Air India's disaster management plan for US ops

Air India is planning to tie up with a private player to comply with US regulations

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 2, 2006

Air India plans to have a disaster management system with a private player to improve its response for handling contingencies and to provide greater succor to aircraft accident victims. Air India is also planning to provide a family assistance plan for aircrash victims. However, this service will only be applicable for US airspace and not in India.

An Air India spokesperson was quoted saying that "Air-India intends to set up an arrangement with a reputed firm dealing with Disaster Management and Family Assistance Plan which has the necessary resources, experienced and trained manpower, equipment and infrastructure in readiness for responding quickly to accidents involving our aircraft."

The US department of transport recently issued a directive to all airlines flying in US airspace to have an effective disaster management and family assistance plan.

The services include search and recovery of remains, mortuary operations, coffins or urns and repatriation, shipping and final disposal of remains.

Providing immediate and long-term counselling and psychological support for the victim's families, co-ordinating with governments and providing arrangement for DNA identification process will come under the services of the organization.