New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- In a landmark move for Indian aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted its first-ever safety clearance for ground handling operations to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS). The approval marks a significant step in aligning India's aviation safety practices with global benchmarks.

Ground handling covers crucial airport services such as aircraft parking, baggage handling, refuelling, and passenger assistance. It is vital for safe, efficient flight operations, especially as air traffic and aircraft size continue to grow.

The DGCA stated that the clearance reinforces its commitment to embedding Safety Management Systems (SMS) as the foundation of ground handling operations....