DGCA Approves Safety Clearance for AISATS

Fast Summary

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted safety clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS) for the first time.
• Ground handling safety is critical due to increasing air traffic, larger aircraft, faster turnarounds, and multiple service providers.
• DGCA has mandated safety clearance for all ground handling operators in India and implemented a framework aligned with ICAO guidance, making India the second country after Malaysia in Asia-Pacific to adopt such standards.
• AISATS achieved clearance following rigorous evaluation of its Safety Management System (SMS), risk controls, reporting mechanisms, training programs, and infrastructure compliance.
• The move highlights DGCA’s focus on strengthening SMS foundations and enhancing regulatory oversight to elevate aviation safety across India.

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!DGCA grants safety clearance to AISATS

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Indian Opinion Analysis
the DGCA’s decision marks a pivotal step toward ensuring robust ground handling standards that align with international norms under ICAO guidance. India’s proactive implementation places it among global leaders in aviation regulatory practices within the Asia-Pacific region, fostering safer airport operations amid growing aviation demands. The complete framework is instrumental as modern airports face increasingly complex logistical challenges due to rising air traffic volumes and operational intensity.

This milestone for AISATS further reflects the regulator’s broader commitment to creating efficient oversight mechanisms thru systematic evaluations while promoting industry adherence to global best practices. Such measures are vital not only for operational efficiency but also enhancing India’s reputation in global aviation markets as a model player aligning domestic systems with internationally recognized standards.