Safer skies

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Though the number of fatal air accidents globally in 2014 (22) was the lowest in at least 15 years, the total number of casualties in these (992) was higher than the average 750 a year. For Indian aviation, however, it was a relatively safe year. There were no accidents involving airline companies or helicopters, data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggest. The four air accidents during the year - one of those fatal - involved general aviation (flying school planes) and non-scheduled operators (charter companies). This was an improvement from eight general aviation and non-scheduled operator accidents the previous year. Data also suggest the accident rate among scheduled airlines in India is lower than the average in the US and globally. DGCA attributes the improvement in air safety record to audits and inspections of all operators and regulator interaction with stakeholders. Business Standard takes a look at the numbers