7303-017-062

Insights on Aviation Regulation

Explore articles and updates related to Aviation Regulation in the aviation and drone industry.

'Regret incident': Air India Issues Statement After Pilot Found Drunk on Vancouver, Delhi flight; Initiates Probe
Aviation Regulation Alcohol Regulation

'Regret incident': Air India Issues Statement After Pilot Found Drunk on Vancouver, Delhi flight; Initiates Probe

Air India said it regretted the occurrence after one of its pilots on a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was found to be drunk by Canadian authorities. Flight AI186 was delayed at Vancouver airport after the cockpit crew member was offloaded ahead of departure. In a statement, an Air India representative said Canadian authorities had flagged the issue, after which the pilot was taken for additional inquiry. “Consistent with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” the airline said. The spokesperson added that the pilot had been taken off flying duties throughout the enquiry and that strict action would be taken if any violation were confirmed. “Pending the consequence of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict punitive action as per the company policy,” the statement said. Air India said that there is a zero-tolerance policy on violations and said safety is its highest priority. The incident was highlighted after Transport Canada informed Air India that the pilot failed a breathalyzer test before operating the flight. In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada said the incident resulted in a violation of Canadian aviation regulations and the conditions set out in Air India’s foreign air operator certificate. It also asked Air India to conduct a detailed investigation under its safety management system and to submit a report on the steps taken by January 26, 2026. It also said enforcement action could be pursued by Canadian authorities. The flight operated a long-haul route that now includes a refuelling stop due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. AI186 was to take flight from Vancouver to Vienna with one set of pilots, after which another crew would take over for the Vienna–Delhi leg. Source: Times of India

Saheel Singh 02 Jan 2026
India Likely to Shift to Ethanol-Blended Aviation Fuel by Mid-2027
Ethanol Blended Fuel Aviation Fuel

India Likely to Shift to Ethanol-Blended Aviation Fuel by Mid-2027

India will shift to ethanol-blended aviation fuel by mid-2027, gradually ramping it up in phases, with the addition of over two dozen distilleries supported by federal biofuel incentives. The nation, which has the world’s third-largest aviation market, is introducing 1% ethanol blending in jet fuel by 2027, raising it to 2% in 2028 and further to 5% by 2030. Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State, had shared these targets in Parliament. India has already carried out trial flights using cleaner aviation fuel. In 2023 March, Air Vistara, which has since merged with Air India, operated a long-haul Boeing 787 flight from the USA to India using blended fuel. In the same year, Air Asia flew the nation’s first commercial domestic flight between Pune and Delhi with a fuel blend. As stated in the news report, a long-pending policy on sustainable aviation fuel will be released for public consultation next month, the official said, requesting anonymity. The International Civil Aviation Organization has accepted the Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation as a global market-based measure to decrease emissions from international aviation that need offsetting above a baseline value. Airlines can also use SAF or offset their production by purchasing carbon credits from ICAO-approved Emissions Unit Programmes. SAF offers a direct pathway to emission reduction by lowering the lifecycle carbon footprint of aviation fuel. When airlines adopt CORSIA-eligible SAF certified against ICAO’s sustainability standards and verified through Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification, they can claim these reductions as alternatives for carbon credits, thus reducing their offsetting obligations under the scheme. The Centre is supporting biofuel projects through the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, which offers monetary assistance for setting up plants, including those producing aviation fuel. Under the scheme, the government offers interest support for five years and a one-year repayment break for loans taken out to set up new ethanol distilleries. The support covers interest up to 6% per year or half of the bank’s lending rate, whichever is lower. Several companies/PSUs, namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Limited, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Institute of Petroleum, etc., are presently working on SAF production/research. Source: Hindustan Times

Saheel Singh 17 Dec 2025
half-star-solid phone