Air India to Launch Pilot Training Academy in Amravati

New Delhi,India: Air India is charting a new course for Indian aviation with the establishment of its very own pilot training academy in Amravati, Maharashtra. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant departure from the traditional model of relying on vacancies or partnerships with flying schools.

The academy is a strategic response to two critical issues plaguing the Indian aviation industry: pilot shortage and training quality. Currently, a staggering 40% of Indian pilots receive their initial training abroad due to limitations in domestic options. Air India's academy aims to bridge this gap by offering high-quality training opportunities within India. This not only benefits the airline by ensuring a steady stream of highly trained pilots familiar with its specific needs, but also addresses the national need to cultivate a robust domestic pilot workforce.

With a capacity to train 180 pilots annually, the academy opens doors for aspiring aviators as early as 12th grade. The curriculum is designed to seamlessly transition pilots from single-engine Piper aircraft to twin-engine Diamond aircraft, fulfilling the Multi-engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) requirement for Air India's A320 fleet. Sunil Bhaskaran, a seasoned aviation leader, will spearhead this initiative, initially focusing on training pilots for Air India and its TATA Group affiliates. However, future plans might involve expanding its reach to serve other airlines, potentially transforming the academy into a national hub for pilot training excellence.

This academy is more than just a solution for Air India; it sets a precedent for the entire Indian aviation sector. As airlines face a burgeoning pilot shortage further exacerbated by attractive offers from Middle Eastern carriers, Air India's initiative paves the way for a more self-sufficient and future-proof Indian aviation industry. With ambitious expansion plans involving the delivery of over 470 aircraft in the next decade, a readily available pool of skilled pilots is critical for Air India's success. This academy positions Air India as a leader in the industry, fostering a new generation of Indian pilots who will take to the skies and propel the nation's aviation sector to even greater heights.