New Delhi, Dec 2 || After the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated an investigation into an Air India aircraft that was not airworthy but still flew at least eight times before it was grounded, the airline on Tuesday said the incident was “regrettable” and it has initiated a comprehensive internal investigation.
The Airbus A320 in question was operated with an “expired airworthiness licence” at least eight times last month before the lapse was discovered and the aircraft was grounded. The A320 remains grounded pending DGCA investigation.
The Certificate of Airworthiness is issued by the DGCA, and is renewed every year only if the aircraft in a safe condition for flight.
According to aviation officials, operating an aircraft without valid licences and certificates is considered a serious offence.
Air India said in a statement that “an incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness review certificate is regrettable”.