The recognition stems from India’s improved performance under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme–Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA)
India has been awarded the ‘ICAO Council President Certificate’ in recognition of its progress in establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) presented the certificate to the country’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), at the 42nd session of the ICAO assembly in Montreal, Canada.
The DGCA’s Director General, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, accepted the award on behalf of India from Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council. The award is given to nations that demonstrate significant progress in enhancing their aviation safety oversight capabilities through a clear and transparent audit process.
The recognition stems from India’s improved performance under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme–Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA). According to ICAO, the country showed a marked improvement in its “Effective Implementation” (EI) of the organisation’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Recent audit data from November 2022 shows India’s EI score rose to 85.65 per cent, a substantial jump from 69.95 per cent in a 2018 audit. This improvement has elevated India to 48th place in the global aviation safety ranking, placing it ahead of major aviation markets like China and Israel.
This achievement aligns with ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative, now a key strategic goal for the UN body. The initiative aims to ensure all member states can benefit from the significant socioeconomic advantages of a safe and reliable air transport system. The improved safety ranking is expected to make it easier for Indian carriers to expand their operations internationally with less scrutiny at foreign airports.
