Category Archives: Aviation

  Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA says, “IATA is a trade association that establishes industry standards and practices whereas the DGCA is a national regulatory body whose primary role is to establish a safe and secure national civil aviation industry.  The IATA accreditation program was established to provide a common platform for airlines to appoint their agents, hence why there was strict criteria.  However, the program must recognize approved national training organizations and therefore should accept certificates from DGCA approved training bodies.  I understand there was an issue earlier this year where the DGCA didn’t recertify some training bodies in accordance with new Competency based training requirements established by ICAO.”

  Cyrus Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company shares, “Personally, I have done my DGR course with Air India and I found it very professional. It was not a cakewalk, but had to work hard to qualify DGR examination. If there is anything lacking in our DGR programs, IATA is most welcome to make amendment of suggestions. The industry must move hand-in-hand, working positively towards professionalism.”

Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight shares, “There is a need for skilled manpower in the dangerous goods logistics business be it handling, or transportation among others. Also, Indian DG training institutes should hire skilled and experienced personnel who are qualified and know what they must do well. The institutes must provide practical training not mere bookish knowledge. I feel, Indian agents must get IATA certified, I know it is a costly process, but it is important to ensure safety of not only the goods but also the persons involved in the business. IATA’s way of teaching and curriculum (common for institutes worldwide) is completely different. Indian institutes must adopt that.  IATA approved training schools have staff trained and approved by IATA and only they are authorised to train. Certificates are issued by IATA CANADA for successful candidate will get DG training programme 7.1 accepted worldwide which is not given by DGCA approved schools. IATA and ICAO work closely to provide the best standards of services. True, Indian DG training institutes are DGCA-approved, but there are certain important norms formulated by the IATA, which Indian training institutes and agents must know and strictly follow. DGCA must introduce one rule book for all, covering international and national mandates for DG business. In India, half of the DG handlers are not even aware of the international regulations involved; the airlines too must follow these norms. Another important point is, in foreign countries there is a rule that only those who are dealing in dangerous goods require IATA certification, while others do not. But in India, this is also not applicable.”

Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, Nexgen Logistics, Garudavega says, “There have been various changes in the Dangerous Goods Regulations and training of the employees in the recent past and the air cargo industry has been struggling for a clarification from the various authorities on the same.  DGCA, the nodal body for the same must specify the requirements and ensure the institutions adhere to the same and then the candidates are trained accordingly. The IATA has also not been clear and not accepting the current certificates is major issue for the industry and this has to be addressed through discussions on priority.”

Radharaman Panicker, MD, Dangerous Goods Management India says, “The training school offering DG course for air transport needs to be approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India according to the civil aviation requirement (CAR) on training issued by the competent authority. Further it is mandatory for everyone involved in the transportation of air cargo to be trained in accordance with the said CAR, which also includes the freight forwarder. This is as per Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules 2003. The certificate issued by the approved training schools are required to affix the words “DGCA approved” on the certificate. Certificate issued by us also contains such a requirement. This is being followed in India for last 12-13 years now. Most of the institutes in India were first required to be approved by DGCA, then only the IATA accreditation if any would come into play. So, it is ridiculous for IATA to ask for additional certificate from the training school. Otherwise, what is the meaning of certificate being issued by approved training school. If IATA indeed has doubt about the authenticity of the school, they should address the matter to the DGCA and asked to be submitted a list of approved training school for their record or they could simply go and check the website of DGCA. It appears to me that they are questioning the authority of the Government of India to approve training institutions in India or even the programme itself.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been rejecting the DG certificate issued by DGCA approved Indian DG Training schools that are presented by Indian cargo agents for their IATA accreditation. It appears that along with the certificate, they also want a certificate from the training school.  It is affecting the trade notably. Addressing the concern, Radharaman Panicker, MD, Dangerous Goods Management India in an exclusive chat says, “The training school offering DG course for air transport needs to be approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India according to the civil aviation requirement (CAR) on training issued by the competent authority. Further it is mandatory for every one involved in the transportation of air cargo to be trained in accordance with the said CAR, which also includes the freight forwarder. This is as per Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules 2003. The certificate issued by the approved training schools are required to affix the words “DGCA approved” on the certificate. Certificate issued by us also contains such a requirement. This is being followed in India for last 12-13 years now. Most of the institutes in India were first required to be approved by DGCA, then only the IATA accreditation if any would come into play. So it is ridiculous for IATA to ask for additional certificate from the training school. Otherwise what is the meaning of certificate being issued by approved training school. If IATA indeed has doubt about the authenticity of the school, they should address the matter to the DGCA and asked to be submitted a list of approved training school for their record or they could simply go and check …

UK freighter operator One Air has plans to double its fleet to four aircraft by the end of 2025. The carrier, which was launched a year ago, currently operates two converted Boeing 747 freighters and will add a third 747 aircraft, with nose-loading capabilities, by the end of August.  Chris Hope, COO, One Air said in a statement, “The first year of operations for a new airline can be a voyage of discovery. I am delighted to say that at One Air, our first 12 months have seen steady growth as we lay the foundations for our long-term ambitions. We greatly appreciate our global sales agency partner, Air One Aviation, for driving demand, and the freight forwarders, charter brokers, and logistics providers for their trust in us as a new airline. The arrival of our third aircraft in August will expand our offerings, and by the end of 2025, we hope to have doubled our fleet based on promising growth opportunities.”  

Geodis has attained the Transported Asset Protection Association Trucking Security Requirements (TAPA TSR) 2023 Level 1 Standard for the Geodis Road Network fleet covering Singapore and Malaysia. This certification is a first in the international freight forwarding industry for cross-border road freight between Singapore and Malaysia, enhancing GEODIS’ reputation as an industry leader committed to the highest standards of freight security and reliability. The TSR Level 1 is the highest level of certification granted by TAPA and validates GEODIS’ adherence to rigorous standards in the transportation of goods via road, securing customers’ cargo against theft, tampering and evolving threats. This independently audited certification is widely regarded to be the industry-leading security standard and the benchmark that demonstrates a company’s commitment to implementing stringent security measures to mitigate risks.    

Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, Garudavega, Nexgen Logistics said, “The Current Budget has focussed on the states like Andhra Pradesh which have the largest coast line and the potential to bring the overall logistics cost down. The Budget has touched important aspect of Infrastructure and allocating Rs.11.11 lakhs crore for capital expenditure which will boost development and participation from the state government as well . Bihar will receive a substantial Rs.26,000 crores as well and that will help in the development of key infrastructure projects along with the Visakhapatnam – Chennai Industrial corridor. The coast line of Andhra Pradesh and the development of the Industrial corridor will boost the logistics industry and clearly as well.”