Air India intensifies checks as rats ground its Boeing 787 thrice in two weeks
Rattled by the frequent grounding of its aircraft due to rodents, Air India’s management has swung into action.
The airline’s chairperson Ashwani Lohani carried out an inspection at Delhi airport and directed the staff to ensure strict maintenance and cleanliness of hi-lift trucks used by catering companies. Also, the airline staff will now be restrained from eating meals in the ramp area (airside area where aircraft is parked during boarding). “We have also requested Delhi International Airport Limited to provide space for a staff canteen,” Lohani said.
On April 16, an Air India Boeing 787 on Melbourne-Delhi flight was diverted to Singapore after a rat was spotted on board the aircraft. The aircraft was grounded in Singapore and fumigated and passengers flown to India on a separate plane.
This was the third instance of grounding of an Air India aircraft due to rodents. Airline staff has been advised to take immediate action to clean and fumigate the aircraft on sighting of rodent. This is done for safety reasons as rats can mess with cables and wiring inside the aircraft.
Rats were also spotted on an aircraft between Birmingham-Delhi and while passengers were boarding a Frankfurt-bound flight at Delhi.
A diversion of aircraft proves costly for an airline as it leads to extra fuel burn, costs incurred on meals and accommodation of passengers, delays and missed flight connections.
“We are tightening up the maintenance and cleanliness of food hi lifts by private caterers. I did a long inspection on the ramp and I am certain, things will improve,” Lohani stated
