Regulatory requirement on private jet's international operations eased

Civil aviation regulator on Thursday said that "certified" private jet operators will not require its approval to undertake international operations.

The development comes after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revised

earlier regulations. The revised regulations shall come into effect from December 15, 2017.

"Indian aircraft operators approved or authorised to undertake international operations shall not be required to obtain prior permission from DGCA for undertaking international non-scheduled flights from or to airports with custom or immigration facilities."

Presently, scheduled and non-scheduled operators are certified by DGCA for undertaking international operations in compliance with ICAO's Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and are given 'area of operations' based on their operational capabilities.

"Such operators approved for international area of operations can henceforth operate international non-scheduled flights as per the area of operations endorsed on their Air Operator Certificate or permit after filing a flight plan with ATC unit concerned," the statement said.

"The private aircraft operators shall also be issued an authorisation with a validity of 5 years for undertaking international operations upon compliance of the laid down requirements as per ICAO SARPs."

Commenting on the development, Rohit Kapur, President of the Business Aircraft Operators Association said: "Business jets are not merely a luxury but in most cases a necessity in terms of gaining quick access and connectivity where time is of essence, and allowing business leaders to be more efficient and productive by affording them the flexibility of travel... This will help maintain the essence of business aviation."

--IANS

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