Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Sky One Group Chairman Supports Development of Indian Pilot Training Ecosystem

India – As the aviation sector marks World Pilots’ Day on April 26, industry leaders and regulators highlight India’s potential to become a global pilot training hub, amidst growing demand for pilots driven by regional and global fleet expansion.

  • World Pilots’ Day, officially recognised by IFALPA in 2014, honours pilots’ contributions to global aviation and is observed annually on April 26.

  • Boeing’s ‘Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043’ forecasts a requirement for 674,000 new pilots globally over the next two decades, with Asia-Pacific as a key growth region.

  • India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu estimates the country will need approximately 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, due to large-scale aircraft orders by Indian carriers.

  • The country currently has an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, indicating a substantial shortfall to meet projected demand.

  • In 2023, India issued a record 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), though this figure declined to 1,342 in 2024.

  • Sky One Group Chairman, Jaideep Mirchandani, emphasised India’s opportunity to become a global pilot training hub by strengthening its training infrastructure and regulatory support.

  • He welcomed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) new FTO rating system and proposed dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training to accelerate capacity development.

  • Mirchandani also advocated for cadet programmes based on international models and financial support mechanisms, such as subsidised loans and scholarships, to make training more accessible.

Statements:

  • “The DCA’s new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards.” – Jaideep Mirchandani. “Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots.”

About Sky One
Sky One is a global aviation services group headquartered in the UAE, involved in aircraft leasing, charter operations, and aviation training services. The group supports initiatives aimed at enhancing pilot training infrastructure, particularly in emerging aviation markets like India.

Source: Sky One and Local Media

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DGCA Removes Class 12 Science Requirement, Expands Pilot Training Access in India

India – India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has removed the requirement for aspiring pilot trainees to have studied physics and mathematics at the Class 12 level if they are from commerce or arts streams.

  • The revised rule now allows students from non-science backgrounds to enroll in pilot training programs.

  • Candidates must now complete an approved bridge course in physics and mathematics from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or an equivalent, prior to appearing for the DGCA’s Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) examination.

  • The move is aimed at widening access to aviation careers amid the growing demand for pilots in India.

  • Previously, only students who had completed Class 12 with science subjects were eligible for CPL training.

Source: Indian DGCA

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Air India Flying Training Academy Seeking to Hire Maintenance Engineers for 2025 Start of Operations

Amravati, Maharashtra, India –Air India is currently hiring for the position of Maintenance Engineer for its new Air India Flying Training Academy. The Academy will start operations in 2025, pending formal regulatory approval and will operate a fleet of Piper Archer and Diamond DA42 aircraft.

Role Summary: The Maintenance Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the airworthiness and maintenance compliance of Air India aircraft in line with DGCA regulations and organizational safety standards. The role involves handling aircraft maintenance tasks, supporting maintenance planning, and ensuring timely defect rectification.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee and perform maintenance activities on aircraft and ensure airworthiness

  • Maintain compliance with DGCA CARs, OEM manuals, and company procedures

  • Coordinate with engineering and planning teams to support scheduled maintenance

  • Monitor defect rectification and maintenance timelines to ensure operational reliability

  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation

  • Participate in audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented

  • Ensure safety and environmental guidelines are followed in the workplace

Candidate Requirements:

  • Education requirements

    • AME license in Category B1.2 or B3 in metal and composite category or B2
    • Bachelor’s or Technical degree (desired)

  • Experience

    • minimum. 5+ years’ experience in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management

    • Prior experience in DGCA-approved positions in FTOs/ATOs/Airlines in India

    • Experience with single-and twin-engine fleet (Prior experience with similar fleet (Piper single-engine and Diamond multi-engine aircrafts)

To learn more about the role or to apply go here.

Source: Air India

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