Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has recently implemented a significant policy change aimed at addressing fatigue-related concerns among its flight crew.
The new policy, which focuses on fatigue calls made by pilots and cabin crew, has sparked debate within the aviation community.
Air India Fatigue Policy: Details
Air India’s policy revolves around the reporting and management of fatigue incidents. All fatigue reports submitted by pilots will be initially marked as “fatigue” in the airline’s system.
This transparent approach aims to encourage self-reporting and ensure that genuine fatigue issues are appropriately addressed.
However, this initial marking triggers further review processes to differentiate between fatigue caused by the airline’s operations and personal reasons.
A committee comprising representatives from flight operations, cabin crew data, and the medical department will evaluate each fatigue report.
If a report is found to be unsubstantiated, it will be reclassified as “sick leave” on the crew portal.
Air India’s approach aligns with that of market leader IndiGo, where all fatigue reports are initially marked as “sick.”
IndiGo’s evaluation process ensures that genuine fatigue cases receive appropriate attention and that the system isn’t abused.
Industry Context
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations agency responsible for aviation safety, encourages self-reporting of fatigue by crew members.
According to ICAO guidelines, airlines should regularly analyze fatigue reports and provide feedback to individuals and groups.
Critics argue that the new policy might discourage self-reporting due to fear of retribution. Pilots may hesitate to report fatigue incidents if they believe it could impact their careers.
Air India’s challenge lies in maintaining a balance between safety and ensuring that crew members feel comfortable reporting fatigue.
In summary, Air India’s new fatigue policy aims to strike a delicate balance between safety and crew well-being. While transparency is crucial, addressing concerns about retribution remains a challenge.
As the aviation industry evolves, airlines must continue to refine their policies to protect both passengers and crew.
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