The turbulence within SpiceJet
In trying to keep costs in check at his loss-making airline, chairman Ajay Singh may have created a toxic work atmosphere and poor safety culture.
Why read this story?
Editor's note: Chief of flight safety is a critical position at an airline. The person has to ensure safety practices, keep an eye peeled for any incident or accident, and do a prompt investigation if one takes place. In nearly all airlines, the post is held by a senior captain or industry veteran with decades of experience. SpiceJet, India’s second largest low-cost carrier, also has one. But few are convinced of the choice chairman and managing director Ajay Singh has made in Anushree Varma. It’s not just because Varma had flight incidents in the past. “Nearly all pilots have an incident or two in their careers. That doesn’t disqualify Varma. But is she qualified or experienced enough to be chief of flight safety? No,” says a senior executive at the airline. Then why did Singh choose Varma to head flight safety? First, let’s see what a chief of flight safety, or CFS, is required to be, according to the industry regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA. It has laid down 13 “minimum attributes and qualifications” required in a CFS. …
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