DGCA asks airlines to ensure timely salaries, safety standards

Mumbai: New civil aviation regulator Prashant Sukul asked all scheduled airlines to strictly adhere to prescribed safety standards and ensure prompt salary payments to employees on Friday, two days after assuming charge at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA.

Sukul took over from E.K. Bharat Bhushan, who quit the post just six days after his tenure had been extended till the year end. Sukul met chief executive officers and representatives of airlines on Friday to review safety issues.

They discussed operational issues and the recently conducted audit that included financial matters, a media statement said.

“They were also asked to properly conduct the internal audit in a prescribed manner and to ensure that such systems get installed within their organizations,” the release said.

“Strengthening of training facilities within the country was emphasized to meet timely training needs of pilots and other technical staff. Airlines were also asked to ensure timely payment of salaries to their staff.”

National flag carrier Air India Ltd and private carrier Kingfisher Airlines Ltd have delayed salaries to their employees.