DGCA to Enforce Stricter Norms on Wet-Leased Aircraft Operations by Indian Airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed more stringent norms for overseeing wet-leased planes operated by Indian airlines. This move comes as domestic carriers increasingly use wet-leased aircraft to meet rising air traffic demand, amid engine and supply chain issues grounding many planes. The DGCA has issued a draft for public consultation on the revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) to enhance safety oversight of these operations.

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Wet leasing involves an Indian carrier leasing foreign aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance. The foreign operator retains operational control and adheres to its own civil aviation authority's regulations. Consequently, the safety oversight falls under the foreign authority, limiting the Indian carrier's role to commercial operations.

Proposed Changes in Safety Oversight

The draft CAR proposes that wet/damp leases should only be allowed from countries with reliable safety oversight systems. It also includes standardising DGCA surveillance on such operations. According to the DGCA, these changes aim to strengthen the regulatory framework for safety oversight.

One significant proposal is that an aircraft can only be wet-leased from ICAO contracting states with an average effective implementation score of 80% or above, with a minimum of 70% in each area of personnel licensing, airworthiness, and operations. This should align with the latest results from the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

Additional Safety Measures

The draft also stipulates that lessors should not have any active significant safety concerns under ICAO USOAP. Other proposed changes include ensuring the reporting of safety occurrences and providing flight data and other necessary safety information to the DGCA.

Indian operators must ensure compliance with breath-analyser examinations for foreign crew members as per DGCA-approved policies and procedures. Additionally, DGCA inspectors should have access to all aircraft records for physical inspections at any time during operations.

Extended Lease Periods

The enhanced regulatory framework also extends the period for wet/damp lease operations. Previously set at three months, extendable by another three months, it will now be six months, extendable by another six months. This change aims to provide more flexibility while maintaining stringent safety standards.

The DGCA's proposals reflect a commitment to improving safety oversight amid increasing reliance on wet-leased aircraft. Public consultation on these draft regulations is currently underway, inviting feedback from stakeholders to refine and finalise the new norms.

These measures are expected to bolster safety standards while accommodating the growing demand for air travel in India. By implementing stricter oversight and extending lease periods, the DGCA aims to ensure that Indian airlines can operate safely and efficiently even when relying on foreign-leased aircraft.