According to a complaint filed by a cabin crew member on the same flight who claims that safety standards were violated, an Air India pilot on a Dubai-Delhi flight allowed a female friend to enter the cockpit.
The pilot has been investigated by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), following a complaint by an air hostess, ANI reported.
“We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India. We have also reported the matter to the DGCA and are cooperating with their investigations. We have zero tolerance in aspects related to the safety and well-being of our passengers and will take requisite action, ” Air India said in a statement.
The complaint, accessed by ANI, alleged that the pilot of the Air India flight number AI-915 wanted the crew to create a “welcoming, warm and comfortable”, “living room” feel in the cockpit for his woman friend.
“The captain told me to go fetch some pillows from the bunk before Ms. XXX. reaches the cockpit to make her feel comfortable. The pilot said the cockpit should appear welcoming, warm and comfortable, as though he was preparing his living room for a lady friend. Also, asked me to take her drinks and snacks order and serve her,” the air hostess mentioned in the complaint copy accessed by ANI.
The complaint, addressed to Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson and the DGCA, alleges violations of the POSH (prevention of sexual harassment complaint), the DGCA CAR, air safety, and the AIR INDIA ops manual of AI-915/916.
The DGCA, India’s aviation safety regulator, stated that it has taken the complaint seriously and has launched an investigation.
“DGCA is conducting an investigation into the matter. The Investigation team will examine the relevant facts,” the DGCA told ANI.
As per the DGCA CAR (Civil Aviation Regulations) and the Air India Operations manual only authorised persons who have conducted preflight BA test (as applicable by rule) may enter the cockpit and sit there, provided they are on inspection or for purposes of flight safety only.
