Latest news with #Mirchandani
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
DGCA's 360-Degree Audits are a Positive Step, but Seamless Execution will be Crucial, Says Jaideep Mirchandani
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 24: Following the concern over safety gaps in air travel, especially in the wake of the recent fatal air crash at Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a special audit framework for a 360-degree evaluation of the country's aviation ecosystem. The new system will replace the existing Silo Safety system of inspection, which involves parallel, disconnected, step-by-step inspections, such as one for pilots, a separate one for airports, and another for aircraft. The new integrated audit, meanwhile, will be led by a multi-disciplinary team from various departments of the DGCA. As per the plan, specialists in flight standards, airworthiness, navigation, licensing, operations, and air safety will collaborate on joint audits alongside DGCA officials. The special audits will apply to all scheduled, non-scheduled, and private air operators, as well as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organisations, approved training organisations, aerodrome operators, and ground handling agencies. "It is indeed a good move to launch a comprehensive 360-degree audit system that will help in detecting risks that may be hidden between regulatory faultlines. The new rule will also help in bringing in external industry experts, if required, and provide clearer operational insights. There will also be surprise audits overseen by the Joint Director General, as per the circular, which will help in clearly assessing the safety management systems and internal frameworks designed by airlines. It will also help in identifying operational risks before they escalate into disasters," says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One. He also notes that the new decision is timely, given the unprecedented growth India is experiencing in aviation. "We know that Indian carriers have already placed massive orders for new aircraft, and hence the staffing, as well as other related aspects, requires more procedural depth. With the kind of expansion they are planning, the previous system of isolated inspections will not work. It requires a larger-scale mechanism like the 360-degree inspection, which will also help bring India's inspection regimen on par with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommendations," adds Mr Mirchandani. However, Mr Mirchandani says it is essential for the regulatory body to ensure that the new framework is implemented strictly. "Execution is the key here. There should be constant follow-ups from policymakers to ensure that all inspections are conducted regularly. As we know, the Indian skies are becoming increasingly crowded, with more flights expected to be introduced on domestic and international routes. So, it is an opportunity to build operational excellence, with DGCA-led clarity and accountability pushing all stakeholders toward best-in-class standards," he concludes.
Fashion Value Chain
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
DGCA's 360-Degree Audits are a Positive Step, but Seamless Execution will be Crucial, Says Jaideep Mirchandani
Following the concern over safety gaps in air travel, especially in the wake of the recent fatal air crash at Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a special audit framework for a 360-degree evaluation of the countrys aviation ecosystem. The new system will replace the existing Silo Safety system of inspection, which involves parallel, disconnected, step-by-step inspections, such as one for pilots, a separate one for airports, and another for aircraft. Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One The new integrated audit, meanwhile, will be led by a multi-disciplinary team from various departments of the DGCA. As per the plan, specialists in flight standards, airworthiness, navigation, licensing, operations, and air safety will collaborate on joint audits alongside DGCA officials. The special audits will apply to all scheduled, non-scheduled, and private air operators, as well as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organisations, approved training organisations, aerodrome operators, and ground handling agencies. 'It is indeed a good move to launch a comprehensive 360-degree audit system that will help in detecting risks that may be hidden between regulatory faultlines. The new rule will also help in bringing in external industry experts, if required, and provide clearer operational insights. There will also be surprise audits overseen by the Joint Director General, as per the circular, which will help in clearly assessing the safety management systems and internal frameworks designed by airlines. It will also help in identifying operational risks before they escalate into disasters,' says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One. He also notes that the new decision is timely, given the unprecedented growth India is experiencing in aviation. 'We know that Indian carriers have already placed massive orders for new aircraft, and hence the staffing, as well as other related aspects, requires more procedural depth. With the kind of expansion they are planning, the previous system of isolated inspections will not work. It requires a larger-scale mechanism like the 360-degree inspection, which will also help bring Indias inspection regimen on par with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommendations,' adds Mr Mirchandani. However, Mr Mirchandani says it is essential for the regulatory body to ensure that the new framework is implemented strictly. 'Execution is the key here. There should be constant follow-ups from policymakers to ensure that all inspections are conducted regularly. As we know, the Indian skies are becoming increasingly crowded, with more flights expected to be introduced on domestic and international routes. So, it is an opportunity to build operational excellence, with DGCA-led clarity and accountability pushing all stakeholders toward best-in-class standards,' he concludes.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ET Make in India SME Regional Summits: This insurer is the safety net every MSME needs
Live Events The ET Make in India SME Regional Summits reached their fourth destination this year in Thane, on June 26. As India's leading forum for engaging with the nation's MSMEs at the local level, the Summits create connections between businesses, facilitators, major industry players, and government officials, resulting in focused networking that addresses the specific needs of different industrial the banner 'Thane means business: Manufacturing excellence, entrepreneurial drive', this edition highlighted one of India's most advantageously-located industrial hubs. Located near Mumbai, Thane has easy access to the infrastructure and financial services essential for MSME development and trade competitiveness. The region hosts a diverse industrial ecosystem, chiefly enterprises engaged in chemical, pharmaceutical, and there are drawbacks too. Thane is vulnerable to unforeseen events such as incessant rainfall and floods. And unlike larger corporations, pharma and chemical MSMEs lack the resources to maintain extensive backup systems, leaving them exposed when natural disasters or other emergencies disrupt their carefully-calibrated Mirchandani, Deputy General Manager of NIA, spoke about what her company is doing to safeguard enterprises against such risks. Here are the highlights from her fireside chat at the ET Make in India SME Regional Summit - Thane, titled 'Empowering MSMEs through comprehensive insurance: Bridging the protection gap with New India Assurance'.When you're running on razor-thin margins (and most MSMEs do), natural disasters aren't just business risks. They're existential 2005 Mumbai floods, for example, tested the resolve of every business in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. And for NIA, it was a moment that defined its approach to MSME insurance. As Mirchandani said: 'Floods are not new to Mumbai. They are not new to Thane. They are not new to the Dombivli and Bhiwandi belt. And we are not new to floods.'She added that NIA has the best settlement ratios in this context, which is critical for business continuity. Its expertise in handling catastrophic claims has made its insurance products, including for fire, one of the most sought-after ones, particularly among MSMEs that rely on bank from flood and fire insurance, NIA also covers specialised cover for workmen's compensation, machinery breakdowns, and marine insurance for transportation."You can customise things the way you want. You can choose one or two products or have a number of them in one policy for seamless cover," Mirchandani explained. 'It's insurance that adapts to your business, not the other way around.'Here's something most small manufacturers in Thane's chemical belt don't know: you might already be breaking the law. The Public Liability Industrial Act of 1991 was updated in December 2024, and the implications are staggering. If you're manufacturing, trading, storing, or transporting certain chemicals, you're now legally required to have specific insurance limits? They've jumped from Rs 5-15 crore to Rs 150-500 crore, linked to paid-up capital. Non-compliance can result in fines or business shutdown. "Many of you may not be aware, but it is compulsory," Mirchandani emphasises. "It's now a statutory obligation to take this insurance policy."The push is not about compliance, but survival. In the event of a chemical leak, when third-party property gets damaged or when lives are affected, this insurance is the difference between staying in business and closing down digital-everything, NIA is aware that the most important person in the MSME insurance ecosystem is still "that good old agent around the corner'. That acquaintance who's been handling insurance for years, someone who's the one-point contact for everything from policy purchase to claims service."This is the most preferred mode. Despite so much digitisation, this continues to be the most preferred form of communication even today," Anjali Mirchandani a reminder that in the world of small business, relationships still matter more than technology. MSMEs want someone they can call when things go wrong, someone who understands their business and can guide them through the complexity of insurance environmental regulations tighten and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) norms become mandatory, NIA is already preparing for the next wave of MSME insurance needs. Pollution liability insurance, which is currently not a priority for most small businesses, is likely to become essential as environmental responsibility becomes non-negotiable."The environment is becoming a fundamental issue in this country. Any and every one of us has to be responsive to the fact that if we are causing any damage to the environment, we need to be held responsible for it," Mirchandani in all, NIA isn't just selling insurance; it's selling the ability to sleep at night. Whether it's protecting against floods and fires, ensuring compliance with new chemical industry regulations, or providing comprehensive coverage that doesn't break the bank, the insurer has positioned itself as an institution that understands what small businesses need.
Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
On World Pilots' Day, Sky One Group Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani Calls for Stronger Domestic Pilot Training Infrastructure to Meet Soaring Demand
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 25: It was in 2014 that the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) officially designated April 26th as World Pilots' Day, acknowledging the essential role pilots play in sustaining global aviation. Since then, the day has been observed annually to honour their contribution in connecting people and ensuring safe air travel. Even in today's tech-driven era, with ongoing advances in autonomous flight research, pilots remain at the heart of flight operations and are irreplaceable. With the aviation sector expanding rapidly, the global demand for trained pilots continues to rise. According to Boeing's 'Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043,' 6,74,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to operate and maintain the global commercial fleet. The report highlights strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like India, where civil aviation is growing steadily. Recently, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that India will require around 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, considering the scale of aircraft orders placed by Indian airlines. Official data shows that the country currently has about 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, a number that must rise substantially to meet future needs. The government is introducing several measures to address this, and according to Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, India should now set its targets on becoming a global hub for pilot training. In 2023, India issued a record 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), though the number dropped to 1,342 in 2024. Mr. Mirchandani stresses the importance of maintaining momentum through timely policy updates. "The DGCA's new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards. Strengthening the domestic training infrastructure and developing dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training can have a lasting impact," he says. He also points to the need for cadet programmes structured around models used in Western countries, where training is often subsidised or partially funded. "The cost of pilot training is shaped by multiple factors, including rising aviation fuel prices, the use of imported simulators and spare parts and the need for experienced instructors, many of whom are brought in from abroad. Addressing these challenges requires effective coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines, training institutes and other key players," he explains. Mirchandani adds that introducing financial support mechanisms, such as subsidised loans or scholarships, can ease the burden for aspiring pilots. "Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots," he concludes.
Fashion Value Chain
25-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
On World Pilots' Day, Sky One Group Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani Calls for Stronger Domestic Pilot Training Infrastructure to Meet Soaring Demand
It was in 2014 that the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) officially designated April 26th as World Pilots' Day, acknowledging the essential role pilots play in sustaining global aviation. Since then, the day has been observed annually to honour their contribution in connecting people and ensuring safe air travel. Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One Even in today's tech-driven era, with ongoing advances in autonomous flight research, pilots remain at the heart of flight operations and are irreplaceable. With the aviation sector expanding rapidly, the global demand for trained pilots continues to rise. According to Boeing's 'Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043,' 6,74,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to operate and maintain the global commercial fleet. The report highlights strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like India, where civil aviation is growing steadily. Recently, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that India will require around 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, considering the scale of aircraft orders placed by Indian airlines. Official data shows that the country currently has about 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, a number that must rise substantially to meet future needs. The government is introducing several measures to address this, and according to Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, India should now set its targets on becoming a global hub for pilot training. In 2023, India issued a record 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), though the number dropped to 1,342 in 2024. Mr. Mirchandani stresses the importance of maintaining momentum through timely policy updates. 'The DGCA's new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards. Strengthening the domestic training infrastructure and developing dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training can have a lasting impact,' he says. He also points to the need for cadet programmes structured around models used in Western countries, where training is often subsidised or partially funded. 'The cost of pilot training is shaped by multiple factors, including rising aviation fuel prices, the use of imported simulators and spare parts and the need for experienced instructors, many of whom are brought in from abroad. Addressing these challenges requires effective coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines, training institutes and other key players,' he explains. Mr. Mirchandani adds that introducing financial support mechanisms, such as subsidised loans or scholarships, can ease the burden for aspiring pilots. 'Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots,' he concludes.
