In a groundbreaking development, Air India is set to launch South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. This ambitious initiative, driven by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), aims to revolutionize regional pilot training. With operations slated to begin in Q1 FY26, the FTO will have the capacity to graduate 180 commercial pilots annually, significantly boosting India’s aviation sector.
State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
The DGCA-licensed FTO will be based at Amravati’s Belora airport, featuring a fleet of 31 single-engine aircraft and three twin-engine aircraft for comprehensive training. This setup ensures that trainees receive hands-on experience with various aircraft, preparing them for diverse flying conditions and scenarios. The establishment of this facility marks the first FTO by any Indian airline, setting a precedent for future developments in the industry.
Long-Term Vision and Commitment
Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, of Air India, said: “The FTO at Amravati will be a significant step towards making Indian aviation more self-reliant and offering more opportunities to the youth in India to fulfil their ambitions of flying as pilots. The young pilots coming out of this FTO will fuel Air India’s ambition of becoming a world-class airline, as it moves ahead in its transformation journey.”
World-Class Training Standards
“The FTO will be operational by Q1 FY26 and offer aspiring pilots an opportunity to undergo training with world-class curricula at par with best-in-class global schools. We are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and to support the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” saidSunil Bhaskaran, Director, of Aviation Academy, Air India.
Economic and Employment Impact
“This collaborative initiative between MADC and Air India will not only boost the economy of Maharashtra by focusing on over 3,000 new employment opportunities within the aviation sector but also create employment in multifarious allied activities in skilling, technical and small entrepreneurial ventures culminating in an impressive contribution of over Rs 1,000 crore to the state’s GDP over the next decade. The establishment of South Asia’s largest FTO will certainly encourage students in Maharashtra to pursue careers in aviation which would further instill a deep sense of inspiration and pride for the state of Maharashtra and the Indian citizenry,” saidSwati Pandey, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Maharashtra Airport Development Company.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The Amravati FTO will span over 10 acres and include digitally enabled classrooms, state-of-the-art hostels, a digitized operations centre, and an in-house maintenance facility. These amenities are designed to provide the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, ensuring that trainees receive the best possible education and support during their training.
Complementing Existing Training Initiatives
Earlier this year, Air India announced the launch of its new Training Academy in Gurugram, the largest in South Asia, spread over 600,000 sq ft. The Amravati FTO will complement this facility, further cementing Air India’s commitment to strengthening India’s aviation training infrastructure. By investing in these world-class training institutions, Air India aims to support the country’s burgeoning aviation ecosystem and contribute to its long-term growth.
Supporting India’s Aviation Ecosystem
The establishment of the Amravati FTO is a testament to Air India’s dedication to supporting India’s aviation ecosystem. As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India requires robust training infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for skilled pilots. The Amravati FTO, with its comprehensive training programs and state-of-the-art facilities, will play a crucial role in fulfilling this need.
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