Mumbai is preparing to host one of India’s most advanced aviation training hubs, with InterGlobe Enterprises and Canadian aviation technology company CAE partnering to launch a full-scale pilot training centre by 2026. The facility, expected to house six full-flight simulators, aims to address the country’s growing demand for skilled cockpit crew amid a historic aviation boom.
The centre, spread across 44,000 square feet, will initially operate with two Airbus A320 simulators and gradually expand to include training for ATR and Boeing aircraft. The curriculum will cover type rating and recurrent training, equipping pilots with industry-standard expertise. Aviation officials have projected that the centre could train up to 20,000 professional pilots in the next decade, directly contributing to India’s aviation workforce.India’s domestic air traffic has grown at one of the fastest rates globally over the last decade, placing pressure on airlines to find and retain qualified pilots. Industry experts argue that without an adequate training ecosystem, the sector risks bottlenecks that could constrain growth. CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast has already highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region will require nearly 98,000 new pilots by 2034, underscoring the urgency of capacity-building initiatives such as this Mumbai project.
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Officials from the joint venture noted that the initiative aligns with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub while ensuring safety and operational standards remain uncompromised. They also stressed that the training programmes would be developed in line with sustainability benchmarks, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and ensuring eco-friendly practices within the campus.
The training centre is strategically located in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, which not only makes it accessible to major airlines but also positions it at the heart of India’s aviation demand. Industry analysts point out that such infrastructure investments go beyond skills development they also generate local employment opportunities, strengthen ancillary services, and enhance India’s global reputation as a centre for aviation excellence.
While the centre represents a step towards bridging India’s pilot shortage, experts caution that continuous expansion will be required to keep pace with the growth trajectory of domestic carriers. Airlines are already announcing record aircraft orders, and the training ecosystem must evolve simultaneously.As India accelerates its aviation growth, the Mumbai centre stands as a strategic response to one of the sector’s most pressing challenges ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled, well-trained pilots for the skies of tomorrow.
