Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi – India is set to host the Asia Pacific region’s aircraft accident investigators for the first time, with the four-day Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting scheduled from October 28 to 31 in New Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is organizing the historic event to enhance aviation safety and foster international cooperation in aircraft accident investigations.

Speaking to PTI, AAIB Director General G V G Yugandhar said, “It will be the first time that India hosts the APAC-AIG meeting. Representatives from aircraft accident investigation bureaus across Asia Pacific countries, as well as officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will participate.” The meeting will serve as a platform to exchange knowledge on investigation processes, safety measures, and reporting standards in aviation accident inquiries.

The event will see around 90 delegates in attendance, including 60 international participants from various Asia Pacific countries. On October 28 and 29, specialized workshops on aircraft accident investigations will be conducted. These sessions will involve AAIB and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials, along with international experts, highlighting modern techniques in accident analysis, evidence collection, and safety recommendations.

On October 30 and 31, the discussions will expand to include ICAO member state representatives and AAIB officials, focusing on aviation safety protocols, cross-border investigation cooperation, and future strategies to prevent accidents. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu will inaugurate the meeting on October 28, marking India’s commitment to promoting a high standard of aviation safety in the region.

The AAIB plays a crucial role in classifying and investigating aircraft incidents in Indian airspace, categorizing events into accidents, serious incidents, and minor incidents. The bureau also undertakes detailed investigations and issues recommendations to improve aviation safety standards. Currently, the AAIB is handling around 25 active investigations, including the Air India crash on June 12, which tragically killed 260 people.

This landmark APAC-AIG meeting will not only strengthen India’s role in global aviation safety but also enable a robust exchange of technical knowledge and best practices among aircraft accident investigators. Experts expect the discussions to result in actionable strategies that enhance the safety of flights across the Asia Pacific region.

The meeting underscores India’s growing prominence in international aviation safety, positioning the country as a hub for collaborative efforts in aircraft accident investigation and proactive safety measures for civil aviation.

#Travel News