India's Aviation Regulator Launches Digital Licences For Airline Transport Pilots In Major Aviation Technology Push

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched Electronic Personnel Licence services for Airline Transport Pilot Licences on Wednesday (21 January), marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation digitalisation journey.

The initiative extends India's digital pilot licensing system to the highest level of pilot certification, following the initial rollout for Commercial Pilot's Licences in February 2025.

The secure digital licence incorporates ICAO-aligned security features to ensure authenticity, prevent tampering and enable real-time verification. Pilots can access their electronic credentials through the eGCA mobile application, eliminating the need for physical licences and manual verification processes.

Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai highlighted that the EPL initiative strengthens India's civil aviation regulatory ecosystem through secure, modern and future-ready digital systems.

He congratulated DGCA teams and technology partners whilst acknowledging the cooperation from aviation industry stakeholders in adopting the new system.

The move comes as India's aviation market rapidly expands, with the country becoming the second nation globally to digitalise pilot licences.

The digital transformation aligns with the government's Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives, bringing tamper-proof access to pilot credentials for both aviation professionals and regulatory authorities.

The introduction of electronic personnel licences follows ICAO's Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages member states to adopt electronic licences for improved security and efficiency.

With the addition of ATPL certification, DGCA has extended digital licensing across critical categories of flight crew qualifications as India positions itself as a leader in digital aviation solutions.

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