The Government of India has made the ‘Indian Aircraft Act, 2024’ effective from today. This new Act will replace the 90 year old ‘Aircraft Act, 1934’. The government aims to ease doing business in the aviation sector and encourage aircraft manufacturing and design. The Act was approved by Parliament in December 2024, and it officially came into force on January 1, 2025.
Objective of the new Act
The main objective of the ‘Indian Aircraft Act, 2024’ is to make the Indian aviation sector globally competitive and make the country self-reliant in this sector.
- Regulating aircraft manufacturing, design, maintenance, ownership, and operation.
- To make the process of import and export of aircraft transparent and easy.
- To create a conducive environment for improvement in the aviation sector and adoption of modern technologies.
Key features of the new law
- Empowering Indian companies:
- Promotion of Indian companies in aircraft manufacturing and design.
- New opportunities for technological innovation.
- Solution to the complexities of the old law:
- The 1934 law was amended 21 times.
- This Act will eliminate the complexities of the old rules.
- Aviation market reaches new heights:
- Helping bring India’s rapidly growing civil aviation market up to global standards.
Regulation and penalty provisions
This Act provides complete control to the Central Government over aircraft manufacturing, operation, and related activities.
- Crimes and Punishments:
- Flying a plane dangerously.
- Carrying weapons or explosives on board an aircraft.
- Spreading garbage or slaughtering animals near airports.
- There is a provision for imprisonment of up to three years, fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both for these crimes.
Signs of change in aviation sector
Experts believe that this Act will prove to be a game-changer for the Indian aviation industry.
- Self-reliance:
- This law will make India self-reliant in aircraft manufacturing and design.
- Global Competition:
- India will get a strong position in the global aviation market.
- New employment opportunities:
- Technical expertise and employment will increase through new industries and startups.
