Lok Sabha Question No. 69 (STARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Regulatory Framework for Air Sports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Sukanta Majumdar, Kripanath Mallah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. : 69

(To be answered on the 7 th  December 2023)

## REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF AIR SPORTS

## *69. DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR SHRI KRIPANATH MALLAH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has recently taken any initiative in the field of air sports, including any updates or enhancements made to the existing regulatory
- (b) whether the Government proposes to bring any special scheme to promote existing air sports hubs in the country including in Narnaul in Haryana and if so,
- (c) the details of countries with which India has signed open sky agreements since

framework and if so, the details thereof; the details thereof; 2017;

- (d) the key accomplishments or progress made in the civil aviation industry as a result of these agreements and the resultant growth in GDP thereof; and
- (e) the other steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia)

(a) to (e) : A STATEMENT IS LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE HOUSE.

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STATEMENT IN REPLY TO THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 69 REGARDING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF AIR SPORTS DUE FOR ANSWER ON 07TH DECEMBER 2023

(a) to (b): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced National Air Sports Guidelines (NASG) 2023 to promote air sports culture in the country.

The guidelines outline key objectives of promoting air sports culture in the country, adoption of international good practices related to safe operations, developing an effective governance structure, participation in global air sports events and promoting manufacturing of air sports equipment in India, etc.

The key features of regulatory framework are as follows: (i)There will be a governance structure for air sports in India through Aero Club of India which will be the apex body for air sports in India and represent India globally as its National Aerosports Control (NAC). (ii)ACI shall provide governance on overall aspects of air sports including but not limited to regulations, certifications, competitions, awards and penalties. (iii)There will be an oversight on air sports by Ministry of Civil Aviation through Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI).  ASFI will be chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation. For any disputes arising between/ among National Commission, State Commission, the final authority to settle the dispute will be Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI). (iv)ACI - (NAC India) in collaboration with DGCA and /or BCAS for each Air Sports Commission shall lay down the safety, security, standards and maintenance for equipment, infrastructure, personnel and training etc. as per the global best practices for its air sport. It shall specify the disciplinary actions to be taken in case of deviations and willful noncompliance. India has high potential for air sports due to its large geographic expanse, diverse topography and different climatic zones. The NASG 2023 creates the enabling provisions for promoting air sports hubs in the country including Narnaul, Haryana.

(c) to (e): Since 2017, India has entered into open sky agreement with 12 countries namely Botswana, Japan, Malta, Morocco, Netherlands, Switzerland, Tanzania, Zambia, Australia, Maldives, Canada and New Zealand. Open Sky Agreements enhances the air connectivity. They helps the designated carriers of both the countries to mount unlimited operations subject to the availability of slots at respective airports. Further, airlines are free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service  and  operate  within  the  ambit  of  bilateral  agreements.  The  start  of international flights from any point in India is purely a commercial decision of the airlines on the basis of economic viability of the route and other associated factors and the government does not interfere in the operational plans of the airlines. No specific details regarding resultant growth in GDP due to Open Sky Agreement is available.

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