New Delhi, December 19, 2024: 102 planes, or over 12% of the 822 registered under the Scheduled Air Transport Service, have been grounded due to supply chain problems, the Indian government told the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, revealed that the planes were classed as Aircraft on Ground (AOG) owing to delays in receiving critical replacement parts and consumables from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Mohol underlined the importance of frequent inspections to guarantee compliance with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) standards. When key components are missing, airlines must pull aircraft from operation, putting passenger safety first.
The airline sector has been dealing with rising supply chain challenges, compounded by the COVID-19 epidemic and geopolitical tensions, which have disrupted maintenance schedules and operating efficiency.
The government is responding by creating a local aviation and associated equipment manufacturing ecosystem. This entails using public-private partnerships to promote the production of regional transport aircraft.
India’s civil aviation sector, one of the world’s fastest expanding, continues to face the combined issue of rising air travel demand and grounded fleets. By bolstering local manufacturing, the government hopes to avoid future disruptions and ensure the aviation sector’s resilience.
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