A confidential government memorandum has revealed that Mumbai‑based budget carrier Air India Express failed to replace critical engine components on an Airbus A320 in line with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) March 2025 directive, prompting regulatory scrutiny. The downstream ramifications, which include forged maintenance records, have cast a spotlight on compliance and corporate accountability within one of India’s key aviation players.
In March, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation flagged that the Airbus A320’s CFM International LEAP-1A engine had not undergone mandatory component replacement within the specified timeframe, despite an EASA airworthiness directive targeting potential “high energy debris release” from faulty seals or rotors. Instead of transparently reporting the delay, Air India Express reportedly altered entries in its Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Operating System (AMOS) to suggest compliance. The memo describes this as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the aircraft’s readiness. Following intervention, the airline acknowledged the lapses and instituted corrective staffing changes, though precise dates and details remain undisclosed.
The EU’s aviation safety body has since confirmed an ongoing investigation. This follows a grave recent safety incident: just weeks later, one of its Boeing Dreamliners crashed in Ahmedabad, resulting in 241 fatalities. While that crash is under independent review, this new episode adds to intensifying global scrutiny of the Tata Group–owned carrier’s safety systems. In June, DGCA also issued notices to the parent airline for operating three Airbus jets with overdue escape-slide inspections and flagged serious violations regarding pilot duty schedules, pointing to deeper operational compliance concerns. Collectively, these findings suggest systemic pressure to maintain flight schedules may come at the expense of safety protocols.
Defending its actions, Air India Express stated the missed execution arose from “migration of records” and proceeded to remove the quality manager and suspend a deputy continuing airworthiness manager. However, aviation experts, including a former Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau legal authority, caution that such delays can imperil aircraft integrity. “The risk increases when flying over sea or restricted airspace,” the expert stated, underscoring the potentially lethal consequences of deferred maintenance amid a climate-conscious industry. With over 115 aircraft serving more than 50 destinations and operating 500 daily flights, Air India Express plays a pivotal role in India’s regional connectivity. The new revelations, facilitated by the DGCA audit dating to October 2024, suggest a disconnect between flight operations and compliance mechanisms, raising questions about quality control systems at scale. Although the memo confirmed the affected aircraft flew several domestic and some cross-border routes post their service lapse, the airline maintains that remedial actions have been initiated as soon as lapses were discovered in March.
EASA’s confirmation of engagement alongside its own ongoing investigations signals a broader shift toward international regulatory connectivity. Airlines that flout EASA directives risk not merely fines but severe aviation bans, pressuring carriers to adopt zero-defect protocols to remain globally viable. As India’s capital-intensive carrier expands its international profile, these Lapses risk damaging the trust capital it has built. Widespread anecdotal reports—ranging from dirty cabins to broken seats—already suggest cracks in passenger trust, alongside operational integrity. The recent technical and procedural shortcomings observed demand a transparent re-commitment to maintenance rigour, record accuracy, and compliance culture. In the aviation industry, trust is the most valuable currency. For Air India Express, addressing these lapses comprehensively—both technical and cultural—will determine whether it can reclaim its ambition of becoming a model for sustainable, equitable air travel in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
Also Read :Bengaluru Introduces Two New Non AC BMTC Routes from Monday
