Air India boosts Pilot Training Capability with 34 Trainer Aircraft Order
Air India has placed an order for 34 trainer aircraft to bolster its pilot training capabilities. The fleet, comprising 31 single-engine planes from US-based Piper Aircraft and three twin-engine planes from Austria’s Diamond Aircraft, will support the airline’s upcoming Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Maharashtra.
The FTO, being established at Belora Airport in Amravati, is expected to commence operations by the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory clearances. The initiative aligns with Air India’s efforts to build a self-sustained ecosystem of qualified pilots for its operations and the broader aviation sector in India.
Commenting on the development, Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Air India’s Aviation Academy, stated, “The FTO will not only contribute to Air India’s talent pool but also play a critical role in addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots in India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.”
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has also launched a state-of-the-art Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, Haryana, as part of its broader strategy to enhance training infrastructure and support its growing fleet and network.
This investment in training infrastructure underscores Air India’s commitment to advancing the aviation sector while supporting the government’s vision of making India a global aviation hub.
