Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

India’s FSTC Welcomes Batch of 6 Pilots to July 2025 A320 Type Rating Course

Hyderabad, India – Indian aviation training group operating both flight schools and full flight simulator training centers FSTC (Flight Simulation Technique Centre) has announced the commencement of a new Airbus A320 type rating batch comprising six pilots at its Hyderabad training center.

  • The new Hyderabad facility was inaugurated earlier in 2024 and is equipped with DGCA- and EASA-approved Level D simulators for A320, B737, ATR72, and Q400.

  • FSTC also offers training benefits such as airline preparation modules, interview guidance, and complimentary sim practice for select programs.

In April FSTC shared its 2024 Group Overview Corporate Video.

Source: FSTC

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India’s Regulator to Rank Flight Schools from October 2025 to Boost Training Standards

India – India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the national civil aviation regulator, will implement a bi-annual ranking system for all Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in the country starting October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to improve transparency, safety, and training quality in India’s pilot training sector, which has been widely criticized for inconsistent standards and delays in cadet progression.

  • The DGCA will begin ranking all Indian FTOs based on parameters including safety records, regulatory compliance, and average time taken by students to complete 200 flying hours—a key requirement for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

  • The system is designed to aid aspiring pilots in selecting credible training institutions and to encourage FTOs to raise their standards.

  • Rankings will be issued twice a year, on April 1 and October 1, with the first publication scheduled for October 1, 2025.

  • Ranking tiers:

    • A++: 85% and above

    • A+: 70% to 84.99%

    • A: 50% to 69.99%

    • B: Below 50% (Category B schools will receive notices for performance review and improvement)

  • FTOs must submit performance data within a defined timeline; failure to do so, or submission of false data, may result in regulatory action.

  • DGCA audits and inspections will be used to verify the data provided by the FTOs.

Source: DGCA

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Airbus Announces Commercial Aircraft Orders and Deliveries for the Month of June 2025

Global – In June 2025, aircraft manufacturer Airbus:

  • Delivered 63 aircraft to 35 customers
    • 12 A220-300
    • 20 A320neo
    • 23 A321neo
    • 1 A330-200
    • 2 A330-900
    • 5 A350-900
  • Secured 203 gross orders
  • Year to date Airbus has delivered 306 aircraft to 65 customers.

In May 2025, Airbus reported 51 aircraft deliveries.

See last year’s stats here.

AFM Team Note – kindly contact us for a detailed Excel breakdown of orders and deliveries by airline.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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CAE Highlights 2025 Global Self-Sponsored Course Offering

Global – global aviation and pilot training solution provider CAE has highlighted its self-sponsored pilot training offerings across its worldwide network, aiming to meet increasing demand for flexible, high-quality commercial pilot upskilling options.

  • CAE provides a comprehensive portfolio of self-sponsored programs for current and aspiring commercial pilots, including:

    • Type Rating (Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and more)

    • License Proficiency Check (LPC)

    • Assessment Preparation

    • Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) / Type Rating Instructor (TRI)

    • Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)

  • Type Rating training spans 4–5 weeks and includes:

    • 15 days of comprehensive curriculum with innovative methodologies using computer-based tools

    • 9 full-flight simulator (FFS) sessions (4 hours each, plus brief/debrief)

    • 1 additional FFS session for final assessment

  • Refresher & LPC package includes:

    • 2 FFS refresher sessions and 1 LPC FFS session tailored for lapsed license holders

  • SFI/TRI Initial instructor qualification course offers:

    • 5 days of ground school and 3 FFS sessions

    • Includes two 4-hour sessions and one 2-hour session plus two 4-hour competence assessments

  • APS MCC training includes:

    • 9 FTD or FFS sessions (4 hours each)

    • Final FFS assessment session conducted by senior instructors

  • CAE operates over 300 civil aviation full-flight simulators across 70+ global locations, ensuring local access to advanced training

  • All CAE training centers feature Simfinity™ classrooms, briefing/debriefing rooms, and dedicated pilot lounges to support a complete training experience

Source: CAE

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Chimes Aviation Adds Aircraft as Monthly Flight Activity Surges in May and June 2025

India – Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India, has shared its operational performance for May and June 2025 and announced key fleet expansions to support its training capacity.

  • CAA conducted 4,223 flight hours, 6,575 landings, 3,566 flights during and 2,022 Solo hours in May and June 2025.

  • The academy inducted a new Tecnam P2010 Tdi and a Cessna 172, bringing its total fleet to 28 aircraft.

  • These additions will boost training volume and aircraft availability at its Dhana and Neemuch bases.

  • CAA has recorded over 30,000 flying hours in the 2024–2025 financial year.

  • The academy is responsible for approximately 20% of India’s Commercial Pilot License (CPL) output, solidifying its importance within the national pilot training landscape.

Statement’s:

  • “With every new aircraft, we are investing directly in our students’ futures. This addition reflects our constant effort to scale up not just in size, but in capability. A growing fleet means more opportunity, better efficiency, and more confidence for our cadets every time they take to the skies,” said Dev Punj, Vice President, Chimes Aviation Academy.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy

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