DGCA calls assembly with Air India over Shivraj Chouhan’s seat criticism

NEW DELHI: The Directorate Common of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has referred to as a gathering with Air India subsequent Monday on the criticism of an uncomfortable seat by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan when he flew Bhopal-Delhi final Saturday. As sought by the regulator, the airline submitted its report on the problem on Monday. It’s learnt that AI has stated the seat was not damaged and was reclining correctly. However being the lighter lean cushioned seat that airways select to maintain plane weight low and lower on gas burn, it may need felt sunken.
The regulator is more likely to sensitise AI on guaranteeing passenger consolation. “The seat allotted to the former Madhya Pradesh CM was checked by AI engineering and found to be alright, while being leanly cushioned. There were issues with some other seats on the Airbus A321, about 35, on the aircraft but not the minister’s seat,” say folks within the know.
Sources say since Chouhan’s ticket was booked near flight departure time, AI couldn’t allot a entrance row seat for him — one thing that airways often do for dignitaries.
The previous Madhya Pradesh CM had stated on X Saturday after the flight: “I had booked a ticket on AI 436. I was allotted seat number 8C. I went and sat on the seat, the seat was broken and sunken in. Sitting was uncomfortable.… Not just one, there are more such seats….” It’s learnt that a variety of seats had “sunken” or thinned cushioning.
Air journey is turning into more and more widespread in India because the creation of low price carriers right here twenty years again and is not a luxurious. The consolation issue as soon as related to flying is progressively giving strategy to a extra frugal onboard expertise as airways globally — each full service and low price — lower prices to remain afloat. Mild seats with low cushioning on plane are one of many new realities of latest aviation.
The regulator has up to now requested airways to not promote unserviceable seats.