Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

India Becomes Second Country to Launch Electronic Personnel License for Pilots

India – Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu today launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots, a ground-breaking initiative set to modernize and enhance the safety, security and efficiency of India’s civil aviation sector. With this advancement, India becomes the second country globally to implement this advanced system, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The EPL is a digital version of a personnel license that will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots. It will be securely accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application, ensuring a seamless and transparent process in alignment with the Government of India’s “Ease of Doing Business” and “Digital India” initiatives.

The introduction of EPL follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While major global aviation leaders, are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has successfully taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.

The Union Minister remarked, “With the unprecedented growth of India’s aviation sector, we will need approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. Pilots are the backbone of civil aviation, and with eGCA and EPL, we are leveraging innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance their comfort and employability globally, while providing real-time access to their credentials to support security operations.”

Prior to this implementation, DGCA was issuing licenses to the Pilots in the smart card format and had issued 62,000 card licenses till date. The total licenses issued in the year 2024 requiring printed cards stand at approximately 20,000 which is average of 1,667 cards per month. With the launch of EPL, the need for printed cards will be reduced in a phased manner, significantly streamlining the licensing process. Additionally, this shift will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability by reducing paper and plastic usage.

The Minister, also highlighted other transformative initiatives for reshaping Indian aviation through digital innovation and making operations more efficient. Key advancements include the eGCA platform for streamlined licensing, the Digital Sky Platform for drones, and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations.

The introduction of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots represents a significant milestone in establishing a globally recognized regulatory framework. It strengthens India’s position as a global leader in aviation innovation and ensuring a more robust and tamper-proof licensing system.

About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Based in New Delhi, India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the country’s regulatory body for civil aviation. It oversees safety regulations, licensing, and operational standards for aviation professionals and organizations in India.

Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation, India

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British Airways Hosts RAF Air Cadets in 2025 for Flight Simulator and Aviation Training Experience

London, United Kingdom – Eight Royal Air Force Air Cadets recently participated in an exclusive training experience at British Airways’ Heathrow Training and Engineering Centres, gaining hands-on exposure to airline operations and flight simulation.

  • The cadets, selected at the National Air and Space Camp Industry Day last August, each received 45-minute training sessions in a full-motion Boeing 777 or Airbus A320 simulator under the guidance of British Airways pilots.
  • They toured aircraft undergoing maintenance and deep servicing, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, with insights from British Airways engineering apprentices.
  • The visit included emergency training at the Flight Crew Training Centre, where cadets experienced a simulated evacuation and fire management procedures.
  • British Airways staff, pilots, and Student Ambassadors engaged with the cadets throughout the day, discussing career opportunities in aviation.
  • The visit is part of British Airways’ ongoing partnership with the National Air and Space Camp to support and inspire future aviation professionals.

Statements:

  • “This is our third year of offering this unique experience, and we are delighted to have such a close relationship with the National Air and Space Camp.” – Ruth Smith, Training Captain, British Airways
  • “These cadets showed outstanding aptitude and engagement with BA’s outreach team at the camp in August and have been rewarded with a fantastic and unique behind-the-scenes visit.” – Sqn Ldr Tom Hunt, Deputy Camp Commandant, National Air and Space Camp

Source: Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Photo Credit: Royal Air Force Air Cadets

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Prince Sultan University Becomes First AABI-Accredited Saudi University in Aviation

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Prince Sultan University (PSU) has become the first Saudi university in the Middle East to receive academic accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), marking a significant milestone in aviation education.

  • AABI accreditation is a globally recognized endorsement of aviation programs, covering aviation sciences, operations management, and safety.
  • The recognition affirms PSU’s curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and alignment with international aviation education standards.
  • This achievement enhances PSU graduates’ employability in the rapidly growing aviation sector.
  • PSU’s accreditation supports its strategic vision of establishing a College of Space and Aviation, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for aviation industry advancement.

Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)

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US’s National Flight Training Alliance Welcomes Paul Wynns to 2025 Board

United States – Paul Wynns has joined the board of National Flight Training Alliance (NFTAUS), an organization focused on modernizing aviation training, improving pilot production, and advocating for policy reforms in the industry. Mr Wynn is the CEO of Flex Air Flight Training.

Statement by Mr Wynn

“Honored to join the board at NFTAUS.org, an organization dedicated to streamlining regulations, expanding pilot production, and embracing innovation in aviation training. Excited to work alongside Christopher Schoensee, Lee Collins, and the team they’ve assembled!

My team at Flex Air Flight Training has seen seen firsthand how outdated policies and funding bottlenecks slow down pilot training- it’s crucial that we remove barriers to get more well-trained pilots in the air.

At NFTAUS, I’ll be working alongside industry leaders to:

  • Cut through regulatory red tape to modernize aviation training
  • Improve veteran benefits funding for aspiring pilots
  • Expand workforce development to bring more talent to the flight deck
  • Support the adoption of new technology for safer, more effective training

A strong pilot supply chain is a national security issue. Full stop.”

Source: Paul Wynns, NFTAUS
Photo Credit: NFTAUS

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