In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Dev Punj – Vice President of Chimes Aviation Academy – one of the largest flight training organisations in India operating over 20 aircraft from 2 bases.

The conversation covers:

• History: Chimes Aviation Academy was established in 2008 to address India’s shortage of quality pilot training infrastructure. The academy began with 10 aircraft during the global financial crisis, which posed significant challenges. Over the years, the academy has grown significantly and now operates two bases with a fleet of 24 aircraft, training over150 cadets.
• Fleet Expansion and Future Plans: In 2024, Chimes Aviation Academy expanded its fleet by adding new aircraft, including the Tecnam P2010, Cessna 172, and multi-engine DA42. The academy is also planning to further grow its capacity, with an ambitious goal of adding up to 70 more aircraft in the coming years. To accommodate increasing demand, they are actively scouting locations for a third base in India.
• Addressing Industry Challenges: The academy has taken proactive measures to address key challenges in the Indian aviation training sector. One key initiative is the Chimes Fight Instructor Retention Program, which ensures a stable pipeline of flight instructors by offering cadets a pathway to join Indigo after serving as instructors for two years.
• Demand for Pilots in India: The demand for pilots in India continues to grow, with the domestic training infrastructure currently training only 40% of its pilot needs. With record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like Indigo and Air India, the industry is under pressure to meet increasing pilot requirements.
• Global Collaborations: Chimes Aviation Academy has positioned itself as a global collaborator in the Indian pilot training sector – working with international flight schools to convert foreign pilot licenses for Indian cadets and maintain a reputation for high-quality, efficient training.

For more information:

• Dev Punj Linkedin Profile
• Chimes Aviation Academy Website

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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