BALANCING INDIA'S AVIATION BOOM WITH EXPERIENCE

India's aviation boom reflects its economic ambition, but growth without seasoned expertise risks safety and efficiency

- By SANJAY JULKA

INDIA'S AVIATION SECTOR IS SOARING, WITH ITS COMMERCIAL aircraft fleet poised to double in the next five years.

This surge, alongside growing numbers of helicopters and business jets, promises better connectivity and economic growth. Yet, recent accidents—like the Air India crash, Kedarnath helicopter accidents, and trainer aircraft mishaps—cast a shadow over this optimism. As India's skies grow busier, the need for experienced professionals across all aviation roles becomes critical to ensure safety and efficiency.

EXAMPLES OF ACCIDENTS: WHEN RAPID EXPANSION OUTPACED EXPERIENCE

History shows that unchecked aviation growth can lead to safety risks. Here are three global examples where rapid expansion exposed gaps in experience:

• United States (1970s Airline Boom): After airline deregulation, the US saw a surge in air traffic that overwhelmed pilots, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), and regulators. Airlines cut corners on pilot training, and ATC systems struggled to keep up. The 1978 PSA Flight 182 crash, a midair collision, underscored the dangers of prioritising growth over expertise.

• China (Early 2000s Aviation Expansion): China's aviation boom in the early 2000s led to a rush in pilot licensing to meet demand. Inadequate training and skill gaps contributed to accidents, like the 2010 Henan Airlines crash, revealing how rapid growth can compromise safety when experience is sidelined.

• India (2000s Low-Cost Carrier Boom): The rise of low-cost carriers in India during the early 2000s triggered a pilot shortage, prompting airlines to hire foreign crews unfamiliar with local challenges like monsoon weather or high-altitude airports. The 2010 Mangalore Air India Express crash highlighted the catastrophic risks of insufficient cockpit experience.

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