Air India is developing South Asia's largest flight training school in Amravati, Maharashtra, investing over ₹200 crore.
Air India is investing over ₹200 crore to create South Asia's largest flight training facility in Amravati, Maharashtra. This effort, set to launch in the first quarter of the next fiscal year, seeks to provide a consistent supply of pilots for the airline, which will need 500-700 pilots each year to support its development goals following a massive purchase of 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in 2023.
Partnership and Infrastructure
Air India has leased a 10-acre land in Amravati for thirty years in a collaboration with the Maharashtra Airport Development Company. The facility will house 31 single-engine Piper aircraft and three twin-engine Diamond aircraft, teaching 180 commercial pilots yearly. The infrastructure comprises a freshly enlarged runway of 1,850 meters.sophisticated navigation aids and night landing facilities. Amravati has almost 300 days of clear visibility, which optimizes conditions for pilot training.
Significance of Indian Aviation
Campbell Wilson, MD and CEO of Air India, stated that the Amravati flight instruction company is a big step toward self-reliance in Indian aviation. The school intends to expand chances for Indian children to pursue careers as pilots. Despite the fact that India has over 34 accredited training institutions, 40% of pilots are now trained overseas. This project fills the gap and contributes to the country's aviation self-sufficiency.
Supporting Government Vision
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy of Air India, stated that the airline is committed to helping the government's objective for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. By improving India's aviation infrastructure, Air India hopes to satisfy the demands of one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. The airline now maintains a fleet of around 140 aircraft and has employed over 1,000 pilots in the last two years.
