look news india
Airport New Service: The country's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued safety norms for air handling service providers at airports, including mandatory security clearance requirements. The DGCA has taken this step as part of efforts to ensure safe operation of aircraft at airports amid increased air traffic. These rules have also been made in the backdrop of incidents of damage to aircraft at some airports.
DGCA issues civil aviation requirements
In a release issued on Wednesday, the DGCA said the new civil aviation requirements (CAR) have been formulated after detailed deliberations and will strengthen the monitoring system. It also mentions the training and skill requirements of airport personnel who are part of aircraft operations there.
Cars releases on 8 July
Ground handling service providers (GHSPs) will have to obtain security clearance from the DGCA within six months. This six-month period began on July 8 when the regulator issued the CAR.
Security will be increased at the airport
According to the release, robust security mechanisms to be implemented by airport service providers will help prevent and minimise adverse events during aircraft operations at airports. Under the new rules, these service providers will have to appoint accountable managers, station managers and security managers. Among other things, airport personnel will have to undergo updated training.
Taking into account the unprecedented growth in aircraft operations and the increasing role of third parties in aircraft operations at airports, DGCA said it has become imperative to establish safety standards for GHSPs involved in aircraft maintenance at Indian airports. This is an area which was not covered under any existing regulation till now. Factors such as larger aircraft and increase in the number of ancillary equipment at airports increase the operational safety challenge.
The DGCA said that unlike other sectors of the aviation industry, the 'ground handling' sector is currently not subject to regulation in areas such as flight operations, air traffic management and airport operations. It said that it has therefore become essential to achieve operational safety of aircraft at airports.