India & USA – Skyborne, a global pilot training group which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and the United States, has welcomed 40 new cadets to the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, after a Letter of Intent (LoI) ceremony in Gurgaon, India.

Following a competitive application process, the successful cadets will commence the first phase of their flight training at the academy’s base in Florida, United States, before returning to India for their flight license conversion and type rating. After successfully completing the program, the graduates will go on to fly with India’s leading airline as A320 First Officers.

Rina Basu, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), Skyborne, says: “Since Skyborne’s partnership with IndiGo began in 2019, we’ve supported India’s aviation industry in meeting workforce demand and tackling pilot shortages. Now, with our largest intake ever, we’re proud to continue supplying IndiGo with passionate and bright cadets who are committed to becoming highly skilled commercial pilots.”

Skyborne’s 2025 intake includes two former cabin crew for IndiGo and a strong female contingent, with 21% women cadets, well above the global average of 6%*.

Karri Dhanashree, former IndiGo cabin crew member and future cadet on the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, says: “Becoming a pilot has always been my childhood dream. I began my journey as a cabin attendant with IndiGo, and with hard work and invaluable guidance from colleagues, I’m now able to fly for the only company I ever imagined working for in aviation.”

Prince Verma, future cadet on the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, says: “Being accepted into this program is a significant step towards achieving my dream of becoming an airline pilot. I’m excited to learn from the experienced instructors and push myself to excel in every aspect. For me, joining Skyborne isn’t just about learning to fly, it’s about embracing a culture of discipline, professionalism, and continuous growth.”

Applications for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program with Skyborne are open, with the next ADAPT test scheduled in July.

About Skyborne 
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports 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. Their vision has created 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 recruits the very best candidates to minimise 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 IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne