Air India, responding to anticipated pilot shortages and aiming to bolster its talent pipeline, has announced the establishment of the country’s first in-house flying school in Amravati, Maharashtra. This strategic move marks a departure from the conventional practice among Indian airlines, where major carriers typically partner with external flight schools for pilot training.
The new academy is poised to train up to 180 aspiring pilots annually, offering a comprehensive pathway for individuals with no prior flying experience to directly enter Air India’s cockpit after completing requisite training stages. This initiative underscores Air India’s commitment to ensuring a steady supply of skilled aviators while maintaining stringent quality standards in pilot education.
“The decision to establish our own flying school is driven by the dual objectives of enhancing control over pilot supply and ensuring superior training quality,” remarked a source familiar with Air India’s strategy. The airline has secured approximately 30 single-engine and four multi-engine aircraft from leading manufacturers such as Piper and Diamond to facilitate hands-on training for its cadets.
Air India’s ambitious aviation training initiative aligns with broader industry trends and governmental initiatives aimed at promoting domestic pilot training. Currently, a significant proportion of Indian students seeking pilot licences undergo training abroad, incurring substantial costs ranging from Rs 1.5 to 2 crore.
“While initially focusing on internal requirements, Air India foresees potential to cater to external demands in the future,” the source added, highlighting the school’s potential role in meeting broader industry needs amidst a surge in aircraft orders by Indian carriers. Air India alone has placed orders for 470 new aircraft, with plans to induct one new aircraft every six days throughout 2024.
In addition to the flying school, Air India has recently established a state-of-the-art training centre in Gurgaon, equipped with six simulators in collaboration with Airbus and US-based L3 Harris. This facility aims to provide type-rated and recurrent training to its pilots, ensuring compliance with stringent aviation regulations and operational excellence.
Industry analysts anticipate increased demand for flight simulation centres as Indian airlines prepare to receive approximately 1,250 new aircraft over the next decade. This surge underscores the critical need for robust training infrastructure to support the rapid expansion of the aviation sector in India.
Led by industry veteran Sunil Bhaskaran, Air India’s Aviation Academy is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation training in the country, setting new benchmarks for pilot education and operational readiness in the Indian skies.
