Should Air India Face a CBI Probe for Cabin Crew Dismissals?
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Synopsis
The Aviation Industry Employees’ Guild is demanding a CBI investigation into Air India's controversial dismissal of two cabin crew members for reporting a technical fault. This incident raises serious safety concerns in the aviation industry and has caught the attention of regulatory authorities and the Prime Minister. Will justice prevail for the cabin crew?
Key Takeaways
- Demand for a CBI probe into Air India’s actions.
- Serious safety concerns raised over the Boeing 787 Dreamliner incident.
- Pressure on crew to alter statements about technical faults.
- Regulatory bodies have been contacted for further investigation.
- Public attention is on aviation safety following recent incidents.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) The general secretary of the Aviation Industry Employees’ Guild (AIEG), George Abraham, has called for a CBI investigation regarding the termination of two cabin crew members from Air India. This action occurred after they reported a technical issue with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Abraham informed IANS that the demand for a CBI inquiry stems from the serious nature of the dismissals, which allegedly involved pressuring the crew to alter their statements post-reporting the technical fault in the Dreamliner 787.
“This raises significant safety concerns within the aviation sector. We have also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an impartial investigation into this situation,” Abraham stated.
He elaborated that on May 14, 2024, upon arrival at London from Mumbai, the slide rafts deployed in manual mode due to a malfunctioning door on the aircraft.
As per Abraham, the slide rafts should only activate when the aircraft is in automatic mode. The pilot and entire cabin crew initially acknowledged the technical fault, but their statements were reportedly altered due to alleged pressure from the airline's management.
According to Abraham, Air India management is accused of coercing the crew to modify their statements, leading to the termination of both crew members when they refused.
In a conversation with IANS, Abraham mentioned that given the seriousness of the situation, both crew members lodged a complaint with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The regulator summoned them to Delhi and discussed initiating an 'informal investigation'.
However, Abraham noted that eight months have elapsed with no results from this 'informal investigation'.
After the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, he remarked, public and governmental focus has shifted back to this issue.
“This is why we have reiterated our demand and contacted PM Modi again. We are hopeful that this investigation will proceed promptly,” Abraham concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to focus on maintaining the integrity and safety of the aviation sector. The allegations surrounding Air India’s actions towards its cabin crew raise serious concerns that warrant thorough investigation. Fair treatment should be paramount, and any suppression of safety-related reports must be addressed.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the demand for a CBI probe?
The demand arose after two Air India cabin crew members were fired for reporting a technical fault in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising serious safety concerns.
What was the nature of the technical fault reported?
The cabin crew reported that the slide rafts deployed in manual mode due to a malfunctioning door of the aircraft.
Who is leading the demand for the investigation?
George Abraham, the general secretary of the Aviation Industry Employees’ Guild, is leading the push for a CBI investigation.
What actions have been taken by Air India regarding the incident?
Air India allegedly pressured the crew to change their statements regarding the technical fault, leading to their dismissal.
What has been the response from regulatory authorities?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) met with the crew members for an informal investigation, but results have yet to be released.
