New Delhi, August 1, 2024 – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reports that 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft are currently registered and operating within India, underlining the safety and efficiency of these aircraft through stringent regulatory measures.
The DGCA, committed to aviation safety, conducts rigorous inspections, audits, and enforces compliance with penalties for any violations. The DGCA’s Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP), available on its website, outlines the planned surveillance activities for the year, ensuring transparency and proactive safety measures.
The distribution of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft among Indian operators is as follows:
- Air India Express: 25
- SpiceJet Ltd.: 7
- SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd.: 24
Notably, there have been no recent reports of engine failures among these aircraft. However, a precautionary single-engine landing was executed in May 2024 by a SpiceJet aircraft when an oil filter bypass light for Engine No. 2 illuminated. The aircraft landed safely, and both crew and passengers reported no discomfort.
DGCA’s enforcement mechanism includes various inspections, spot checks, night surveillance, and the imposition of penalties for any serious lapses. The Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual (EPPM) guides these actions, which can range from warnings to financial penalties and suspension or cancellation of approvals.
This update was provided by Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. The DGCA remains vigilant in ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all aviation activities in India.