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Air India is reportedly establishing a flying school in Amravati, Maharashtra. This new initiative aims to train up to 180 pilots annually. Initially, the school will meet the internal requirements of Air India. However, the Tata Group, which owns the airline, sees potential in catering to external demands in the future.
The report from The Economic Times highlights that aspiring pilots with no prior flying experience can join this full-time academy. This training will pave the way for them to become Air India pilots after completing the program. A source mentioned in the report emphasized Air India's desire to control the supply of the next generation of pilots. This move is crucial for the airline's long-term talent pipeline and aims to enhance the quality of pilot training in the country.
In addition to the flying school, Air India has already established a training center in Gurugram. This center, set up in partnership with Airbus and the US-based L3 Harris, includes six simulators. Other airlines in India, such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, also have branded training programs affiliated with independent flight schools both in India and abroad.
Aspiring pilots need to undergo ab initio training to obtain a license. For aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, type-rated training and necessary license endorsements are required. Pilots must also undergo recurrent training annually to maintain these endorsements. The new flying school initiative comes at a time when the government is pushing to promote commercial pilot training within India. Currently, many students go abroad for training, which can be very expensive, costing up to Rs 2 crore.
Furthermore, the demand for pilots is increasing as airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa have placed orders for around 1,250 aircraft to be delivered over the next decade. This surge in new aircraft orders automatically increases the need for trained pilots.
The establishment of the flying school in Amravati is a significant step towards addressing this demand. It will provide high-quality training to aspiring pilots and reduce the need for them to seek expensive training abroad. By controlling the supply of new pilots, Air India is ensuring a steady stream of well-trained professionals ready to operate their expanding fleet.
This initiative is expected to positively impact the aviation industry in India. It offers a more accessible and affordable option for pilot training and contributes to the growth and development of the aviation sector in the country. The collaboration with Airbus and L3 Harris for the training center in Gurugram further strengthens Air India's commitment to enhancing pilot training quality.
Overall, the new flying school in Amravati represents a forward-thinking approach by Air India to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry while supporting the government's efforts to promote domestic pilot training. This move is expected to benefit not only Air India but also the broader aviation community in India.
The new flying school initiative by Air India is set to revolutionize pilot training in India. It will help fulfill the growing demand for pilots and support the country's aviation sector's long-term growth. This development aligns with Air India's strategy to enhance training quality and control the supply of future pilots, ensuring a steady flow of skilled professionals in the industry.
