No mixing cargo with passengers

Now, in order to pave the way for smooth operations of such flights, the civil aviation regulator has come up with a plan to carry cargo in the passenger compartment of aircraft.

DGCA has specified that passengers and cargo must not be mixed in the compartment and that operators shall not transport dangerous goods in the passenger compartment and shall only carry persons essentially required onboard during such operations.

“Carriage of mix passengers and cargo in the passenger compartment at the same time is not allowed. Further, operators shall ensure that such operations do not affect, disrupt their approved schedule,” the guidelines stated.

Also specifying on the type of cargo it has said that the cargo shall be as per Government directives and limited to transportation of products such as medical supplies, PPE and other cargo which is vital and essential for the functioning of sensitive supply chains affected by Covid.

Further it has also said that the operator shall deactivate any automatic activation of the passenger oxygen system on the aircraft, prior to such operation.

The Operator will have to disable or deactivate passenger convenience and other cabin systems like inflight entertainment systems installed in seats, in seat power, gallery systems and any other heat generating systems on aircraft, prior to such operation.

Besides, operators intending to carry cargo in passenger compartment shall apply to DGCA at least 10 days before the proposed commencement of operations.

Last week, DGCA issued guidelines to airline operators for the carriage of Covid-19 vaccines packed in dry ice. It said that all scheduled operators who have been authorised to carry dangerous goods may carry the vaccines packed in dry ice, meeting the requirements. Non-scheduled operators including aircraft engaged in general aviation that are required to participate in the carriage of vaccines shall seek specific approval before commencing such operations.