DGCA launches electronic licence services for airline transport pilots
New Delhi, Jan 21
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation launched the Electronic Personnel Licence services for Airline Transport Pilot Licence on Wednesday, marking an important milestone in its digital transformation journey.
The Electronic Personnel Licence is a secure digital licence incorporating ICAO-aligned security features to ensure authenticity, prevent tampering, and enable real-time verification. It can be accessed through the eGCA mobile application.
The DGCA had initiated the roll-out of the EPL in February 2025, starting with Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) and Flight Radio Telephone Operator's (Restricted) Licence (FRTOL). With the launch of the EPL services for ATPL, the DGCA further strengthens its commitment towards enhanced efficiency, transparency and improved service delivery for the aviation sector.
In his remarks on the occasion of the launch, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai highlighted that the EPL initiative is a key step towards strengthening India's civil aviation regulatory ecosystem through secure, modern, and future-ready digital systems. He congratulated the DGCA teams and technology partners for their efforts in implementing this initiative and acknowledged the cooperation extended by the aviation industry and stakeholders in adopting the new system.
The DGCA earlier rolled out the Electronic Personnel Licence system for Commercial Pilot's Licences (CPL) and FRTOLs starting in February 2025, making India the second country to digitalise pilot licenses, following ICAO guidelines for enhanced security and efficiency, accessible via the eGCA mobile app for pilots and authorities. The initiative brings digital, tamper-proof access to pilot credentials, aligning with 'Digital India' and 'Ease of Doing Business'.
The introduction of EPL follows ICAO's Amendment 178 to Annex 1 - Personnel Licensing, which encourages member states to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While major global aviation leaders are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has successfully taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see India taking the lead in digital aviation solutions. The focus on ICAO-aligned security features is crucial. Hope the eGCA app is user-friendly and has robust customer support for pilots adapting to the new system.
Digital India in action! This will definitely improve transparency and reduce paperwork. My cousin is a pilot and he's always complaining about the renewal process. Hope this makes things smoother for our aviation professionals.
A good initiative, but I hope they have considered cybersecurity thoroughly. Digital systems are only as good as their security. A data breach involving pilot credentials would be a serious issue. The DGCA must ensure top-notch digital infrastructure.
This is wonderful news for 'Ease of Doing Business'. It shows our systems are becoming future-ready. However, I hope they provide adequate training and a transition period for older pilots who might not be as tech-savvy. We must not leave anyone behind.
Impressive to read that India is the second country to do this, following ICAO guidelines. Speaks volumes about the technical capability here. The real-time verification feature will be a huge boost for airport security and efficiency.
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