Air India to Open India’s First Self-Operated Pilot Training School

Air India is making a significant move to establish a flying school in Maharashtra’s Amravati, a project aimed at training up to 180 pilots annually.

Initially focused on meeting the airline’s internal requirements, the Tata Group-owned carrier envisions expanding to address external needs in the future, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The new academy will welcome aspiring pilots with no prior flying experience, offering a comprehensive full-time training program that prepares them for careers in Air India’s cockpits. To support this initiative, Air India has procured approximately 30 single-engine and four multi-engine aircraft from American manufacturer Piper and European company Diamond.

This strategic step allows Air India to control the supply of new pilots, ensuring a steady pipeline of well-trained talent. Moreover, it addresses the quality gaps in pilot training within India, which often compel students to seek education abroad.

The establishment of the Amravati flying school is part of Air India’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of pilot training in the country. Alongside this, the airline has inaugurated a training center in Gurugram, in collaboration with Airbus and US-based L3 Harris, equipped with six simulators for type-rating and recurrent training.

Other Indian airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have similar branded training programs in association with independent flight schools both domestically and internationally. However, Air India’s initiative to set up its own flying school marks a pioneering step in the country, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high standards in pilot training and meeting the aviation industry’s growing demands.