India's aviation industry retains US FAA’s Category 1 status

File image of an Air India aircraft on the tarmac

The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has retained India’s Category 1 (CAT-1) status, the ministry of civil aviation has said. The ministry tweeted that FAA had confirmed that it would continue India’s CAT-1 status as per its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme.

Under the leadership of PM Sh. @narendramodi & HMCA Sh. @JM_Scindia, we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless & safe flying experience for all passengers. (2/2)

— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) April 12, 2023

CAT-1 status implies that an airline can operate and offer its services to American cities and proceed with codeshare agreements with US carriers.

Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia also responded to the ministry's post, hailing India’s 16 percent jump in International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) global rating.

“After a significant 16 percent jump in its ICAO global rating, yet again, India’s civil aviation sector successfully retains its Category A status with FAA. India’s standards for aviation safety oversight continue to be amongst the best in the world! Congratulations @MoCA_GoI!” he tweeted.