Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a five-year contract extension with IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline, to continue to train its next generation of A320 First Officers.

Applications are open for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme with Skyborne, offering 100 selected cadets per year an international training programme and US FAA and Indian DGCA dual licences.

Rina Basu, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), Skyborne, says: “The trust IndiGo has placed in Skyborne since 2019 is a huge source of pride and testament to our vision to redefine pilot training.

In 2023, IndiGo became the first airline in the country to welcome 100 million passengers in a single year. We remain committed to supporting this record-breaking mindset, delivering a pipeline of well-trained First Officers to fuel IndiGo’s ongoing success.”

Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President Flight Operations, IndiGo, says, “With the unprecedented demand for air travel in India, the extended partnership with Skyborne is valuable. With an academy’s airline-focused approach, international facilities, and an experienced team, Skyborne has proven to be a reliable partner time and again.

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme offers a clear path to an exciting career, and we are pleased to continue this program with Skyborne. We appreciate their commitment to providing top-notch training and look forward to producing more skilled pilots through this partnership to fuel IndiGo’s growth through this decade.”

The 17-month course begins at Skyborne’s United States facility in Vero Beach, Florida, with cadets spending 12 months earning their US FAA 141 Commercial Pilots License with Instrument Rating, plus the required multi-engine time, before completing a DCGA licence conversion in India. The application process has recently been revamped to include the latest suite of ADAPT pilot aptitude tests from Symbiotics.

Sakshi Pradhan, recent graduate, adds: “I’d like to thank Skyborne for this wonderful opportunity. The experience has been wonderful, and I will cherish the memories created throughout my lifetime. Skyborne truly gave me wings to fly.”

Skyborne and IndiGo will partner on a series of webinars providing prospective trainees with further information about the programme, including detail on the selection process and Q&A sessions.

About Skyborne 

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire Airport in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training. 

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. It is their vision to create a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.   

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.   

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway.   

About IndiGo

IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 350+ aircraft, the airline is operating 2000+ daily flights and connecting 86 domestic destinations and 33 international destinations. India by IndiGo!

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne