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India Gazette
5 days ago
- Automotive
- India Gazette
DGCA asks airlines to conduct fuel switch inspections on Boeing aircraft by July 21
By Shafali Nigam New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): India's civil aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued an urgent directive mandating Indian operators of specific Boeing aircraft models to conduct inspections of the engine fuel control switch locking mechanisms by July 21. The move comes days after report of preliminary investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad in which killed 260 people. The directive enforces compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA)'s Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NM-18-33, issued in December 2018, which warned of the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature in operators of Model 737 airplanes Boeing aircraft, as mentioned in AI 171 preliminary report. The fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models including part number 4TL837-3D which is fitted in B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB, the preliminary report added. The fuel control switch design--including the locking feature--is shared across several Boeing aircraft families, including the 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787, the report said. AAIB's findings reignited concern over why many airlines had delayed or skipped the inspections, even after the issue had been flagged internationally. The order mandates all affected operators to complete inspections in line with the FAA's SAIB NM-18-33 and submit their inspection plans and final compliance reports to both the DGCA and relevant regional offices. The DGCA noted in its directive that several international and domestic operators had voluntarily begun compliance following the FAA bulletin. The order explicitly refers to India's Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) M-M.A. 301, which obligates operators to comply with safety directives from aircraft manufacturers or regulators of the aircraft's state of design, in this case, the U.S. FAA. 'Strict adherence is essential for continued airworthiness and safety of operations,' the DGCA stated. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released the preliminary report into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The crash killed 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. Flight data recovered from the aircraft's Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) revealed that the fuel cutoff switches for both engines were inadvertently moved from RUN to CUTOFF, one after another within a 1-second interval, at an altitude just moments after liftoff. One pilot was heard asking the other, 'Why did you cut off?' to which the response was, 'I did not.' This uncommanded shutdown triggered the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), and the aircraft began losing altitude almost immediately, unable to sustain powered flight. According to the AAIB, the pilots re-engaged the fuel switches in an attempt to relight both engines. Engine 1 showed signs of recovering thrust, but Engine 2 failed to stabilise. The aircraft, which had briefly reached a speed of 180 knots, was already descending and failed to regain altitude. The final distress call -- a 'MAYDAY' -- was transmitted at 08:09 UTC, just seconds before the aircraft crashed into residential buildings outside the airport perimeter. (ANI)
Canada Standard
19-06-2025
- Canada Standard
Operational, regulatory, weather factors drive recent Air India disruptions: Spokesperson
By Shafali Nigam New Delhi [India], June 18 (ANI): Amid a spate of flight disruptions, Air India has clarified that a mix of operational, regulatory, and environmental challenges--not just technical issues--are behind the recent cancellations and delays across its domestic and international network. In an official update issued on June 18, the airline detailed the status of several affected flights over the past 48 hours, citing causes ranging from inclement weather to regulatory crew duty norms and environmental hazards. According to the airline spokesperson, AI2491 from Mumbai to Lucknow, scheduled for June 17, was cancelled due to a cascading impact of flight diversions triggered by heavy rains in Delhi. The resulting delays led to the operating crew exceeding the permissible Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), forcing a cancellation on operational grounds. Similarly, AI160 from London to Ahmedabad, also on June 17, was rescheduled due to a combination of FDTL constraints and restrictions on night operations at Ahmedabad airport. Passengers were informed that a revised schedule would be communicated shortly. On June 18, AI188 from Toronto to Delhi was cancelled due to extended maintenance work, which again caused the crew to fall outside permissible duty hours. Passengers had already boarded but were safely disembarked, the airline said. AI996 from Dubai to Delhi, also scheduled for June 18, was the only flight in the update confirmed to have been cancelled due to a technical issue. Passengers on board were disembarked before departure. Meanwhile, AI2145 from Delhi to Bali was forced to return mid-flight due to reports of volcanic activity near the destination airport. 'The decision to air return was taken purely in the interest of safety,' the spokesperson noted, adding that the aircraft landed safely back in Delhi and all passengers were deboarded without incident. Air India acknowledged the inconvenience caused and assured that ground staff are actively working to make alternate travel arrangements for affected passengers. 'Full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options have been offered,' the spokesperson said. The airline also advised that due to ongoing enhanced aircraft inspections, continuing weather disturbances, and airspace restrictions, further disruptions may occur. Passengers have been urged to check real-time flight updates via the airline's website or customer care numbers. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-06-2025
- India Gazette
Operational, regulatory, weather factors drive recent Air India disruptions: Spokesperson
By Shafali Nigam New Delhi [India], June 18 (ANI): Amid a spate of flight disruptions, Air India has clarified that a mix of operational, regulatory, and environmental challenges--not just technical issues--are behind the recent cancellations and delays across its domestic and international network. In an official update issued on June 18, the airline detailed the status of several affected flights over the past 48 hours, citing causes ranging from inclement weather to regulatory crew duty norms and environmental hazards. According to the airline spokesperson, AI2491 from Mumbai to Lucknow, scheduled for June 17, was cancelled due to a cascading impact of flight diversions triggered by heavy rains in Delhi. The resulting delays led to the operating crew exceeding the permissible Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), forcing a cancellation on operational grounds. Similarly, AI160 from London to Ahmedabad, also on June 17, was rescheduled due to a combination of FDTL constraints and restrictions on night operations at Ahmedabad airport. Passengers were informed that a revised schedule would be communicated shortly. On June 18, AI188 from Toronto to Delhi was cancelled due to extended maintenance work, which again caused the crew to fall outside permissible duty hours. Passengers had already boarded but were safely disembarked, the airline said. AI996 from Dubai to Delhi, also scheduled for June 18, was the only flight in the update confirmed to have been cancelled due to a technical issue. Passengers on board were disembarked before departure. Meanwhile, AI2145 from Delhi to Bali was forced to return mid-flight due to reports of volcanic activity near the destination airport. 'The decision to air return was taken purely in the interest of safety,' the spokesperson noted, adding that the aircraft landed safely back in Delhi and all passengers were deboarded without incident. Air India acknowledged the inconvenience caused and assured that ground staff are actively working to make alternate travel arrangements for affected passengers. 'Full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options have been offered,' the spokesperson said. The airline also advised that due to ongoing enhanced aircraft inspections, continuing weather disturbances, and airspace restrictions, further disruptions may occur. Passengers have been urged to check real-time flight updates via the airline's website or customer care numbers. (ANI)
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Indian Oil quadrupled fuel supply for armed forces during Operation Sindoor: Senior official
By Shafali Nigam Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar) [India], June 12 (ANI): Indian Oil ensured seamless fuel supply to the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which went up at least four times, said Rakesh Kumar, Chief Terminal Manager (CTM) of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). 'During Operation Sindoor, the demand from defence has gone up at least four times, and we were there to supply the product just as I told you earlier. We positioned our vessels from Paradip and Haldia refineries and met their demands just in time,' Indian Oil Corporation CTM said. Mentioning the demand during Operation Sindoor, he said, 'In case of need, just like a few months back, at the demand of the Indian Navy, we positioned our vessels from Paradip refinery and Haldia refinery at a notice of just three days.' Indian Oil demonstrated its strategic preparedness and operational efficiency and played a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply during Operation Sindoor, the official said, adding that despite a fourfold increase in fuel demand from defence establishments, the state-owned oil PSU successfully met requirements by mobilising vessels from its mainland refineries within days. 'We have a very high level of good coordination with defence, almost on a daily basis. Since they are taking products from us, they have requirements. We interact with them on a weekly basis, and we hold meetings with their supply department as well,' he said about coordination with defence and security agencies in fuel supply or infrastructure planning. During a field visit to the Indian Oil POL Terminal in Port Blair, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for the press, when asked if there are any protocols in case of an emergency situation, Kumar said, 'In case of need, just like a few months back, at the demand of the Indian Navy, we positioned our vessels from Paradip refinery and Haldia refinery at a notice of just three days.' 'We are at the smart terminal of Indian Oil. Here, we have a tanking of 27,000 KL. We are dealing with four products over here, which are petrol, diesel, low-sulphur HFHSD and HSD,' he added. In response to the questions on emergency protocols in place for fuel shortages or natural disasters like cyclones or tsunamis, he said, 'We have emergency protocols. Sufficient tankage is there. On average, we have 25 days of coverage for all the products.' He said the state-run oil major is planning to expand services or upgrade existing infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 'We have plans. This terminal is a 27 TKL terminal and a POL terminal. We have requested one more station and we are in an advanced stage of getting new land in Hope Town, where our bottling plant is situated,' he added. Speaking with ANI, V. Ranganathan, Chief General Manager from West Bengal State Office and Port Blair said, 'Port Blair is one of the unique locations where a lot of challenges are there with respect to logistics, as well as product availability.' (ANI)
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Ambitious, smart, industrious Indian students are welcome: German envoy urges to choose state-run universities
By Shafali Nigam New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann on Thursday encouraged Indian students to explore state-owned and state-run universities in Germany, which offer better quality education at a lower cost. Germany is positioning itself as a global hub for higher education, focusing on attracting Indian students and professionals. With 50,000 Indian students already studying in Germany, the country is keen to increase this number, particularly in top universities. The ambassador highlighted the benefits of studying in Germany, including low fees, high-quality education, and a welcoming environment for skilled labour. These universities offer top-class education at a lower cost than private institutions. He also warned against private colleges that may not provide the same quality of education. Speaking exclusively with ANI, Ackermann highlighted the country's liberal laws for skilled labour immigration and its excellent experience with Indian students. 'We have very liberal laws when it comes to skilled labour immigration. I feel that in skilled labour, we are very good and performing. What is of interest to us is that when it comes to higher education, we have 50,000 Indian students in Germany, the biggest non-German group at German universities. We want to increase this number; we want to increase it specifically in one area, namely, in the top universities area. Now, our experience with Indian students is excellent. We have had a very, very good experience with the ambitious, industrious, and very courageous bunch of people from this country who made it after graduation and had an opportunity to get jobs after graduation. Now, when you see what happens in the world, you see the US being much more difficult, and so easily, you see, people's background being checked in the US. I can state only very firmly that these ambitious, smart, and industrious students are very welcome in Germany,' said the German envoy. Germany is emerging as a premier destination for Indian students seeking top-class education and skill development, and it offers high-quality education, particularly in technical and STEM subjects, at a lower cost compared to countries like the US. 'They get a first-class education, above all in technical subjects, or in STEM subjects, but at a much lower cost than in the US. So, I encourage these smart and ambitious students of India who want to get a top-class education, if you don't get what you want in other parts of the world, focus on Germany,' said Ackermann. Language is not a barrier, as courses are taught in English, making it easier for Indian students to adapt. Moreover, state-owned and state-run universities in Germany offer affordable education, making it an attractive option for students. The ambassador advises Indian students to be cautious of private colleges in Germany that may not offer the same quality of education as state-owned universities. These colleges often charge high fees and may not provide a German diploma. 'Language is not an issue. The courses are taught in English. The fees are very low. At the same time, I have to say that we see agencies here in India aggressively recruiting students for non-German colleges in Germany. Private colleges, coming from other countries, third countries, like the UK, Poland, Italy, and after graduation, do not produce a German diploma. It's a pretty sure Italian diploma. So, we are very concerned that these colleges do not charge much money. People pay a lot of money for education, which is not to be compared to the education that state-owned and state-run universities offer, which is much cheaper and much better. So, I would say that I would encourage every student in India to look first and foremost at the state-owned and state-run universities in Germany to check whether they have something that interests them. It is by far the better choice,' said Ackermann. Philipp Ackermann also discussed the country's foreign policy approach towards India, highlighting the strong commitment of the new German government to the Indo-German partnership. He emphasised the importance of personal meetings between leaders and officials of both countries. 'I think we can say now that Germany, with the new government under the new Chancellor, the new coalition, has exactly the same focus on India as the previous government. We have seen a very successful visit by Dr Jaishankar in Berlin. In the last month, we had a very fruitful conversation between the Chancellor and Prime Minister Modi. We'll have a series of visit of parliamentarians, foreign secretaries, other ministers will come. So, I think we will see a series of very interesting personal meetings in the course of the year, and that shows how strongly the new government is committed to this Indo-German partnership. So, I am very happy about that,' he added. Germany and India are collaborating on climate change, smart cities, and biodiversity projects, marking a shift from traditional development cooperation to a partnership of equals. 'India and Germany are partners in a common effort to get a grip on what is really pressing in the world. Therefore, both sides have agreed in what we call for partnership of green and sustainability developments. It's a very interesting partnership where India and Germany sit together every year and identify projects where you can implement measures that are fighting climate change, improving smart cities, in favour of biodiversity and its consequences. It's a partnership on equal footing, and I think we are beyond development cooperation areas,' said Ackermann. The ambassador also praised Dr Jaishankar's recent visit to Germany, describing it as a huge success. 'The visit was a huge success. We are always very happy when the Minister of External Affairs travels to Germany. It was a very important visit because it was the first visit for the new foreign minister to Germany. I think the bilateral visit went excellently. Dr S Jaishankar also met the new Federal Chancellor. He met with parliamentarians and gave a speech at a Think tank. So, it was a very comprehensive and good visit. I think it made an Indian point of view very clear,' said the German Ambassador. He highlighted the importance of the visit in strengthening bilateral ties and conveying the Indian perspective on various issues, including the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 'Dr Jaishankar is an extremely eloquent and very intelligent foreign minister. He can wonderfully explain things. I think the Indian point of view was heard and seen. Everywhere he went, it was made very clear how terrible we felt the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and what a disaster that is for the families who lost their loved ones, and if that is not an act of terror, then what is an act of terror? Our sympathies and feelings were shared with Dr S Jaishankar because that also shocked Germany,' said Ackermann. (ANI)
