DGCA chief’s removal not linked to Kingfisher troubles: Ajit Singh
July 17th, 2012 - 12:47 am ICT by IANSBangalore, July 16 (IANS) Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh asserted Monday that removal of E. K. Bharat Bhushan as director general of civil aviation (DGCA) was a “simple administrative decision” and had nothing to with Kingfisher Airlines troubles.
Bhushan’s removal “has nothing to do with him, whether he is a good officer, bad officer or Kingfisher”, Ajit Singh told reporters here on the margins of a function.
He also said DGCA was not conducting any investigation into Kingfisher’s affairs.
Ajit Singh said there were no differences among United Progressive Alliance partners over removal of Bhushan.
Bhushan was moved out of DGCA last Tuesday, leading to speculation that this had been done as he was getting tough on some airlines’ functioning.
Kingfisher airlines, run by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, has been in turmoil for several months now with delayed payment to staff, government, aviation fuel suppliers.
On Air India pilots strike, Ajit Singh repeated the government’s assurance that there will not be victimisation if the pilots return to work.
Regarding aviation safety, he said there will not be any compromise on this score.
Asked whether DGCA was mulling cancelling Kingfisher airlines’ license in view of its mounting debts leading to safety concerns, Ajit Singh said: “It can only be cancelled with immediate effect if there are issues concerning safety.”
He said Kingfisher was following the DGCA rules.
- DGCA to submit report on Kingfisher - Mar 14, 2012
- Government awaiting DGCA report on Kingfisher: Ajit Singh - Mar 21, 2012
- Kingfisher 1,000 percent safe: Mallya - Jan 07, 2012
- Kingfisher cancels 30 flights, submits new schedule (Lead) - Feb 22, 2012
- No airline faces closure, will ensure safety: Watchdog - Jan 05, 2012
- As fliers suffer, Kingfisher asked to furnish revised schedule (Roundup) - Feb 21, 2012
- No plans to order closure of any airline: DGCA - Jul 12, 2012
- Kingfisher cancels 20 flights, passengers take the hit - Feb 22, 2012
- Airlines advised not to hike fares: DGCA - May 11, 2012
- Kingfisher cuts flights to fend off debt, banks plan lifeline (Roundup) - Feb 22, 2012
- No airline faces closure, will ensure safety: Watchdog (Lead) - Jan 05, 2012
- No international operations until transaction suspension revoked: Mallya - Mar 21, 2012
- DGCA reviews airlines' safety - Jul 13, 2012
- Ajit Singh rules out cancelling Kingfisher's licence - Feb 23, 2012
- Will not close down Kingfisher due to losses: Ajit Singh - Feb 29, 2012
Tags: administrative decision, air india, ajit singh, alliance partners, aviation fuel, aviation safety, bangalore, bharat bhushan, civil aviation, dgca, director general, fuel suppliers, government aviation, kingfisher, kingfisher airlines, last tuesday, liquor baron, progressive alliance, safety concerns, vijay mallya