About Us

Aviation Watch is an independent not-for-profit organization with the objective of spreading awareness among all stakeholders about the contemporary issues of safety, security and consumer rights in the Indian Civil Aviation Sector.

Aviation Watch believes that the exponential growth in the aviation sector has escalated the pressure on its existing infrastructure both on the ground and in the air. Consequently it faces new challenges with respect to safety and security due to ever evolving threats and risks. Recent cases of near-misses, attempts of terror attacks and the lack of security at smaller airports highlight the dire need for enhanced coordination among various government and private agencies. It is imperative for all stakeholders including passengers, airlines, regulators, law enforcement agencies and government agencies to jointly examine safety and security issues. Aviation Watch attempts to further such dialogue and address various concerns though its different initiatives.

Some of the key areas that need attention include, status of development of both international and domestic airports, aircraft ground handling infrastructure, air traffic control and radar systems, fire services, ambulance services, emergency response preparedness, role of the regulator in civil aviation, and consumer interest.

On the environmental front, emissions from aircraft engines have become a major concern. Noise pollution at airports is another problem. It is clear that air safety and security and environmental issues emerge as key concerns for the Indian Civil Aviation sector.

Aviation Watch organizes conferences and workshops in the country to provide an open forum for all stakeholders to debate and discuss on key issues and opportunities in civil aviation and passenger security and safety.

Aviation Watch is an initiative of IPPAI (Independent Power Producers Association of India).

Advisory Board

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  MR. AJAY PRASAD

  Mr. Prasad was born in Meerut (UP) on 3rd January, 1947. After completing his studies at St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun, and St Stephen’s College, Delhi, he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Indian Administrative Service.

  He served the Government of India for over 37 years – both at the central level and at the state level – particularly the State of Himachal Pradesh – in a wide ranging field spanning industries, health, textiles, media, power, defense, civil aviation, etc. Some of the important assignments he held in Himachal Pradesh included those of Deputy Commissioner, Shimla; Secretary to the Chief Minister; Finance Member of the State Electricity Board; Secretary (Health); and Secretary to the Department of Home and Tourism.

  At the central level, he was a Director in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles. He also did a four year term with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for diversification and modernization of Jute Industry in India.

  In 2000 he joined the Ministry of Defense, growing from Additional Secretary to Defence Secretary, and finally reaching the position of Secretary (Civil Aviation) in 2004. He retired while holding that position in 2007.

  Mr. Prasad’s key achievement was his successful piloting of the privatization process for airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore – India’s four prime metros. He headed the Indian delegation at various international meetings and, through bilateral negotiations, implemented the ‘Open Sky’ policy for many more domestic and international flights.

  He was head of the Committee, constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, for discharging its Master Plan on Futuristic Air Navigation Services.

  He is now an independent consultant in areas of Defense, Homeland Security, Aviation, etc. and is a senior advisor with Aviation Watch and a member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, among other organizations.

  He is married to Sarita, who also retired as Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Welfare, Govt. of India. His elder son, Akshat is an entrepreneur and his younger son, Anuj is a corporate lawyer in a leading law firm of the country.

  He’s a keen sportsman and an avid cricket, tennis, badminton and golf enthusiast. His other hobbies are reading and listening to classical music.

• 

  Mr. S.R.MEHRA, IPS (RETD)

  S R Mehra joined the Indian Police Service in 1970 and was assigned to the Assam – Meghalaya cadre. He served in senior capacities both in the State (Assam/Meghalaya) and Central Governments.

  After training in the National Academy of Administration, Musoorie and the National Police Academy, Hyderabad followed by training in the state, he commenced active duties as Superintendent of Police of a district in 1974. Thereafter, he served in several capacities in the State and Central government including Inspector General of Police; Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat, PMO, Delhi; Additional Director General, Central Reserve Police Force, Delhi; Commissioner of Security (Civil Aviation), Delhi; and Secretary (Security), Government of India, Delhi. He superannuated from service in March 2008.

  While in the National Security Council, he specialized in international relations, particularly with neighbouring countries, international terrorism, bilateral meetings and negotiations at the highest levels. He served as a resource person, in areas of specialization and in training institutions/academies. He was invited to various forums, most recently by the World Customs Organization and East West Institute, Brussels, for talks/presentations on aviation security issues.

  Mr. Mehra acquired long and varied experience in various facets of internal security including low intensity conflicts, anti-insurgency operations, border management, demographic movements, security of vital infrastructure etc. In recognition of an unblemished record of service, was at various stages, awarded the Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service and President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.

• Mr. VIVEK PATTANAYAK

  As the Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr Vivek Pattanayak has negotiated bilateral air services agreements for exchange of traffic rights withAustria,China,Canada,Bahrein,Kuwait,Oman,Kenya,UAE,Netherlands,Germany, Ireland Sweden, Norway, Denmark , Spain, Soviet Union, Turkey, UK and USA, and Yemen. Overseen fleet acquisition and counter trade, accident investigation, aviation security, air safety, and air cargo operation.

  His roles include being a Director on the Board of Air India and Indian Airline also on the Board of Hotel Corporation of India, apart from being a representative of India on the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (UN specialized agency):

  Mr. Pattanayak has also acted as the Chairman of Air Transport Committee, Chairman, of the Working Group of the Whole on Technical Cooperation Program, Member of AVSEC panel, Attended Assembly Sessions, Chief Delegate to Accident Investigation Divisional meeting, COMS/OPS/MET Divisional Meeting, Air Route Facility Management Conference, Air Navigation Conference, Legal Sub-Committee meeting, Legal Committee meeting, Diplomatic Conference.

  His tenure as Director, Bureau of Administration and Services of the International Civil Aviation Organization led him to Negotiate arrangements on behalf of ICAO with Canada, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand Senegal and France.

  Other positions held by Mr. Vivek Pattanayak

  Chairman of the Task Force on International Financial Facility for Aviation Safety (IFFAS).

  Chairman of the Task Force on Regional Activities.

  Chairman of the Appointment and Promotion Board.

  Chairman of the Secretariat Working Group on HQ Premises, a Member of CCAQ, a member of High Level Committee of Human Resource Management of UN, Convener of the Council Working Group on Decision Making Process dealing with ICAO reforms

  Special Advisor to Secretary General, ICAO dealing with Human Resources and Premises.

  Consultant to International Civil Aviation Organization.

  Member of the Board of Management , International Foundation on Aviation And Development, Montreal ,Canada

  Member, International Aviation and Aerospace Development, New Delhi, India

  Chairman of the Aviation Centre of the Regional College of Management organizing Aviation Management Post Graduate Diploma Course, Bhubaneswar, Odisha ,India

  Chairman of the Committee on Aviation Management Course in Business Management Centre of Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India