The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that Indian airlines, including Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have successfully completed precautionary checks on their Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The checks were initiated as a proactive measure following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX, where images circulated on social media showed a large hole in the aircraft’s side, prompting the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily ground over 170 Boeing B737-9 MAX aircraft for inspection.
In response to the incident, the DGCA, on January 6, directed all Indian operators with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to perform checks on the operation and proper closing of all over wing emergency exits by January 7. The regulator confirmed on Monday that these checks have been satisfactorily performed on the operational fleet of Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft by Air India Express (4), SpiceJet (8), and Akasa Air (20).
Air India Express, in a statement on Sunday, had already announced the completion of its inspection and mentioned that it was in communication with Boeing and regulators for additional information on the issue.
Akasa Air also provided reassurance, stating that there were no adverse findings from the inspection of its MAX aircraft. A spokesperson affirmed, “We can confirm that there are no adverse findings. We can also confirm that there was no disruption to our operations during this time.”
It is important to note that while the Alaska Airlines incident involved a Boeing 737-9 MAX, the DGCA directed all Indian airlines to conduct a one-time inspection of the emergency exits on their Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft out of an abundance of caution. Currently, no Indian airline operates a Boeing 737-9 MAX.
“Akasa Air’s fleet includes one B737-8200 aircraft which has a mid-cabin door on which the operational check has also been completed satisfactorily,” added the regulator.
The images of the Alaska Airlines flight 1282, a Boeing 737-9 MAX, with a significant hole in its side and passengers utilizing oxygen masks, raised concerns and triggered immediate safety measures. The US FAA’s temporary grounding order for inspection affected more than 170 Boeing B737-9 MAX aircraft.
The DGCA’s proactive directive to Indian airlines demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet in the country. By conducting the precautionary checks on emergency exits, the regulator aims to address any potential concerns related to the incident and uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation.
As the aviation industry remains vigilant and responsive to emerging safety issues, cooperation between regulatory authorities, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers is crucial. The completion of these checks by Indian airlines underscores the industry’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of its operations and ensuring passenger safety. Ongoing communication with Boeing and regulatory bodies enhances transparency and aids in resolving concerns promptly.