Air India and Airbus Launch Advanced Pilot Training Center in Gurugram
Air India, in partnership with Airbus, has opened a new pilot training center at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram. The facility, a 50:50 joint venture, aims to train over 5,000 new pilots in the next decade. It features ten Full Flight Simulators for Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft families, with two A320 simulators already installed. The center's courses will be approved by both DGCA and EASA. This initiative is part of Air India's broader training strategy, which includes plans for a Flying Training Organisation in Amravati and a Basic Maintenance Training Organization in Bengaluru.

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Air India, in collaboration with Airbus, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art pilot training center at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram. This strategic move, executed through a 50:50 joint venture, aims to address the growing demand for skilled pilots in India's rapidly expanding commercial aviation sector.
Training Capacity and Facilities
The new facility is set to play a crucial role in India's aviation landscape, with plans to train over 5,000 new pilots in the next decade. Spanning 12,000 square meters, the center will be equipped with ten Full Flight Simulators (FFS) dedicated to the Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft families.
Currently, the center houses two A320 simulators, with the remaining eight to be installed progressively. This phased approach ensures a steady expansion of training capabilities to meet the industry's evolving needs.
Regulatory Compliance and Training Standards
Emphasizing quality and adherence to international standards, the training courses offered at the center will be approved by both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This dual approval underscores the commitment to maintaining high-quality training standards that meet both national and international requirements.
Air India's Broader Training Initiatives
The new pilot training center is part of Air India's larger vision for aviation training in India. The Air India Aviation Training Academy has already positioned itself as South Asia's largest aviation training academy. It currently trains over 2,000 aviation professionals daily, contributing significantly to the development of skilled personnel in the industry.
Future Expansion Plans
Air India's ambitious plans extend beyond the Gurugram facility. The airline is in the process of developing South Asia's largest Flying Training Organisation in Amravati, Maharashtra. This facility aims to produce 180 commercial pilot graduates annually, further bolstering the pilot workforce in the region.
Additionally, Air India is setting up a Basic Maintenance Training Organization in Bengaluru. This facility will focus on training aviation maintenance professionals, rounding out Air India's comprehensive approach to aviation training.
Industry Impact
The establishment of this advanced pilot training center marks a significant step in addressing the anticipated growth in India's commercial aviation sector. By investing in high-quality training infrastructure and partnering with a global leader like Airbus, Air India is positioning itself at the forefront of aviation training in South Asia.
This initiative not only supports Air India's own growth plans but also contributes to the broader development of India's aviation ecosystem. As the demand for air travel continues to rise in the region, the availability of well-trained pilots and aviation professionals will be crucial in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable growth in the sector.