New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed that until the mandatory software,hardware updates for Airbus family aircrafts are carried out flights will remain grounded.
This follows similar directives by European union Aviation Safety Agency and Airbus corporation on similar lines.
The move will affect Airbus A 318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The airlines that are operating these have been directed to first comply with the necessary changes, and till then refrain from operating these aircrafts.
Air India in a statement said “safety is to priority” and added following the directives, a mandatory hardware and software re-alignment will be carried out before flying their fleet.
In the Air India fleet, there are around 104 A 320 airplanes, while Indigo has 318, and Air India Express has 40 A320 aircrafts.
According to sources, there are around 300 such airplanes that require the modifications.
The DGCA order issued on Saturday says that, ” This is to be ensured that no person shall operate the product which falls under the applicability of this Mandatory Modification except those which are in accordance with the compliance to requirement of Mandatory Modification (s)/ applicable Airworthiness Directive(s).”
The Indian regulator said, “All operators are informed of the Mandatory Modification(s)/ Inspection (s) and Master Mandatory Modification List kept in your office is updated. You are requested to confirm the compliance in accordance to Airworthiness Procedure Manual Section- II, Chapter 7.”
