Lok Sabha has passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which seeks to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934.
The Act regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircrafts and licensing of aerodromes.
The Bill will provide statutory status to regulatory institutions like
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
DGCA will carry out oversight and regulatory functions with respect to matters under the Bill.
BCAS carries out regulatory oversight functions related to civil aviation security.
AAIB carries out investigations related to aircraft accidents and incidents.
The statutory status to these regulatory institutions would improve India’s aviation safety ranking as suggested by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Act exempted aircrafts belonging to the naval, military, or air forces of the Union.