Total 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft registered and operating in India: DGCA
In a recent statement to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol provided an update on the Boeing 737 Max aircraft operating in India and the safety measures in place.
As of August 2024, a total of 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft are registered and operational in India. The fleet is distributed among three airlines: Air India Express leads with 25 aircraft, followed by SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Akasa Air) with 24, and SpiceJet Ltd. with 7.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) maintains rigorous oversight of these aircraft through various inspections, audits, spot checks, and night surveillance. While no recent engine failures have been reported, a single incident occurred in May 2024 involving a SpiceJet Boeing 737 Max. The aircraft experienced an illumination of the Engine No. 2 oil filter bypass light, prompting the pilot to execute a precautionary single-engine landing. The DGCA confirmed that both crew and passengers reported no discomfort during this event.
To ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations, the DGCA publishes an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its website, detailing planned surveillance activities for the year. This comprehensive approach allows the regulatory body to monitor airlines and maintenance organizations continuously. In cases of non-compliance or violations, the DGCA is empowered to take enforcement actions as outlined in the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual (EPPM). These actions may range from warnings to suspensions or cancellations of approvals, certificates, or licenses, and can include financial penalties.
