Air India Airbus A320neo. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com Air India has reconfirmed voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots following today's release (September 4) of a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into a recent flight incident.
The airline said it continues to fully cooperate with the investigation and has provided access to relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.
Air India emphasized that safety remains its highest priority and said its pilots already undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments.
The additional testing, first announced in August, comes after the AAIB preliminary report into Air India flight AI2379, which operated from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The Airbus A320 experienced a brief loss of pressure in all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet.
The incident resulted in an altitude upset and injuries to 24 people, while the aircraft later landed safely in Delhi.
The report also found that the pilot-in-command returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test. The AAIB has recommended that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action regarding the finding. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and the preliminary findings do not establish that the pilot’s test result caused the aircraft’s hydraulic-system failure or the subsequent altitude upset.
In its response, Air India said the voluntary testing program is an additional measure intended to reinforce its safety-first approach.
The airline also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, saying it will take appropriate action wherever warranted.
“Safety remains Air India's highest priority,” an Air India spokesperson said, adding that the airline remains committed to implementing any recommendations resulting from the investigation.
The AAIB investigation is continuing as authorities examine both the technical circumstances surrounding the hydraulic-system failure and other factors related to the incident. A final report is expected to provide a more complete assessment once the investigation is concluded.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) also completed its mandatory drug screening program for all operationally active Malaysia Airlines pilots on August 15.