Airlines

IndiGo Partners with Private Firm to enhance its Cadet Pilot Program

IndiGo, India’s preferred carrier, has announced a strategic partnership with Garuda Aviation Academy to bolster its Cadet Pilot Program.

This initiative aims to train fresh pilots to become future junior first officers for the airline. This collaboration marks the eighth partnership IndiGo has established for its cadet pilot program over the past 13 years.

The comprehensive 21-month course is designed to equip aspiring pilots with the necessary skills and knowledge.

The training program begins with a three-month ground school at Garuda Aviation Academy’s training center in Gurugram.

Aims to train fresh pilots as future junior first officers

This is followed by a 12-month intensive training session at 43 Air School in South Africa, renowned for its exceptional track record of training over 6,000 ab-initio pilots.

IndiGo has successfully inducted over 1,000 pilots through these rigorous training programs in the last 13 years.

These programs encompass the entire spectrum of pilot training, from cadet selection to obtaining a commercial pilot license and A320 type rating, culminating in their induction into the airline as pilots.

Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo, expressed his pride in the new partnership with Garuda Aviation Academy.

He emphasized that the 21-month course is expected to cultivate the next generation of skilled pilots who will uphold IndiGo’s commitment to safe, affordable, and hassle-free travel.

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Aligns with the Government of India’s UDAN mission

This initiative is in line with the Government of India’s UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik”) mission, aimed at enhancing connectivity to smaller and medium-sized towns and cities across the country.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.