Manpower shortage in business aviation affecting safety: DGCA

New Delhi - An acute shortage of trained manpower in general (business) aviation is affecting flight safety in the fast growing sector, the industry regulator said Thursday.

"Safety is a major issue and the general aviation aircraft are more at risk. Not because of the weather or anything, but for the acute shortage of trained manpower in the sector," E.K. Bharat Bhushan, director general, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

"But I can assure you that no compromises would be made on this front," he said, addressing a conference on 'General Aviation' organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce here.

According to Bhushan, as the economy grows the demand for business jets will increase by 10 percent year-on-year.

"The demand for business jets will grow higher as they can fly to destinations not served (connected) by scheduled operators. Business jets are no longer seen a luxury (item) they are also in demand for usage for chartered services, tourism and medical purposes," Bhushan said.

On the tough financial conditions faced by the domestic carriers (scheduled airlines), Bhushan said the regulator will ensure that all safety parameters are adhered to.

"Growth in passenger traffic is taking place but it should be in safe and planned manner. India is witnessing the fastest growth in the world. The number of passengers travelled has gone up by 17 per cent as compared to the last year," Bhushan said.

"By 2020, the number of passengers carried by Indian airlines are expected to be around 150 to 180 million."