DGCA steps-up digitisation mode, issues electronic licences to Air Traffic Controllers

Technology, innovation and digitisation are the norm of the day. Almost every field and every sector is rapidly evolving and undergoing a digital transition to keep pace with the world at large. The aviation sector is no different, in fact, aviation is at the forefront of adoption of the latest technology and digital means for efficient operations. Most of the Indian airports are smart airports with the latest digitisation technology, e.g. – DigiYatra. Almost all aspects of aviation are going paperless as a sustainable, easier and more convenient means of communication. Airlines have already started introducing i-pads for pilots to reduce cabin weight as well as carbon emissions.

Along similar lines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is all set to issue licenses to Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in electronic form. With this DGCA has advanced its operations into a paperless format to keep abreast with the latest technology. This move is also looked upon as a fundamental shift in the operational dynamics of air traffic management and not a mere regulatory update.

The benefits of electronic licencing for ATC’s

• significantly improve operational efficiency, enabling ATCOs to access and manage their licenses with ease on self-contained mobile electronic device

• Licenses will be securely stored and readily accessible through smartphones and tablets, allowing for real-time updates and immediate access to license information.

DGCA claims that by moving away from cumbersome paper-based systems to a fully digital platform, the Electronic License revolutionises the way ATCOs manage their licenses. This innovative move signifies a pivotal shift in the management of personnel licenses, ushering in an era of enhanced efficiency and modernisation within the Indian aviation landscape.

This initiative underscores the DGCA's strategic vision of embedding technological innovation within its regulatory framework, driving India's civil aviation sector towards enhanced performance and global competitiveness, it said that the digital license also compliments DGCA India's commitment to environment-friendly initiatives, as the process of printing of licenses will be completely dispensed away with.