September 3, 2025

NEW DELHI: Hold your hats, aviation fans! The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has done something extraordinary. For the very first time, it handed over a special safety clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS). Why is this so exciting? Because ground handling is the backbone of safe flying — it keeps planes ready, passengers happy, and airports buzzing smoothly. With flights zooming faster, bigger planes landing, and several companies serving at airports, DGCA has made safety clearance a must for all ground handling operators. India is flashing its safety badge proudly, becoming only the second country in Asia Pacific — after Malaysia — to set up a full, fancy safety system in line with the global aviation watchdog ICAO’s smart rules. DGCA praised AISATS for acing a tough safety test. The company’s Safety Management System, risk checks, reporting methods, training, and infrastructure all met top marks. The regulator said, “AISATS received this clearance after a rigorous evaluation of its Safety Management System, risk controls, reporting mechanisms, training, and infrastructure, confirming full compliance with (rules for) ground handling and SMS implementation.” This clearance wasn’t just a formality. DGCA called it a landmark moment showing its dedication to ramp up safety rules and keep a hawk’s eye on ground operations across India. The safety certificate was proudly handed out at DGCA’s fancy office in New Delhi, signaling a giant step forward. DGCA shared, “marking a key milestone that underscores DGCA’s proactive role in embedding Safety Management Systems (SMS) as the foundation of aviation safety and strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem to meet global standards.” So next time you fly, remember, Indian skies and airports are getting safer, smarter, and stronger. That’s a big win for every passenger and the aviation world!

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Tags: Dgca, Air india sats, Aviation safety, Ground handling, Safety management system, Icao,