Akasa Air Pilots Seek Detailed DGCA Audit Amid Resentment

Section of Akasa Air Pilots Calls for Detailed DGCA Audit Amid Training Concerns
Mumbai: A faction of Akasa Air pilots has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a detailed audit of the airline, citing ongoing training-related grievances. This development comes a day after the DGCA suspended two senior officials of the airline for alleged lapses, escalating tensions within the company.
In a formal communication addressed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA on Saturday, the pilots expressed their dissatisfaction and raised concerns about training protocols and safety standards at the airline. Additionally, they revealed plans to establish a pilots’ union, aiming to address their collective issues more effectively.
The communication highlights a growing rift between a section of the airline’s pilots and its management, marking a rare instance of industrial discord at one of India’s youngest carriers. The move to form a union is seen as a significant step, indicating the pilots’ intent to formalize their concerns and seek a structured resolution.
Akasa Air has not issued a statement in response to these developments, despite multiple queries. The airline, which entered India’s competitive aviation market in 2022, has been expanding its operations steadily, but the current issues could pose challenges to its growth trajectory.
The DGCA’s recent suspension of two senior Akasa Air officials followed inspections that revealed discrepancies in training and compliance. While the regulator has not disclosed the specifics of the lapses, the incident underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety and training standards in the aviation sector.
As the pilots await a response from the authorities, the matter underscores the broader challenges of balancing rapid expansion with operational excellence in the aviation industry. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in India’s growing aviation sector.
