India's aviation safety rating upgraded to 'Category 1' in US

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday upgraded India's aviation safety rating to 'Category 1' under its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme.

"The restoration of Category 1 status means that they are satisfied with the Indian regulator. It has its implications and it is good for Indian aviation," Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju told the media after meeting US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in the national capital.

The upgrade in the rating means that Indian airline companies in the US can expand their operations in that country.

The FAA had downgraded India's rating to 'Category 2' in January 2014, citing a lack of safety oversight.