The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to introduce revised regulations for wet-leasing aircraft by Indian airlines, aiming to enhance oversight and address operational challenges as carriers expand their fleets to meet surging travel demand.

Ongoing supply chain disruptions have delayed aircraft deliveries, prompting Indian airlines to rely increasingly on both dry and wet leases to address immediate needs. A senior DGCA official noted that the revised regulations would help streamline the wet-leasing process, enabling airlines to adapt to growing route networks and address persistent engine issues, such as those affecting IndiGo’s Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft. Wet-leasing involves leasing aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, with operational control remaining with the foreign lessor and subject to the regulatory oversight of the foreign civil aviation authority.

In contrast, dry-leasing only involves leasing the aircraft itself. Currently, Indian carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate wet-leased planes, while Air India utilises dry-leased aircraft. The DGCA, after stakeholder consultations, is working to ease certain restrictions on wet-leasing to better support domestic airlines.

Under the proposed changes, Indian carriers would use foreign pilots for wet-leased planes while employing their own cabin crew. However, the pilots will remain under the purview of foreign regulatory requirements, including Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

The revised norms aim to provide Indian airlines with greater flexibility in using wet-leased aircraft while ensuring proper procedural assessments and regulatory compliance. The new framework is expected to strengthen the operational efficiency of Indian airlines, ensuring they can meet growing passenger demand despite industry-wide challenges. (ET)