France-headquartered Simaero has announced a significant investment of USD 100 million in India, aimed at bolstering the nation’s aviation training capabilities.
This substantial commitment is earmarked for the establishment of a state-of-the-art training facility in New Delhi, which is currently under construction and slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2024. The facility, sprawling over 4,500 square metres, will be equipped with eight full-flight simulators designed for A320 neo and B737NG aircraft types. This infrastructure is poised to support the training of up to 5,000 pilots over the next five years, addressing the burgeoning demand for qualified aviation professionals in India. Simaero’s investment strategy includes not only the physical infrastructure but also the development of a highly skilled local workforce. This initiative is expected to alleviate the current dependency on overseas training, a practice that significantly escalates costs in an industry notorious for its narrow profit margins.
India’s aviation sector, which currently employs around 12,000 active pilots, is experiencing rapid growth. The increasing number of airlines and expanding fleets necessitate a steady supply of proficient pilots. By establishing a local training centre, Simaero aims to provide a cost-effective solution for airlines, reducing the financial burden associated with international training programmes. The move by Simaero is a strategic response to India’s evolving aviation landscape, aligning with the country’s vision to become a global aviation hub. The investment underscores Simaero’s commitment to enhancing the quality of pilot training in India, thereby contributing to the safety and efficiency of the aviation sector.
This development is poised to have a far-reaching impact, not only in terms of training capacity but also in fostering a robust aviation ecosystem in India. The trained pilots will be crucial in supporting the industry’s expansion and maintaining high standards of operation, ensuring that the growth of India’s aviation sector is sustainable and secure. “The facility will offer comprehensive training solutions, with devices certified by both DGCA and EASA authorities, and an in-house ATO (Approved Traininig Organisation) covering all main pilot recurrent training programmes, including initial type rating and recurrent training, with various aircraft-type simulators for airlines,” the company said in a release. The decision to enter the Indian aviation market is driven by the record-setting aircraft orders, which have exceeded the current active fleet. Indian carriers have over 1,200 Airbus aircraft and 470 Boeing aircraft on order, it said.
