India Aviation Sector

Context:
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed in Gujarat, killing 242 people, despite India’s recent improvements in aviation safety rankings (from 102nd in 2018 to 48th in 2022).

  India Aviation Sector:

• Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market:
  India is the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, after the USA and China. In FY 2023–24, total air passengers reached 376 million (37.6 crore), with a 15% year-on-year growth.
• Expansion of Airports:
  The number of operational airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. The government has set a target of 350–400 airports by 2047.
• UDAN Scheme (Launched in 2016):
  This scheme enhanced regional air connectivity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
  Achievements under UDAN:
  • 583 routes operational
  • 86 airports connected
  • 2.8 lakh flights operated
  • 1.43 crore passengers served
• Women in Aviation:
  India has 15% women pilots, significantly above the global average of 5%.
• Green Aviation – Carbon Neutrality Initiatives:
  Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have been awarded the ACI Level 4+ accreditation for carbon management, the highest level of environmental certification.
• Aviation Safety Ranking:
  India's position in the ICAO’s Effective Implementation (EI) audit improved from 102nd in 2018 to 48th in 2022, with an 85.49% score, ranking above countries like China, Israel, and Turkey.

📚 Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure:
  Focuses on the role of airports and civil aviation in economic growth, regional development, and connectivity.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance:
  Covers policy initiatives such as the UDAN scheme, and disaster management and accountability mechanisms like AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) investigations post-air crashes.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

📰 Source: The Times of India (TOI)
Context: A tragic Air India aircraft crash near Ahmedabad airport has prompted the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to launch a formal investigation, in accordance with international ICAO standards.

✈️ About the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB):

🔍 What is AAIB?

AAIB is a statutory investigative body responsible for probing aircraft accidents and serious incidents occurring within Indian airspace.

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Established on: 30 July 2012
• Legal Basis: Operates under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017
• Global Framework: Functions as per Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention (1944) under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

📋 Mandate and Jurisdiction:

AAIB is authorized to investigate accidents and serious incidents involving:

• Aircraft with All-Up Weight (AUW) greater than 2,250 kg
• All turbojet-powered aircraft
• It may also investigate smaller aircraft accidents if necessary in the interest of public safety.

🛠️ Core Functions of AAIB:

1. Investigation & Classification:
   • Classifies occurrences into accidents, serious incidents, or minor incidents.
2. Final Reports:
   • Compiles detailed reports after the Director General's (DG) approval.
   • Reports are forwarded to ICAO and affected States.
3. Safety Recommendations:
   • Issues policy-level safety suggestions to the DGCA or international regulators for corrective actions.
4. Safety Studies:
   • Conducts analytical studies on systemic risks in civil aviation and proposes long-term reforms.
5. Legal Support:
   • Assists courts and legal assessors in accordance with Rule 12 of the 2017 investigation rules.