Tata Group-owned Air India has ordered 34 state-of-the-art trainer aircraft to support cadet pilot training at South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO). Set to open at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra, by mid-2025 (pending approvals), this initiative marks a significant step toward boosting India’s aviation training capacity.
State-of-the-Art Aircraft for Training
The order includes 31 single-engine aircraft from Piper Aircraft (USA) and three twin-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft (Austria). These planes feature advanced glass cockpits, G1000 avionics systems, and Jet A1 engines, ensuring cutting-edge training for future pilots.
FTO to Produce Skilled Pilots
The FTO aims to graduate 180 commercial pilots annually, contributing to Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, which focuses on enhancing training infrastructure to meet the airline’s growing operational needs.
Modern Facilities at Belora Airport
Spanning 10 acres, the training center will include digital classrooms, an operations center, on-site maintenance facilities, and residential hostels. Designed to meet global aviation standards, it prioritizes safety and operational efficiency.
Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Air India’s Aviation Academy, highlighted that this initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It aims to address the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the fast-growing aviation sector.
Gurugram Academy Leads the Way
The new FTO follows Air India’s Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, a 600,000 sq ft facility and the largest in South Asia. Together, these centers are critical components of Air India’s mission to create a self-reliant pipeline of skilled aviation professionals.
Deliveries Begin in 2025
The trainer aircraft are scheduled for delivery starting in 2025, ensuring that Air India remains at the forefront of aviation training in India.
