Syllabus: GS2/Governance/GS3/Economy
| Context Source: IE Boeing had asked 737 MAX operators globally to carry out inspections after a loose bolt was found in the rudder control system of one of the planes. Washer found missing on Indian carrier’s 737 MAX plane during Boeing-recommended inspection. A washer is a plate with a hole in the centre, and is used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, like as a bolt or nut. Three Indian airlines — Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express- operate 737 MAX-8 planes which were also inspected for safety concerns as directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). |
About Aviation Sector in India
- India is the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, after the USA and China.
- The Indian Aviation Industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, it was valued at $20 Billion in 2020 and is projected to double by 2027.
- India has 137 airports which include 103 Domestic Airports, 24 International Airports, and 10 Customs Airports.
Regulation of Aviation Sector in India
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation is responsible for formulation of national policies for the development and regulation of the Civil Aviation sector.
- It is responsible for the administration of the Aircraft Act, 1934, Aircraft Rules, 1937 and various other legislations pertaining to the aviation sector.
- It exercises administrative control over attached and autonomous organizations like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi and affiliated Public Sector Undertakings like Airports Authority of India and Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body primarily dealing with safety issues.
- It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards.
- It also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
- Airports Authority of India (AAI): The AAI is responsible for managing and developing civil aviation infrastructure, including airports and air navigation services.
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security: The main responsibilities of BCAS include laying down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India.
- Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs): India enters into bilateral agreements with other countries to regulate air services between them. These agreements outline the number of flights, routes, and other operational details between the two countries.
Challenges Faced by Indian Aviation Sector
Safety Related Challenges
- Pilot Fatigue: Pilot fatigue remains a safety concern globally. Ensuring that pilots adhere to regulated duty hours, receive sufficient rest between flights, and have access to adequate facilities for rest is essential to prevent fatigue-related incidents.
- Technological Integration: Ensuring that pilots are adequately trained to handle and troubleshoot new technologies is essential for maintaining safety.
- Maintenance Practices: Strict adherence to maintenance schedules, regulatory standards, and the use of quality spare parts are essential for preventing technical failures that could compromise aircraft safety.
- Aircraft Aging: The aging fleet of some airlines can pose safety challenges.
- Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination among different stakeholders, including air traffic control, airlines, and ground services, are crucial for preventing misunderstandings and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Emergency Response Preparedness: Being prepared for emergency situations, including engine failures, medical emergencies, or other in-flight incidents, is essential.
Industry Related Challenges
- High Operating Costs: Airlines in India often face high operating costs, including fuel prices, airport charges, and maintenance expenses.
- These factors impact the profitability of airlines and can lead to increased ticket prices for passengers.
- Cutthroat Pricing: To attract passengers, airlines in India often resort to dramatically slashing ticket prices, making it challenging to balance the books, especially when operational costs remain high.
- Infrastructure Constraints: Despite significant growth, the infrastructure at many airports in India faces challenges in terms of capacity, maintenance, and modernization.
- Airspace Congestion: The limited availability of airspace and outdated air traffic management systems contribute to congestion and delays in flight operations.
- Volatility in Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in global oil prices can significantly impact the operating costs of airlines.
- Technological Advancements: While technological advancements can enhance safety and efficiency, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies requires significant investments.
Suggestions
- Regular maintenance, stringent checks, and adherence to retirement policies are crucial for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of older aircraft.
- Regular drills and training exercises should be conducted to enhance the preparedness of flight and ground crews.
- Adhering to international aviation security standards set by organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is crucial for maintaining the security of aircraft.
- Compliance ensures a consistent and standardized approach to aviation security.
- Streamlining regulatory processes is crucial for a more agile and responsive industry.