New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to amend regulations to allow airlines to import aircraft up to 20 years old, addressing delays in aircraft deliveries caused by global supply chain disruptions. Currently, pressurised aircraft up to 18 years old can be imported under existing norms.
Proposed Changes to Civil Aviation Requirements
Under the proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning the age of aircraft for scheduled, non-scheduled, charter, and general aviation operations, pressurised aircraft intended for passenger services would now be eligible for import if they are:
- No more than 20 years old, or
- Have completed up to 65% of their designed economic life in pressurisation cycles, whichever comes first.
Unpressurised aircraft, such as trainer planes that operate at lower altitudes, would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. These aircraft must have flown at least 50 hours in the last six months and cannot exceed 25 years of age.
Context and Industry Impact
India currently operates over 800 leased aircraft, with more than 1,400 planes on order as airlines expand their fleets. Supply chain constraints have made acquiring new aircraft challenging, prompting carriers to explore leasing options. The DGCA’s proposed relaxation in age limits is expected to provide airlines greater flexibility in fleet management and help meet growing passenger demand.
India is the world’s third-largest aviation market, with passenger traffic projected to double to 500 million by 2030, making timely fleet expansion critical.
Next Steps
The draft CAR is currently under review, and the DGCA is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders before finalizing the amendments. The move is seen as a proactive step to support airlines in addressing fleet shortages while maintaining safety standards.
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