The Indian aviation industry is growing in potential, and there is a rising demand for skilled talent to support this exponential growth. Air India recognises this need and is making significant strides by investing in the training and development of aviation professionals across various domains. We delve into how Air India is making this happen!

1. Redefining aviation training with the Air India Training Academy

Sprawled across 600,000 sq ft, the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram, is South Asia’s largest aviation training institution. The academy is poised to train over 50,000 Air India professionals in the coming years, encompassing a wide spectrum of roles including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and security personnel. With a strong focus on creating immersive learning experiences, the curriculum seamlessly blends both classroom training and practical application to foster industry-ready aviation professionals.Air India is also in the process of setting up over 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) bays within the academy to support the airline’s existing and future Airbus and Boeing fleet and ensure crew readiness ahead of aircraft deliveries.

2. Cultivating a strong talent pool of pilots through the Flying Training Organisation (FTO)

Air India is proactively addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots with its upcoming Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati at Maharashtra Airport Development Company's airport. With a target to graduate 180 commercial pilots every year, it not only aims to strengthen Air India's pilot pool but also contribute to India's overall aviation landscape. 

This state-of-the-art flying school – which is South Asia’s largest and the first by any Indian airline in the country - boasts of digitally enabled classrooms as well as world-class hostels ensuring a conducive environment for young adults aspiring to pursue a career in aviation.

Air India has also placed an order for 34 trainer aircraft, including 31 single-engine planes from Piper Aircraft (USA) and 3 twin-engine planes from Diamond Aircraft (Austria). These aircraft will be instrumental in the operation of the flying school and training cadet pilots once the school becomes operational by the first quarter of financial year 2026.

3. Achieving self-reliance in fleet maintenance with a mega Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru

Recognising the critical role of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, Air India is constructing a mega MRO facility in Bengaluru which will be operational by 2026. This strategic move will help strengthen Air India and the country’s fleet maintenance capabilities as well as create numerous employment opportunities for aviation engineers. This 11-bay MRO facility underscores Air India’s commitment towards building a strong, self-reliant aviation ecosystem.

Equipped with latest aircraft maintenance technology, the facility will feature a mega hangar to accommodate both wide body and narrow body aircraft under a single roof for Base Maintenance.

4.Nurturing a pool of skilled engineers with the Basic Maintainace Training Orgraisation (BMTO)

To further bolster its engineering capabilities, Air India is launching a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) in Bengaluru.This organisation will offer an integrated Basic Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The facility with its proximity to Bengaluru International Airport will enable students to get hands-on experience as part of their training and will be beneficial to those considering careers in aviation and aircraft maintenance engineering. The BMTO is expected to be operational by mid-2026. Till then, Air India will implement a Cadet Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programme with other credible institutions across Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Shaping the future of aviation 

Air India's multifaceted approach to skill development and training is crucial not only for the airline's own growth but also for shaping the future of India's aviation sector. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, developing comprehensive training programmes, and nurturing talent across various aviation domains, Air India is paving the way for a brighter future for the Indian aviation industry.