Government Data Exposes Widespread Recurring Defects in Air India Group Fleet
Startling government data presented in the Lok Sabha has revealed that nearly three-fourths of Air India Group's aircraft fleet has been flagged for recurring defects. The findings emerged from comprehensive inspections conducted across India's scheduled airlines, raising significant questions about maintenance standards in the aviation sector.
Alarming Statistics Across Major Airlines
According to data presented by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, a total of 754 aircraft from six scheduled airlines were analyzed for repetitive defects since January last year. Among these, 377 aircraft were found to have recurring issues, representing a substantial portion of India's commercial aviation fleet.
The Air India Group's performance was particularly concerning:
- Of the 267 Air India Group aircraft analyzed (including both Air India and Air India Express), 191 planes—approximately 72%—were identified with repetitive defects
- Air India specifically saw 137 of its 166 analyzed aircraft flagged for recurring issues
- Air India Express had 54 of its 101 analyzed aircraft showing similar patterns
Comparative Analysis with Other Airlines
The government data provided a comparative perspective across India's aviation market:
- IndiGo: The market leader had 405 aircraft analyzed, with 148 showing repetitive defects as of February 3 this year
- SpiceJet: Of 43 analyzed aircraft, 16 planes were identified for recurring defects
- Akasa Air: The newest entrant had 14 of its 32 analyzed aircraft flagged for repetitive defects
Air India's Response and Explanation
An Air India spokesperson addressed the findings, stating: "We have, out of abundance caution, carried out checks across our fleet. Hence, numbers are higher." The airline emphasized that their comprehensive inspection approach contributed to the elevated defect count.
A senior Air India executive provided crucial context about the nature of these defects, explaining that aircraft equipment is categorized into priority segments:
- Category A & B: High-priority safety-critical equipment
- Category C & D: Lower-priority items including passenger comfort features
"In case of Air India, most of the issues are with category D, which includes items like seats, tray tables, screens (on the back of seats) and so on. These are not related to the safety of the aircraft," the executive clarified to PTI.
Resolution Timeline and Fleet Modernization
The Air India executive revealed that the airline has initiated a comprehensive retrofit program specifically targeting narrow-body aircraft. This modernization effort is expected to roll out over the next two years, systematically addressing the identified defects across the fleet.
The executive added that as this retrofit program progresses, the recurring defect issues will be resolved, bringing the airline's maintenance standards in line with global best practices. This initiative represents a significant investment in fleet modernization and passenger experience enhancement.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
The government's presentation of this detailed data in Parliament underscores the increasing transparency in aviation oversight. The findings highlight the importance of regular fleet inspections and maintenance protocols across all airlines operating in Indian airspace.
While Air India's defect rate appears high compared to other carriers, the airline's representatives stress that their proactive inspection approach and the non-safety-critical nature of most defects provide important context. The coming retrofit program represents a strategic response to these findings, aiming to elevate the airline's operational standards as it continues its transformation journey under new ownership.
