GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) and Airbus have jointly inaugurated a new pilot training center at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, Haryana.
The advanced facility is set to train over 5,000 new pilots in the next decade, meeting the rising demand for skilled flight crew in India’s fast-growing aviation market.
Photo: Air IndiaAir India and Airbus Pilot Training Academy
The center, developed as a 50:50 joint venture, was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in the presence of Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India, and senior leaders from Tata Group, Air India, and Airbus.
The training center spans 12,000 square meters and features 10 Full Flight Simulators (FFS), advanced classrooms, and briefing rooms.
The simulators are designed for Airbus A320 and A350 families, ensuring that pilots are trained to the highest standards set by both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Currently, two simulators for the Airbus A320 are operational, while six more A320 simulators and two A350 simulators will be installed in phases. Once complete, the facility will provide world-class pilot training aligned with India’s growing aviation needs.
Jürgen Westermeier, President & Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, described the center as a “strategic investment” in the future of Indian aviation. Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India, highlighted the airline’s order of 570 new aircraft and said this facility will be key in preparing pilots for the airline’s transformation journey.
Photo: Air IndiaConsolidating Training Under One Roof
With this center, Air India is bringing together pilot training infrastructure from different locations into the Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram.
The academy, already the largest aviation training academy in South Asia, trains more than 2,000 aviation professionals daily. Over the next few years, it is projected to train 50,000 personnel, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, and security staff.
The facility offers immersive training in Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP), customer service, grooming, and voice and accent training. For ground and security staff, the programs cover key areas such as airport security, customer handling, and departure control.
Photo: Air IndiaSouth Asia’s Largest FTO
Air India is also building South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) at Belora Airport (AMR), Amravati, Maharashtra. Licensed by DGCA, the FTO will graduate up to 180 commercial pilots annually, helping address the country’s rising pilot demand.
In addition, a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) is being developed near Air India’s new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru (BLR).
The BMTO will provide a two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program, followed by two years of on-the-job training at the MRO, which is scheduled to be operational in FY27.
The collaboration between Air India and Airbus represents more than a training partnership. It reflects a long-term investment in India’s aviation ecosystem, creating infrastructure that matches international benchmarks.
With its growing fleet, massive hiring plans, and expansion of training facilities, Air India is positioning itself at the center of India’s aviation transformation.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Air India Wins APEX ‘Most Improved Airline’ Award in Los Angeles
The post Air India and Airbus to Train 5,000 Pilots in 10 Years in New Academy appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
