Is Air India and Airbus Training Centre Ready to Equip 5,000 Pilots for India's Aviation Boom?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Air India and Airbus have inaugurated a pioneering pilot training centre in Gurugram, aiming to equip 5,000 pilots over the next ten years. This initiative responds to India's escalating aviation demands and reaffirms the commitment to enhancing training standards in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- The pilot training centre is a joint venture between Air India and Airbus.
- It is set to train over 5,000 pilots within a decade.
- The facility includes 10 flight simulators and advanced training rooms.
- It is approved by DGCA and EASA.
- Air India is expanding its fleet with 570 new aircraft.
Gurugram, Sep 30 (NationPress) A cutting-edge pilot training centre has been officially launched at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram. This facility aims to train over 5,000 new pilots in the next decade, addressing the soaring demand in India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry, as announced by the airline on Tuesday.
The centre is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India and Airbus.
Inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the event was attended by Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India, and senior executives from the Tata Group, Air India, and Airbus.
Covering an area of 12,000 square metres, the centre will feature 10 full flight simulators (FFSs), along with modern classrooms and briefing areas.
It will provide training for the Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft families and has received approval from both India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Currently, the facility has two A320 simulators, with plans to introduce six additional A320 simulators and two A350 simulators in phases.
Jurgen Westermeier, President of Airbus India and South Asia, noted that this facility is not merely a joint venture but represents a strategic investment in the future of the Indian aviation sector.
He emphasized that India is a crucial market for Airbus, and the centre signifies the company's commitment to harnessing its potential.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that with 570 new aircraft on order, the airline is in a phase of expansion, and this training centre will be vital for enhancing pilot skills to support its transformation.
He highlighted that the academy aims to make Air India and the Indian aviation sector more self-sufficient while adhering to world-class training standards.
This training centre will centralize Air India’s pilot training infrastructure at Gurugram, home to South Asia’s largest aviation training academy.
Established in 2024, the academy trains over 2,000 aviation professionals daily and is projected to train more than 50,000 professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, in the coming years.
In addition to the new facility, Air India is also developing South Asia’s largest flying training organization in Amravati, Maharashtra, which will train 180 commercial pilots each year.
A Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) is also being established near Air India’s upcoming MRO facility in Bengaluru, expected to be operational by FY27.
Point of View
The establishment of this training centre marks a significant advancement for India's aviation infrastructure. It not only caters to the immediate demand for skilled pilots but also positions the country as a competitive player in the global aviation market. NationPress values this development as a step toward self-reliance and excellence in aviation training.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new pilot training centre?
The centre aims to train over 5,000 pilots in the next decade to meet the growing demand in India's aviation sector.
Who inaugurated the training facility?
The facility was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with key officials from Airbus and Air India.
What types of aircraft will be trained at the centre?
Training will be provided for Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft families.
How many flight simulators will the centre have?
The centre will feature 10 full flight simulators.
Where is the training centre located?
The training centre is located at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram.
