Air India likely to introduce controversial Fatigue Reporting Policy ahead of Vistara merger: Report

This decision has sparked concerns among pilots, who feel it may discourage them from reporting fatigue.

Air India (A-I) is likely to enforce a new internal policy starting October 1, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency as it prepares for a merger with Vistara. The policy mandates the verification of fatigue reports submitted by flight crew members, with those deemed "unsubstantiated" being reclassified as "sick leave," according to a report by Business Standard.

This decision has sparked concerns among pilots, who feel it may discourage them from reporting fatigue. Speaking to BS, one pilot commented, "This policy needs to be reconsidered. Rather than questioning whether a pilot is experiencing 'fatigue' or is 'sick,' the airline should extend trust to its pilots in all areas." Another added, "We may hesitate to report 'fatigue' if it risks being classified as 'sick leave.'"

Just days prior, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasized the importance of robust stress and fatigue management systems for pilots to ensure flight safety during a seminar organized by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Under regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), fatigue reports are formal documents filed by flight crew members to indicate excessive tiredness that may compromise their performance. Air India clarified in response to inquiries that the new Fatigue Protocol aligns with global best practices and is a non-punitive measure. The airline plans to use scientific tools such as Jeppesen and the Boeing Alertness Model (BAM) to safeguard crew well-being.

The new policy, approved by A-I’s senior vice president of Safety, Security, and Quality, Henry Donohoe, stipulates that when a pilot or cabin crew member submits a fatigue report through the internal system, it will initially be marked as “Fatigue.” Following a review by senior executives, reports identified as unsubstantiated will be changed to "Sick."

Furthermore, suppose a crew member reports fatigue within 12 hours of their scheduled duty. In that case, the report will be noted as "Fatigue," leading to immediate escalation by the day-to-day scheduling management and flight safety departments, the BS report added.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

In January, the DGCA issued flight duty time limitation (FDTL) regulations mandating airlines to effectively utilize fatigue reports to identify and mitigate crew fatigue. Airlines are required to have clear policies regarding the submission and handling of these reports, ensuring a non-punitive approach to fatigue management.

The new regulations, which have increased weekly rest periods for flight crews from 36 to 48 hours, have been welcomed by pilots, although airlines have raised concerns about their feasibility. Despite initial deadlines for compliance, the DGCA reversed its decision after airlines expressed apprehension about reducing flight capacity to meet the new standards.

As Air India moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its flight crew while addressing the operational challenges posed by the merger with Vistara.