GURUGRAM- Air India (AI), owned by Tata Group, has ordered 34 trainer aircraft to teach cadet pilots at South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organization (FTO) at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra. The FTO is expected to open in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory permission.
The order includes 31 single-engine aircraft from Piper Aircraft in the United States, as well as three twin-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft in Austria.
These aircraft, outfitted with modern glass cockpits, G1000 avionics systems, and Jet A1 engines, are intended to provide cutting-edge instruction for prospective pilots.
Air India Orders 34 Trainer Aircraft
This approach is consistent with Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, which focuses on improving training facilities and assuring a stable supply of experienced pilots to service its growing fleet.
The FTO intends to graduate 180 commercial pilots each year, cementing Air India’s shift toward self-sufficiency in pilot training.
Delivery of the trainer aircraft is slated to commence in 2025.
Executive Remarks
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Air India’s Aviation Academy, stressed that the effort is consistent with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goal and meets the growing demand for skilled pilots in India’s fast developing aviation business.
The new FTO at Belora Airport will cover 10 acres and contain cutting-edge facilities such as digitally equipped classrooms, a digitized operations center, on-site repair facilities, and dorms.
The institute, which is designed to exceed worldwide standards, will offer high-quality training with a focus on safety and operational efficiency.
This follows the earlier opening of Air India’s Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, which is currently South Asia’s largest facility at 600,000 square feet.
The academy is part of Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, which aims to boost the country’s aviation training environment and create a self-sufficient pipeline of trained pilots.