'Air India violating orders'

In alleged violation of an order issued by the aviation regulator, Air India continues to operate many of its long-haul international flights with less than 16 flight attendants, claimed cabin crew.

In alleged violation of an order issued by the aviation regulator, Air India continues to operate many of its long-haul international flights with less than 16 flight attendants, claimed cabin crew.

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Last week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had asked Air India to maintain crew strength of 16 on such US-bound flights. However, the airline has failed to depute more than 12 crew members on such flights, claimed the crew. “They (AI) are blatantly violating the order by operating flights with 10 to 12 flight attendants,” said an airline source requesting anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The alleged violation exposes AI passengers to a safety risk because fatigued crew cannot be alert during on-board emergencies. “It is unfair to expect prompt action from the crew that does not get the mandatory rest on board,” added the source.

At any point of time, 10 flight attendants man the jumbo planes used on such long international routes. The DGCA settled for a strength of 16, so that the crew gets rest in turns.