Message from President, BAOA

This edition of BizAvIndia is the final one before the tenure of present Governing Board expires. I would like to thank all GB members of BAOA for their valuable inputs and support for making this as a very productive tenure for BAOA, as well as for the entire industry. May/June 2019 will see fresh elections for the BAOA Governing Board and the process of elections will throw up a new dispensation at the helm of affairs of BAOA. While some of us may be re-elected, I’m sure there will be some new faces in the next Governing Board. This will be the fifth election for the BAOA Governing Board since it was incorporated in 2011. We are proud of the fact that the Association has been truly democratic in its functioning and continue to be managed within the framework of the Bye Laws that govern it.

I would also like to say a few words for the outgoing Secretary Civil Aviation, Mr R.N. Choubey, who superannuated on 31st January 2019, and has moved on as member of UPSC. Mr Choubey has been instrumental in bringing fundamental changes in the way the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has functioned under his stewardship in the past three years. While he has been credited with many firsts, such as implementing of the NCAP, the UDAN scheme, etc., I would personally like to say that his biggest achievement has been in bringing transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Ministry. His monthly ‘Stake Holders’ meetings should be emulated on how decisions need to be taken, in full transparency, and with firm deadlines for implementation. He leaves behind a great legacy. As we go to the press, I have just seen the news that the present CMD Air India, Mr Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new Secretary, Civil Aviation. On behalf of BAOA, I welcome him to the helm of affairs at MoCA and wish him the very best.

With elections around the corner, the flying activity over the next three months is going to be very intense, for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft of the GA/BA industry. There are going to be many instances when flying will have to be done under stressful conditions of weather and senior politicians on board! I urge all operators to make sure that all safety measures are in place and the pilots are insulated from undue stress of flying. The Accountable Managers need to step in and make sure of that.

This edition covers articles on the economic impact of Business Aviation and how it contributes to the national economy. I have always stated that if BA can assist the political leaders to extend their reach and increase their efficiency, the same logic should apply for the business leaders of the country too! We hope somebody is still listening in the noise of elections around us!

Please do fasten your seat belts and enjoy this edition of BizAvIndia. Feel free to contact me at rohitkapur@baoa.in with your feedback and suggestions. I look forward to getting your inputs on how to address the issues at hand.

Happy Landings and Safe Flying!