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Key Points

The DGCA has issued its first-ever safety clearance for ground handling operations to Air India SATS. This makes India the second country in the APAC region to implement such a comprehensive framework following ICAO guidance. The clearance was granted after a thorough assessment of AISATS's Safety Management System and infrastructure. This milestone highlights DGCA's proactive efforts to strengthen India's aviation safety ecosystem.

Key Points: DGCA Grants First Safety Clearance to Air India SATS Ground Handling

  • India becomes second APAC country after Malaysia to implement this framework
  • Clearance follows rigorous evaluation of AISATS safety systems and infrastructure
  • Mandatory for all operators due to increasing air traffic and larger aircraft
  • Aligns with ICAO guidance for comprehensive aviation safety standards
2 min read

DGCA grants first-ever safety clearance to Air India SATS for ground handling operations

DGCA issues India's first ground handling safety clearance to AISATS, aligning with ICAO standards and enhancing aviation safety protocols nationwide.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Safety Clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS) for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening Safety Management Systems (SMS) and enhancing regulatory oversight in ground handling operations across India - DGCA Statement"

New Delhi, September 2

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued its first-ever safety clearance for ground handling operations to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS), a move seen as a major step in enhancing aviation safety standards in India.

According to a statement issued by DGCA, "The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Safety Clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS) for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening Safety Management Systems (SMS) and enhancing regulatory oversight in ground handling operations across India".

The clearance has been issued under the provisions of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 4, Series X, Part II. With this, India has become the second country after Malaysia in APAC region to implement such a comprehensive framework in alignment with ICAO guidance, it added.

Ground handling is vital to aviation safety, and with increasing traffic, larger aircraft, faster turnarounds, and multiple service providers, DGCA has mandated safety clearance for all operators. AISATS received this clearance after a rigorous evaluation of its Safety Management System, risk controls, reporting mechanisms, training, and infrastructure, confirming full compliance with CAR provisions on Ground Handling and SMS implementation, statement further reads.

The regulator added further that Safety Clearance was handed over to AISATS at DGCA Headquarters in New Delhi, marking a key milestone that underscores DGCA's proactive role in embedding Safety Management Systems (SMS) as the foundation of aviation safety and strengthening India's aviation ecosystem to meet global standards.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
About time! I travel frequently and have seen some concerning ground handling practices at smaller airports. This regulatory oversight was much needed.
R
Rohit P
Good move but hope this isn't just paperwork. Implementation and regular audits matter more than certificates. DGCA needs to ensure continuous compliance.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in aviation, this is a significant development. Safety Management Systems are the backbone of modern aviation safety. Well done DGCA!
V
Vikram M
Second in APAC after Malaysia? We should aim to be first in such safety initiatives. Still, progress is progress. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
This is exactly what Indian aviation needs - structured safety frameworks rather than ad-hoc approaches. Hope other ground handlers follow suit quickly.

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