Even as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s deadline for implementing new rules for pilots’ duty time and rest draws close, Air India and Jet Airways are refusing to adopt it in current form, fearing an impact on their schedules.
Jet Airways would have to cut flights if the rules, in their current form, come into effect, a senior airline executive told Business Standard. After pressure from pilot unions and a court intervention, the DGCA had framed new rules that take into account factors such as human fatigue. The rules no not allow a pilot to fly two consecutive nights, and provide for more rest before flights on crossing multiple time zones. These would increase the requirement of pilots and impact schedules, particularly those for trans-Atlantic flights.
Last August the DGCA had introduced the new civil aviation regulation (CAR) to replace the rules in effect since 1992. The new norms were scheduled to come into effect from February 24, but this was postponed to March 24. Air India and Jet Airways are not ready to implement the rules in their current form, and have sought clarifications from the regulator.
A Jet Airways executive said, "We had several meetings with the DGCA on this issue. We asked for clarification on the new policy. We are again meeting next week.” He added the airline had sought time till the end of December to adapt to the new rules, if the regulator decided to stick to the deadline.
The executive also said the Federal Aviation Administration had given the airline two years to implement the rules on pilot duty time.
“There will be a significant impact on us,” he said, adding the airline would have to recruit additional 30-35 commanders. Since the last few months, it has struggled to return to profitability and is cutting down costs. An increase in staff costs and hotel accommodation charges would upset the airline’s plans to cut costs. In 2010-11, the airline had spent over Rs 1,300 crore on employee costs.
“We will have to curtail operations if the rules are implemented from March 25, without any changes,’’ he said. Both Air India and Jet Airways are yet to submit their implementation plan to the regulator. Jet Airways operates 600 flights daily to 75 destinations in India and abroad.
An Air India executive said, “We have sought a written clarification from the regulator. There is ambiguity regarding certain clauses. There will be an impact on our schedules.”
“Safety wouldn’t be compromised if we don’t implement the rules in their current form,’’ said another Jet executive. He added the DGCA rules were restrictive compared to those in place in the US, UK, Europe and Australia. “It does not follow the international standards,’’ he said.
However the stance of Jet Airways’ management’s has upset the pilots. “The CAR has its flaws. But it is a step forward from what is being followed now,’’ said a commander, adding the management was selective in choosing to follow regulations that were in place in the West. “The problem is the airline wants the rules which would cater to its schedules,’’ he said. “The 1992 crew rest rules are unscientific. Why did the airline not suggest that scientific rules be implemented in India, like those in the rest of world,’’ he asked.
A bone of contention between the airline and the regulator is interpretation of the clause regarding rest before flights. According to the new rules, pilots would have to be given 14-36 hours’ rest if they fly three to eight time zones. For instance, Jet Airways operates flights to the US/Canada with a stop at Brussels. According to a source, Jet had said while crossing the Atlantic, pilots could rest in Brussels. So, there was a change of three-four time zones. Accordingly, the period of rest at New York or Toronto would be lower.
It is learnt the DGCA has a different view on the issue. It had suggested that the difference in time zones from India be taken into account.
