Air India’s Director, Operations, Captain Arvind Kathpalia, who failed the pre-flight breath analyser test on Sunday, was relieved from his post on Tuesday. An administrative enquiry has also been ordered.
Captain Amitabh Singh, Executive Director, Training, was assigned the additional charge of the post till further orders.
An Air India spokesperson said Captain Kathpalia had violated the Civil Aviation Requirements laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Since the violations had serious implications for passenger safety, an administrative enquiry had been ordered.
“The Chief Vigilance Officer, Air India Ltd, will conduct a detailed enquiry. The enquiry will also look into the administrative and disciplinary aspects of the conduct of Capt. Arvind Kathpalia and the impact of his action on passenger safety,” a statement by the airline said.
Air India said its robust system ensured that no person, whatever his rank, could escape the stringent safety norms.
The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), which had demanded Capt. Kathpalia’s removal, welcomed the move.