AVIATION
Nepal Airlines’ serious negligence in Safety
CAAN has warned of taking action as the management has seriously neglected the important departments associated with safety.
An alarming negligence has been found in Safety aspect of the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines as three of its crucial departments of the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) related to safety have been found leaderless.
The Duty Maintenance Department of the Corporation, the Continuation Airlines Management Organization, and the Corporate Safety Department have been leaderless for months now. These are significant departments associated with aircraft maintenance. When these departments lack leadership, serious questions arise regarding the safety of the aircraft, for which no one is held accountable.
According to corporation sources, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has warned of taking action as the management has seriously neglected the important departments associated with safety.
“The authority has overlooked the negligence that has been ongoing within the corporation’s management. If immediate action is not taken, it could lead to significant issues,” stated an employee of the corporation. “Who will take responsibility if there are any issues with the aircraft? Even sensitive matters like the operation of aircraft are being dealt with carelessly,” they added.
According to the employee, former Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister (MoTCA) Sudhan Kirati was also informed about the management’s negligence concerning immediate action on the issue of safety. It was expected that the new minister would address these concerns regarding safety.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has entrusted the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to Hit Bahadur Tamang, relieving Kirati of his duties.
Responsibility Withdrawn for Six Months:
CAAN grounded the managers of the Duty Maintenance Department and Continuation Airlines Management Organization six months ago. An aircraft of the corporation, which flew to Saudi Arabia, returned from Pakistani airspace due to technical problems. The TCAS – Traffic Collision and Avoidance System for issuing warnings about the presence or absence of another aircraft in close proximity had a technical issue. After that incident, the aircraft returned to Nepal.
In that incident, DK Sanjel of the Maintenance Department and Upendra Poudel of the Continuation Airlines Management Organization were grounded by CAAN. After they were grounded, the corporation’s management itself took over the operation of these departments without assigning anyone responsibility.
Concerning the Safety Director of the Corporation, CAAN has not approved the file, citing insufficient experience for the appointed candidate. After the European Union (EU) reported serious negligence in aircraft operations, Executive Chairman of the Corporation Yuvaraj Adhikari proposed to remove Jogin Dhirendra Rauniyar himself.
CAAN’s Vigilance:
CAAN is aware of the negligence in aviation safety. After the EU’s report, CAAN sought clarification from the former Executive Chairman within seven days as part of the preparation for disciplinary action.
However, due to political pressure, the officer was spared from disciplinary action. “Whenever there’s talk of taking any action against the government-owned corporation, there’s always a hurdle. Hence, even the ongoing negligence there needs careful attention,” said an employee of CAAN. “High-ranking officials of the corporation seem indifferent. This has raised serious concerns about aircraft safety,” they added.