Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, making India the second country globally to introduce this advanced system aimed at enhancing safety, security, and efficiency in the civil aviation sector. China is the only other country with a similar system.
The EPL, a digital version of a personnel license, will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots and be securely accessible via the eGCA mobile application. This initiative aligns with the government’s “Ease of doing business” and “Digital India” goals.
The Civil Aviation Minister highlighted that India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, requiring approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. The eGCA and EPL leverage tech-driven solutions to enhance pilots’ comfort and employability globally, while providing real-time access to their credentials for security operations.
The introduction of the EPL follows an amendment by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) encouraging member states to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While major global aviation leaders are still implementing similar systems, India has taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.
Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued licenses to pilots in a smart card format, with 62,000 card licenses issued to date. In 2024 alone, approximately 20,000 printed cards were issued, averaging 1,667 cards per month. With the launch of EPL, the need for printed cards will be phased out, streamlining the licensing process and positively impacting environmental sustainability by reducing paper and plastic usage.
The minister also highlighted other digital initiatives reshaping Indian aviation, including the eGCA platform for streamlined licensing, the Digital Sky Platform for drones, and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations.
The introduction of the EPL for pilots marks a significant milestone in establishing a globally recognized regulatory framework, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in aviation innovation and ensuring a more robust and tamper-proof licensing system
