Creating ‘substantial’ additional posts in DGCA to strengthen safety; adequate oversight on SpiceJet: Scindia
NEW DELHI: The government is creating “substantial” additional posts in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) “for enhancing its safety oversight function”. Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia has also allayed fears about safety concerns raised for SpiceJet raised by Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi following a recent incident of smoke in aircraft cabin of the airline by informing her of enhanced surveillance checks on the budget carrier.
Chaturvedi had recently written to Scindia, alleging non-compliance of safety and emergency protocols by SpiceJet. “I have had the matter examined. Based on the preliminary investigation, evidence of engine oil was found in engine bleed-off valve which had led to the oil entering the aircraft air conditioning system resulting in smoke in the cabin. The observations made by DGCA were communicated immediately to SpiceJet for rectification. DGCA is keeping a close watch on the situation and shall take all appropriate action to avert any untoward incident,” Scindia said in a reply to Chaturvedi on October 21.
