New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday said that the number of unstable landing approaches of aircraft in the country and risky 'airprakes' in Indian airspace has reduced significantly in 2023. In its review report, the regulator said that the ratio of unstable approaches during landing per ten thousand flights has declined steadily and decreased by 23 per cent last year.

Landing approach is the phase of a flight when the crew begins to descend the aircraft from an altitude of 5,000 feet. This phase ends when the aircraft reaches the runway. Similarly, the number of risky airwalks per 1 million flights in Indian airspace has decreased by 25 percent.

Airprax is a phenomenon where two aircraft come closer than permissible limits during flight. DGCA said that the number of ground warnings issued per 10,000 flights has also come down by 92 per cent, reducing the risk of uncontrolled flight.

Government will promote aircraft manufacturing

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ramamohan Naidu on Wednesday said the government is considering setting up a special unit (SPV) to pursue the plan to manufacture aircraft in India. He said a special unit would be set up in collaboration with industry stakeholders and others. The Indian Aircraft Bill-2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha in August. It includes provisions to regulate the 'design' and manufacturing of aircraft, which supports the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative for self-reliance.