In a remarkable achievement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has created history by issuing an all-time high of 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) in the year 2023, marking a substantial 39.22% increase from the previous year.
This notable accomplishment is further highlighted by the significant contribution of women pilots, who now constitute 18.12% of the total CPLs issued. This represents an impressive surge of 22.5% compared to the year 2022, with women making notable strides in the traditionally male-dominated field of aviation.
The surge in licences issued is particularly noteworthy as it comes amidst the post-coronavirus recovery of the civil aviation sector. Major operators such as Air India and Indigo, signaling confidence in the industry, have recently announced substantial orders for new aircraft for their commercial operations.
DGCA’s consistent efforts in upholding rigorous safety standards and compliance measures have played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. The increased operational demands of the aviation sector have been met with unwavering commitment, ensuring the highest levels of safety and efficiency.
In response to the longstanding demand from small businesses and helicopter operators, DGCA has also approved a new Helicopter Flying Training Organisation. This initiative aims to facilitate aspiring pilots in undergoing training and acquiring commercial licences specifically for helicopters. This move is expected to bolster the helicopter industry, particularly in regional connectivity services (RCS), pilgrimage, air ambulance, etc.
As the aviation sector continues to rebound, the DGCA’s record-setting licence issuances signify a promising future for the industry. The addition of a new pool of helicopter pilots is anticipated to further enhance crew strength, meeting the diverse needs of India’s growing aviation landscape.
