Air India and Airbus Launch Academy to Train 5,000 Pilots Over a Decade

GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) and Airbus have officially launched a state-of-the-art pilot training center at the Air India Aviation Training Academy located in Gurugram, Haryana.

This cutting-edge facility aims to train over 5,000 new pilots over the next ten years, addressing the growing need for qualified flight crews in India’s booming aviation industry.

Air India and Airbus Pilot Training Academy

The facility, established as a 50:50 joint venture, was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with key figures like Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, and Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India.

Spanning 12,000 square meters, the center includes 10 Full Flight Simulators (FFS), along with advanced classrooms and briefing rooms.

These simulators cater specifically to the Airbus A320 and A350 families, ensuring compliance with the training standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Presently, two A320 simulators are operational, while additional simulators for A320 and A350 will be installed in phases. This initiative is set to align world-class pilot training with India’s expanding aviation requirements.

Jürgen Westermeier, President & Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, referred to the center as a “strategic investment” in the future of Indian aviation. Meanwhile, Campbell Wilson spoke of Air India’s ambitious plan to acquire 570 new aircraft, asserting that this facility will be crucial for preparing pilots for the airline’s upcoming transformation.

Consolidating Training Under One Roof

This center represents Air India’s effort to unify its pilot training facilities from various locations into a single hub at the Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram.

As South Asia’s largest aviation training academy, it currently trains over 2,000 aviation professionals daily. In the coming years, it is expected to prepare 50,000 personnel, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, and security personnel.

The academy offers comprehensive training in crucial areas such as Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP), customer service, grooming, and voice training. Programs for ground and security staff encompass essential topics like airport security and customer handling.

South Asia’s Largest FTO

Additionally, Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) at Belora Airport (AMR) near Amravati, Maharashtra. Authorized by the DGCA, this FTO is set to produce up to 180 commercial pilots each year to help meet the country’s increasing pilot shortage.

Moreover, a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) is in development next to Air India’s upcoming Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru (BLR).

The BMTO will offer a two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) course, followed by another two years of hands-on training at the MRO, which is expected to be operational by FY27.

The partnership between Air India and Airbus signifies more than just a training collaboration; it reflects a profound investment in the aviation landscape of India, fostering infrastructure that meets international standards.

With its expanding fleet, extensive recruitment plans, and enhanced training facilities, Air India is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of India’s aviation evolution.