Praful Patel says safety of airlines will not be compromised

New Delhi, Aug 3 (ANI): Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Tuesday said the Director General of Civil Aviation has started evaluating the financial health of scheduled airlines and its impact on safety following the crash of the Air India Express flight in Mangalore on May 22, which claimed 158 lives.

"Three ICAO technical projects in the areas of flight safety, aerodrome standards and navigation services have been commissioned by DGCA to enhance its safety oversight capabilities," said Patel in the Rajya Sabha in response to the Calling Motion tabled regarding 'Serious safety problems faced by airline industry in the country.

" The aerodrome project has just been completed and ICAO findings in the identified areas have been addressed," he added.

"The other two projects are underway and are expected to be finalized soon. An Aviation Regulatory Advisory Panel (ARAP) with eight Working Groups has been set up to review existing regulations in airworthiness, flight operations, flight safety, licencing, air transport services and air navigation services," he said.

Patel said the panel will study the best international practices and globally harmonized standards and suggest revision in current regulations wherever required.

"The concept of Safety Management System (SMS), recommended by ICAO is also under consideration and a draft regulation for the same is under process," he claimed.

Patel further said a Court of Enquiry headed by Air Marshal (Retd.) B.N. Gokhale has been set up under Rule 75 of the Aircraft Rules 1937, which is expected to submit its report by August 31. (ANI)