Categories: Travel

Air India secures DGCA approval for in-house aircraft interior modifications, ET TravelWorld

Air India has achieved a pivotal milestone, receiving the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Design Organisation Approval (DOA), also known as CAR 21 certification. This landmark approval makes Air India the first Indian airline authorized to independently implement design modifications for its aircraft interiors, enabling faster and more efficient enhancements.

The DOA was formally presented to Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, by DGCA Director General D.C. Sharma on October 25, 2024. The approval, attained in collaboration with Tata Technologies, underscores Air India’s commitment to bolstering in-house capabilities for aircraft modifications, maintenance, and customer service improvements.

As India’s aviation industry experiences unprecedented growth, Air India is actively reinforcing its position through investments in its engineering, maintenance, and training infrastructure. Campbell Wilson expressed the significance of the DGCA approval, stating, “India’s aviation sector is rapidly evolving, and Air India is at the forefront. This authorization enhances our ability to maintain and upgrade our fleet independently, ensuring superior customer experiences and aligning with our goals of operational excellence and self-reliance.”

Speaking at the launch of the airline’s rebranding, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said that the entire long-haul fleet of Air India will be ‘reborn’ in the next two and a half years. By the end of this year, the new-look Air India will come to public light after the carrier receives its first new aircraft – an Airbus A350. Excerpts of the conversation:

Warren Harris, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Technologies, highlighted the collaboration’s role in transforming air travel experiences through innovative engineering. “Our partnership with Air India leverages Tata Technologies’ aerospace expertise to introduce next-generation aircraft interiors that meet rigorous safety standards while prioritizing customer satisfaction. This initiative reflects our dedication to advancing Indian aviation and delivering world-class passenger experiences.”This partnership will optimize Air India’s operations by integrating advanced digital thread solutions and intelligent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) practices. Tata Technologies’ experience with aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and expertise in lightweight materials and advanced design will support Air India in maximizing fleet efficiency, safety, and comfort.

In a bid to redefine the passenger experience, Air India’s focus on state-of-the-art interiors aims to provide passengers with modern amenities and technology. As Air India scales its operational capabilities, this collaboration signifies a major step forward in delivering an elevated travel experience for its passengers while setting new standards in the Indian aviation industry.