Sh Ajit Singh, Union Civil Aviation Minister was today informed that Flight A-330, Mumbai- Singapore, did not take off in the mid-night of 1st/2nd January, 2013 because of non-availability of the crew.
On preliminary enquiry, it was found that Capt. R.S. Dhillon was supposed to fly the said flight from Mumbai to Singapore. However, because of his suspension on 31st December, 2012 for irregularities regarding fudging of records of Simulator training, he became ineligible to fly.
This information was available with General Manager (Operations), Incharge of Scheduling, Capt. H.Y. Samant, who was also informed about the suspension of Capt. Dhillon.
However, no alternative arrangement for crew was ensured by the Operations Department of Air India working under Capt. Samant and consequently the flight was cancelled putting 220 passengers at great inconvenience.
Taking a very serious view of this, the Union Civil Aviation Minister has instructed Air India management to immediately remove General Manager (Operations), Capt. H.Y.Samant , since it was his responsibility to ensure that the alternative arrangement for the crew is made well in time, more so when he was aware of the suspension of Capt. Dhillon and was also informed in this regard. It is seen as a gross dereliction of duty by Capt. Samant.
The Minister has asked that an inquiry be conducted in this regard and immediate disciplinary action be taken against Capt.
Samant and all those responsible for the lapse. The Minister has also asked the Air India to ensure that such an incident is not repeated in future, and that all concerned may be informed accordingly.
