FLORIDA- Ordering 93 Archer DX aircraft from Piper Aircraft, Tata Group-owned Air India Flight Training Centre has 31 firm orders for 2025 delivery and 62 options for 2026-2027.
First deliveries starting in Q1 2025.
Air India Orders 93 Piper Aircraft
The purchase of the aircraft helps Air India (AI) to build a new flight training facility in Amravati, Maharashtra, which seeks to rank as the biggest aviation training hub in South Asia. With its worldwide fleet program, this deal helps Piper Aircraft to deepen its presence into Asian markets.
Managing Director Campbell Wilson of Air India stressed the strategic value of the Archer DX purchase for pilot training. “This investment improves our pilot training capacity, so allowing the instruction of hundreds of cadets in our programs,” Wilson said.
John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, emphasized Air India’s membership in the Piper Flight School Alliance, therefore attesting to Piper’s will to provide dependable training aircraft for aspiring airline pilots.
By means of the cooperation, aviation training infrastructure in the South Asian area advances significantly, so establishing Air India as a major player in pilot development.
About Aircraft
Driven by the Continental CD-155 diesel engine, the Archer DX has remarkable fuel economy, running just 5.8 gallons per hour at cruise speed of 114 KTAS.
Standard G1000 avionics on the airplane combine modern technology with operational simplicity. Its strong building especially meets the requirements of flight training activities.
Archer DX’s technical specs show its training power: maximum cruise speed reaches 128 knots at 75% power, with a range extending to 522 nautical miles.
The aircraft needs 1,608 feet for takeoff and 1,400 feet for landing over a 50-foot barrier; its operating ceiling is 14,101 feet. This training aircraft runs on a 180 HP Lycoming I0-360-B4A engine together with a Sensenich fixed pitch propeller.
About Companies
Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, based in Vero Beach, Florida, leads general aviation production with its pioneering Garmin Emergency Autoland certification.
The company’s aircraft portfolio includes several categories, including the high-performance M-Class series, which includes the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 models geared for business and private flying purposes.
The manufacturer’s Personal Class line includes the Archer LX and Archer DLX, while the Trainer Class series includes the Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft, forming the industry’s most advanced pilot training fleet.
Piper maintains an active membership in the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, bolstering its industry leading position.
Air India Aviation Academy
Air India Aviation Academy has opened a 600,000-square-foot training complex in Gurugram, establishing itself as South Asia’s largest aviation training facility.
The academy aims to train 50,000 aviation professionals from many disciplines, including pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, engineering, and security staff.
The academy’s expansion will include a new flight school in Amravati, Maharashtra, with the capacity to graduate 180 pilots each year.
FAQ
Why did Air India order 93 Piper Archer DX aircraft?
Air India ordered 93 Piper Archer DX aircraft to strengthen its Pilot Training Academy and ensure high-quality training for aspiring pilots.
What is special about the Piper Archer DX aircraft?
The Piper Archer DX aircraft is equipped with modern diesel engines, advanced avionics, and fuel-efficient technology, making it ideal for pilot training.
Where will the new Piper Archer DX aircraft be used?
These aircraft will be deployed across Air India’s Pilot Training Academy locations to support comprehensive pilot training programs.
When will Air India start using the new aircraft?
The delivery schedule for the 93 Piper Archer DX aircraft has not been publicly disclosed, but Air India plans to integrate them into their training academy as soon as possible.
How will this order benefit Air India?
The order will help Air India meet growing demand for skilled pilots and maintain a competitive edge in the aviation industry by offering advanced training facilities.
