Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu has launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, marking a significant milestone in India’s civil aviation sector. With this initiative, India becomes the second country globally to implement EPL, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The EPL is a digital version of a pilot’s license, replacing traditional physical licenses. It will be securely accessible through the eGCA Mobile Application, ensuring enhanced transparency and efficiency. This move aligns with the Government of India’s initiatives on “Ease of Doing Business” and “Digital India.”
The introduction of EPL follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which promotes the adoption of electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While several global aviation leaders are still in the implementation phase, India has taken a pioneering step in digital aviation solutions.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, stating that the country will require approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. He highlighted that EPL, along with the eGCA platform, will boost pilots’ global employability and facilitate real-time access to their credentials, strengthening security operations.
Previously, the DGCA issued smart card licenses, distributing 62,000 such licenses to date, with 20,000 printed in 2024 alone. The launch of EPL will gradually phase out printed cards, reducing paper and plastic use, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
The Minister also highlighted other digital advancements in Indian aviation, including the Digital Sky Platform for drones and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations. The EPL rollout strengthens India’s position as a leader in aviation technology, ensuring a more secure and globally recognized licensing system.