Air India Launches Mental Health App for Pilots and Cabin Crew

Air India has launched a dedicated emotional and mental well-being app for its pilots, cabin crew, and their families. The app offers over 600 self-care techniques, one-to-one therapy sessions, and psychiatry support, as well as tools for journaling and mood tracking. This move comes after a plane crash in June killed 260 people, resulting in a significant number of pilots reporting sick. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also reiterated its 2023 circular advising airlines to implement mental health training and access to peer support programs.

In the wake of the June plane crash that claimed 260 lives, Air India has taken a significant step towards supporting the mental health of its pilots, cabin crew, and their families. The airline has launched a dedicated emotional and mental well-being app, offering a comprehensive suite of self-care techniques, one-to-one therapy sessions, psychiatry support, journaling tools, and mood tracking [1].

The app, designed to accommodate busy schedules, provides over 600 expert-designed self-care techniques, allowing users to book one-to-one sessions with professionals tailored to their comfort. This initiative comes as a response to the June crash, during which 112 pilots reported sick on a single day, comprising 51 commanders and 61 First Officers [1].

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reiterated its 2023 circular, advising airlines to implement customised mental health training for crew and ensure access to Peer Support Programmes (PSP) [1]. These confidential, non-punitive systems are designed to help flight crew cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma.

The crash, which occurred on June 12, involved a Boeing 787-8 aircraft en route to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the fuel to the engines was cut off accidentally, leading to the devastating air tragedy [1].

As the aviation industry increasingly emphasizes crew wellness, many regulatory bodies and organizations recommend mental health training. Advanced Aircrew Academy's Mental Health Awareness eLearning training, for instance, covers key topics such as signs and symptoms, coping strategies, promoting a supportive culture, and crisis response [2].

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has also implemented new features to address mental health concerns. These include break reminders during extended chat sessions and improved detection of emotional distress [3].

While these initiatives aim to promote healthier interactions and mental well-being, their effectiveness remains to be seen. Ongoing research and adjustments will likely be necessary to ensure responsible AI use.

References:

[1] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-rolls-out-dedicated-emotional-mental-well-being-app-for-pilots-cabin-crew/articleshow/123147327.cms

[2] https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedAircrewAcademy/posts/as-the-aviation-industry-increasingly-emphasizes-crew-wellness-many-regulatory-b/1326103766185000/

[3] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/open-ai-introduces-mental-health-safeguards-and-break-reminders-in-chat-gpt-18624/