DGCA warns airlines using Boeing 737 aircraft, instructions to assess safety

The aviation sector regulator in India has issued a warning to airlines that operate Boeing 737 jetliners on concerns related to rudder safety. DGCA warned airlines about rudder control systems that could be jammed or restricted. A major mechanism in controlling the speed of the jet is the aircraft's rudder. Presently, the Air India Express operates Boeing-737 series aircraft in the country along with Spice Jet and Akasa. The DGCA has told operators to assess safety risks and halt certain types of instrument landings.

While speaking at an ASSOCHAM event, the Minister of Civil Aviation, K. Ram Mohan Naidu said on Monday that 'domestic air passengers in India are expected to reach 300 mln by 2030 and about USD 11 bln investment is being spent on the development of airports.'. He said at a conference organized by the 'French Aerospace Industries Association' in the national capital that India and France can collaborate to develop a strong global SAF supply chain too.

India has emerged as one of the fastest markets in the world in the field of civil aviation. Indian Airlines are also expanding their fleets along with mechanisms to meet the growing demand. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said that domestic air passenger traffic was expected to reach 300 million by 2030, while 200 more airports are expected to be developed in the next 20-25 years. The country currently has 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. This number would go up to 200 operational airports by the end of 2025, he said. The potential partnership between India and France is immense, he added.