Aviation Safety Awareness Week: India's Commitment to Safe Skies
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is observing Aviation Safety Awareness Week from November 25 to 29, reaffirming its commitment to safety in aviation. |
| Key Leadership | Initiative led by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, focusing on fostering a culture of safety across airports and Air Navigation Services (ANS) in India. |
| Static | Headquarters: New Delhi; Founded: 1 April 1995; Divisions: Indian Airports; Key people: Vipin Kumar, Chairman |
| Significance of Aviation Safety | - Aims to prevent accidents and incidents through comprehensive measures. - Ensures public trust and the well-being of aviation personnel. - Critical for a complex, interconnected industry. |
| India's Safety Framework | - Stringent Quality Control: Regular checks ensure compliance with standards. - Technological Advancements: Tools like E-GPWS and wind-shear detection enhance safety. - Collaborative Efforts: Unified approach by regulators, airlines, and stakeholders. |
| Historical Milestones | - 1911: First commercial flight (Allahabad-Naini). - 1932: Launch of Tata Airlines. - 1947: India joined ICAO. - Sarla Thakral: India's first woman pilot. |
| Aviation Growth | - Liberalization (1990s) and low-cost carriers (2000s) revolutionized air travel. - UDAN scheme improved connectivity. - India is now the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market globally. |
| Safety Achievements | - 2023 DGCA Review: Reduced incidents (airprox, ground alerts). - Accidents in 2024 reduced to 2 (from 10 in 2023). |
| Strategies for Safety | 1. Standardization: Uniform protocols for preparedness. 2. Communication: Clear coordination between pilots, ATC, and ground staff. 3. Quality Control: Rigorous checks on aircraft systems. 4. Hazard Reporting: Encouraging proactive risk management. |