Newstrack

Allocation of seats made compulsory for airlines

EAW Staff - New Delhi

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made it mandatory for airlines to allocate row numbers and seat numbers to passengers travelling in a public transport aircraft. This was issued to ensure correct loading of aircraft and keeping the centre of gravity of the aircraft within limits at all times during flight.

Issuing a Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) under Rule 133A of Aircraft Rules 1937 for compliance by all passengers transport aircraft operators, the DGCA stipulated:

• Specific seats will be allotted to all passengers at all stations

• The row and seat numbers will be indicated on the boarding passes

• With the allocation of row and seat numbers the approved personnel responsible for loading of the aircraft shall follow appropriate procedures which will ensure that the weight and balance of the aircraft and its centre of gravity shall be within limits for all phases of flight irrespective of the number of passengers

• Due care shall be exercised for allotting specific seats to handicapped or infirm/aged persons, who may not be able to operate emergency exit. Such persons should be embarked before other passengers and disembarked at the end

• The allotment of specific seat numbers will ensure that the boarding aircraft is carried out in a smooth and orderly manner and there is no confusion as to which seats passengers are required to occupy. In addition, such allocation of seat numbers will also facilitate quick head-count of passengers for tallying with passenger manifest entries as and when required.

• Furthermore, in the unlikely event of an aircraft accident or in the case of unlawful interference with the aircraft, the seat numbers allotted to individual passengers will assist follow-up action or investigation.