New Delhi: In an unusual lapse for a tightly regulated industry, Air India has acknowledged that one of its aircraft remained parked at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for nearly 12 years without being reflected in the airline’s active records.
The aircraft in question, a Boeing 737-200 bearing the registration VT-EHH, has not moved since 2012. During this time, airport authorities continued to raise parking bills, which gradually accumulated to almost ₹1 crore. When these invoices were initially issued, Air India reportedly denied that the aircraft belonged to the airline.
That stance has now shifted following an internal review, details of which have surfaced through statements by the airline and coverage in aviation publications in India and abroad.
Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson admitted the oversight in an internal note that later became public. He described the situation as extraordinary, saying that while disposing of ageing aircraft is routine, this case stood out because the airline was unaware it still owned the jet.
Aviation operations rely heavily on detailed documentation. Ownership records, maintenance logs and component histories are continuously monitored to meet safety requirements and satisfy regulators. Against that backdrop, the prolonged oversight of the Kolkata-based aircraft has raised eyebrows within the industry.
According to the airline, the lapse occurred amid a series of structural transitions. The aircraft was originally part of Indian Airlines before its merger with Air India in 2007. It was later leased to India Post and converted for cargo use before being grounded. Over time, it was reportedly excluded from multiple internal inventories, including during Air India’s privatisation in 2022.
Industry experts say such omissions are rare, as idle aircraft typically represent a financial burden rather than a benefit. Analysts note that while mergers and reorganisations can disrupt record-keeping, airlines usually maintain strict control over their fleets due to regulatory and financial pressures.
The Boeing 737-200 is an early-generation model introduced decades ago and has largely vanished from commercial passenger operations. Its market value today is considered negligible, although certain parts may still be reusable.
For Air India, the financial impact of the accumulated parking fees is relatively small compared to its ongoing fleet expansion and modernisation programme. The episode, however, has drawn attention to governance challenges that can surface when legacy systems and large organisational changes intersect.
Airport officials have indicated that abandoned aircraft are not entirely unheard of, pointing to occasional gaps in follow-up and enforcement. The rediscovered Air India jet is now expected to be removed and possibly converted for training purposes.
While the aircraft itself may soon find a new role, the episode underscores how administrative oversights can persist even in industries built around precision and compliance.
