Asik SyedIndia’s aviation sector has recently earned international recognition for its significant strides in safety. A pivotal audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in November 2022 highlighted India’s impressive performance, placing it well above the global average in several critical safety parameters such as operations and airworthiness.
Strong Gains in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety Evaluation
India’s Effective Implementation (EI) score—a key metric used by ICAO to evaluate aviation safety—climbed sharply from 69.95% in 2018 to 85.65%. This score reflects India’s progress across all eight ICAO audit areas:
- Legislation
- Organization
- Licensing
- Operations
- Airworthiness
- Accident Investigation
- Air Navigation Services
- Aerodromes
India outperformed the global average in every category, a testament to systemic improvements across the board.
Outperforming Global Powers
In specific domains, India even outshone aviation giants:
- Operations: India scored 94.02%, higher than the global average of 72.28%, and ahead of both the US and China.
- Airworthiness: India achieved 97.06%, compared to China’s 94.83% and the US’s 89.13%.
These results underscore India’s dedication to aligning with global best practices and ensuring passenger safety.
A Sobering Incident Amid Progress
Despite these advancements, a tragic reminder of aviation risks occurred with the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad. The accident claimed 241 lives and caused additional fatalities when the aircraft struck a medical college building. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, following ICAO’s procedural standards.
Global Collaboration in Crash Investigation
Given the aircraft’s American manufacturing origin, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is assisting with the inquiry. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is also involved due to British casualties. Manufacturers Boeing and GE will contribute technical insights on the aircraft and engines.
FAA Category 1 Rating: A Strategic Asset
India retains the prestigious Category 1 rating from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—a status reaffirmed in April 2023. This designation allows Indian airlines to initiate and expand operations to the US, reinforcing India’s position in the global aviation network.
India’s Position in Global Aviation
India stands as the third-largest domestic aviation market, following only the United States and China. Moreover, it is the fastest-growing among major aviation markets, driven by increasing air travel demand. Continued emphasis on safety is pivotal to sustaining this trajectory and building global trust in India’s aviation ecosystem.
Neha Baruah
Tazrin Jakaria
Pinki Borah