Airlines

Air India & Airbus To Build Largest Pilot Training Centre In South Asia

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In a major milestone, Air India, under the ownership of Tata, is on the verge of finalizing talks with the renowned European aerospace company Airbus. The collaboration aims to establish a groundbreaking joint venture for the development of the largest pilot training center in South Asia.

A large financial commitment of about Rs 3,500 crore will be required for this strategic partnership. Both Air India and Airbus will own 50% of the newly established company, demonstrating a cooperative and fair effort on both sides..

According to the report, the facility will start out with six simulators for the Airbus A320 and A350 family of aircraft. When it comes to operating simulators, it will eventually be able to run up to 20, which will make it one of the biggest in South Asia.Additionally, Air India will utilise the facility, but it will also be accessible to other Airbus clients.

Additionally, Air India and US-based L3 Harris are in discussions to establish a second joint venture for the purpose of training pilots for Boeing aircraft, including the 737, 777, and 787. The facility become a centre of excellence in the region.

The pilot training facility offers ab initio, type-rated, and recurrent training and is positioned strategically to meet a variety of training needs. A pilot must complete ab initio training in order to obtain a licence, and type-rated training guarantees competence in flying a particular class of aircraft.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.