With reference to the editorial, "Aviation safety blues" (August 23), 35 close calls in a 15-month period is alarming and cannot be brushed under the carpet, especially after the civil aviation policy underwent some changes. Safety standards have to be world class; there can be no relaxation in this aspect.
We are short of 1,000 air traffic controllers; these vacancies can't be filled overnight. Lack of air traffic controllers will only make matters worse. The need of the hour is to fill the vacancies at the earliest without endangering the life of passengers.
As highlighted in your editorial that low salaries and poor working conditions are the two main reasons for people not opting for a career with the Airports Authority of India, this is something the civil aviation minister and the government needs to look into before filling the vacancies.
There is no point boasting that India is the fastest growing aviation market if it does not have even the basic infrastructure in place. The government needs to draw up a plan to make air travel safe and pleasant. Regular monitoring is key. The pay packet of air traffic controllers should be made as lucrative as a pilot's.
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The Editor, Business Standard
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We are short of 1,000 air traffic controllers; these vacancies can't be filled overnight. Lack of air traffic controllers will only make matters worse. The need of the hour is to fill the vacancies at the earliest without endangering the life of passengers.
As highlighted in your editorial that low salaries and poor working conditions are the two main reasons for people not opting for a career with the Airports Authority of India, this is something the civil aviation minister and the government needs to look into before filling the vacancies.
There is no point boasting that India is the fastest growing aviation market if it does not have even the basic infrastructure in place. The government needs to draw up a plan to make air travel safe and pleasant. Regular monitoring is key. The pay packet of air traffic controllers should be made as lucrative as a pilot's.
Bal Govind Noida
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number