Fined by US for sloppy website,AI defence: our employee died

AI argued that it had uploaded its tarmac delay and customer service plans,but these apparently did not properly appear due to a technical problem.

The delay in fixing this was due to the unfortunate and unexpected death of the employee responsible for making the changes,AI argued during the mitigation proceedings.

The defence cut no ice with the US Transporation Department,which has directed the carrier to pay half of its $80,000 fine within a month.

Foreign carriers operating to the US with at least one aircraft of 30 or more seats are required to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays as well as customer service plans,and to post these on their websites.

Ironically,AI has one of the worlds highest aircraft to manpower ratios of 1:230,against the norm of 1:115. It has also been grappling with problems of rationalising its staff that numbers over 38,000.

AI said it would seek corrective action by paying half the penalty and seeking a waiver on the rest. AI has 10 days to file a review petition.