DGCA warns airlines using Boeing 737 aircraft, instructions to assess safety

New Delhi| The regulator of the aviation sector in India has warned airlines operating Boeing 737 jetliners about concerns related to the safety of rudder (hull). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned airlines about potentially jamming or restricted rudder control systems. The rudder of an aircraft is a primary mechanism that controls the speed of the jet. Currently, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa operate Boeing 737 series aircraft in the country. DGCA has asked these operators to conduct security risk assessments and stop landing certain types of instruments.

Air India Express has said in this matter that the advice issued by the regulator about the Boeing 737 rudder system is applicable to only 5 aircraft of our fleet. The airline said that we have started the process to comply with the regulatory requirements.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the number of domestic air passengers in India is projected to reach 30 crore by 2030. Also, about $11 billion is being spent on the development of airports. ‘Speaking at a conference organized by the French Aerospace Industries Association’ (GIFAS) in the national capital, he said India and France can work together to develop a strong global SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) supply chain.

India is one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets in the world and airlines are expanding their fleet as well as systems to meet the growing demand. Naidu said domestic air passenger traffic is projected to reach 30 crore by 2030, while 200 more airports are expected to be developed in the next 20-25 years. India currently has 157 airports, heliports and water drones. The number of operational airports is expected to reach 200 by the end of 2025. The minister said that the possibilities of partnership between India and France are immense.