flight examination, the Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu told parliament in August. Of these, 112 pilots were first-time offenders and their pilot licence was suspended for three months. Fifteen pilots were repeat offenders and had their license suspended for three years, Prabhu said. The licence of one pilot, who failed the test for the third time, was cancelled while four expatriate pilots lost their foreign licence for failing the test. In 2017, Kathpalia was suspended for three months when he had allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test before a flight to Bengaluru from New Delhi, the DGCA said. In August 2018, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, a trade union representing pilots of the state-owned carrier, filed a court case against Kathpalia requesting stern action against him over the missed breathalyzer tests and other behaviour. Kathpalia was appointed operations director in June 2017. According to the job description at the time, he is responsible for flight operations, ground operations, and flight safety and training operations. It is unclear if those remain the job specifications. It is also unclear if he will retain his position as operations director and stay on Air India's board.

DGCA suspends Air India pilot's licence for 3 years

A midair collision was averted on February 7 between Vistara flight and Air India in Mumbai airspace.

The VIstara flight A320 Neo was flying to Delhi from Pune with 152 passengers at 27,000 of feet at the same Air India&#39;s Airbus A-319 was also flying in the opposite direction from Mumbai to Bhopal. The Vistara pilots were assigned to fly at 29,000 of altitude however, it was flying at the 27,000 of height same as the height of Air India&#39;s Airbus.

The collision was averted by a couple of seconds after Traffic collision avoidance system alarms went off in the cockpits of both planes.

Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is also probing the matter.

According to reports, this near miss is the most serious airport accident of recent times.

This was the second such case in Maharashtra airspace; In January a collision was averted between IndiGo A-320 flying from Hyderabad to Raipur and the Emirates Boeing 777 was flying towards Dubai from Singapore.

Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident

A midair collision was averted on February 7 between Vistara flight and Air India in Mumbai airspace. The VIstara flight A320 Neo was flying to Delhi from Pune with 152 passengers at 27,000 of feet at the same Air India's Airbus A-319 was also flying in the opposite direction from Mumbai to Bhopal. The Vistara pilots were assigned to fly at 29,000 of altitude however, it was flying at the 27,000 of height same as the height of Air India's Airbus. The collision was averted by a couple of seconds after Traffic collision avoidance system alarms went off in the cockpits of both planes. Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is also probing the matter. According to reports, this near miss is the most serious airport accident of recent times. This was the second such case in Maharashtra airspace; In January a collision was averted between IndiGo A-320 flying from Hyderabad to Raipur and the Emirates Boeing 777 was flying towards Dubai from Singapore.

Mid-air collision between Air India and Vistara averted by couple of seconds

Air India refused to allow a wheelchair-bound passenger to board a flight reportedly because he did not remove the wires from the battery of his wheelchair.&nbsp;

Kaushik Majumdar, an Associate Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute in Bengaluru was travelling from the city to Kolkata on December 17.&nbsp;

Majumdar told PTI that each time he travels by air, his disconnects the battery from his wheelchair.&nbsp;

&quot;Some weird staff, however, insisted on removing all the wires from the battery, which would have completely ruined the equipment, on which I depend,&quot; PTI reported him as saying.&nbsp;

Majumdar added that he refused to do so.&nbsp;

PTI reported Majumdar as saying that in all airlines, including Air India, disconnecting the battery from the wheelchair joystick controller is enough.

&quot;Why then an exception was made in AI 776 on December 17? Who are responsible? I want an answer,&quot; he said.

Majumdar added that even the CISF had smoothly cleared the chair but right before boarding, some Air India staff had raised security issues with the battery.

PTI reported Air India General Manager for Corporate Communications GP Rao as saying no passenger can violate Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms.&nbsp;

PTI reported Rao as saying that Majumdar had promised to remove the battery at the boarding gate, but refused to do it when he got there.

Subsequently, Rao added, the pilot was informed and he took a call not to allow the passenger on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Kaushik Majumdar, an Associate Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute in Bengaluru was travelling from the city to Kolkata

Air India refused to allow a wheelchair-bound passenger to board a flight reportedly because he did not remove the wires from the battery of his wheelchair. Kaushik Majumdar, an Associate Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute in Bengaluru was travelling from the city to Kolkata on December 17. Majumdar told PTI that each time he travels by air, his disconnects the battery from his wheelchair. "Some weird staff, however, insisted on removing all the wires from the battery, which would have completely ruined the equipment, on which I depend," PTI reported him as saying. Majumdar added that he refused to do so. PTI reported Majumdar as saying that in all airlines, including Air India, disconnecting the battery from the wheelchair joystick controller is enough. "Why then an exception was made in AI 776 on December 17? Who are responsible? I want an answer," he said. Majumdar added that even the CISF had smoothly cleared the chair but right before boarding, some Air India staff had raised security issues with the battery. PTI reported Air India General Manager for Corporate Communications GP Rao as saying no passenger can violate Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms. PTI reported Rao as saying that Majumdar had promised to remove the battery at the boarding gate, but refused to do it when he got there. Subsequently, Rao added, the pilot was informed and he took a call not to allow the passenger on the aircraft.

Air India does not allow wheelchair-bound professor to board flight

The Centre on Friday will announce a draft rule for a &#39;no-fly list&#39; for unruly passengers in the aftermath of the debacle surrounding Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who assaulted an Air India staffer onboard a plane.

The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are being amended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to facilitate such a list, the ministry of civil aviation said in a letter to Air India CMD, making an appeal to him to lift the ban on Gaikwad.

The no-fly list has been amended by Air India from the day Gaikwad hit 62-year-old R Sukumar with his slipper.

The following day, the Federation of Indian Airlines, which has Jet Airways, SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir as its members, made the announcement.

The draft will be made public by aviation minister Ashok G Raju and his deputy Jayant Sinha. For effective implementation, the Centre is likely to make some identification mandatory - either Aadhaar or passport number - while booking even domestic tickets.

The draft will give about a month for the public to comment. The aviation ministry will then take some time to study them and come out with the final CAR.

As per the IATA, in 2015, there were 10,854 reported cases of unruly behaviour by the passengers across airlines worldwide, which translate into one incident for every 1,205 flights.

(ANI)

The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are being amended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to facilitate such a list

The Centre on Friday will announce a draft rule for a 'no-fly list' for unruly passengers in the aftermath of the debacle surrounding Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who assaulted an Air India staffer onboard a plane. The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are being amended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to facilitate such a list, the ministry of civil aviation said in a letter to Air India CMD, making an appeal to him to lift the ban on Gaikwad. The no-fly list has been amended by Air India from the day Gaikwad hit 62-year-old R Sukumar with his slipper. The following day, the Federation of Indian Airlines, which has Jet Airways, SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir as its members, made the announcement. The draft will be made public by aviation minister Ashok G Raju and his deputy Jayant Sinha. For effective implementation, the Centre is likely to make some identification mandatory - either Aadhaar or passport number - while booking even domestic tickets. The draft will give about a month for the public to comment. The aviation ministry will then take some time to study them and come out with the final CAR. As per the IATA, in 2015, there were 10,854 reported cases of unruly behaviour by the passengers across airlines worldwide, which translate into one incident for every 1,205 flights. (ANI)

No-fly list: Centre to announce new rules today