Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Indian Flight Training Group, Chimes Aviation Academy, Reaches 30,000 Flight Hours in FY 2024–2025

India – Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India, has marked a key operational milestone by surpassing 30,000 flying hours in the 2024–2025 financial year, highlighting consistent training activity and fleet utilisation.

With a fleet of 26 aircraft, two operational airbases (Dhana & Neemuch), and a significant presence in India’s pilot training ecosystem—contributing to 20% of the country’s domestic CPL market—CAA continues to set benchmarks in aviation training.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy (shown as meta image)

Related Posts

Gen24 Becomes Simnest’s First Flight Simulator Customer in India

Mumbai, India – Gen24 FLYBIZ, sister concern of Avion, has signed a contract for a Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator, which will be installed at its soon-to-open Avion Flight Training Centre (AFTC) in Mumbai, India. This simulator is the first Simnest device to be operated in Asia, underscoring the company’s growing international presence.

Simnest Aviation and Avion officially announced at APATS 2024 in Singapore that Simnest Aviation has appointed Avion as its exclusive sales and service partner in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, Avion revealed its intention to operate a fixed-base FNPT II MCC simulator from Simnest Aviation in addition to the planned eight full flight simulators at its Avion Flight Training Centre (AFTC) under construction in Mumbai, India, with sister company Gen24 FLYBIZ.

Balázs Herendi, CEO of Simnest Aviation, emphasized the importance of integrating fixed-base simulators into training programs:

“We have observed many ATOs and training centers using high-end full-flight simulators for trainings and exercises that could be effectively conducted on cost-efficient fixed-base simulators like the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC. This practice unnecessarily inflates operational costs and significantly increases the environmental footprint due to the energy-intensive nature of full-flight simulators.”

He added:

“Avion’s exceptional expertise and environmentally conscious corporate culture ensured this issue was addressed during the planning of the Avion Flight Training Centre in Mumbai. By incorporating a fixed-base Simnest simulator alongside their eight full-flight devices, they have set a benchmark for sustainable and efficient pilot training. Our team is honored to contribute to this groundbreaking development, which we believe will redefine pilot training standards in India.”

The new simulator of Gen24 FLYBIZ will be equipped with OEM side sticks and seats, fully enclosed flight deck, instructor box and a seat shaker system, among other enhancements. Simnest Aviation is set to deliver the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC device at the AFTC in Mumbai in the second half of 2025, marking another historic milestone for both the Hungarian simulator manufacturer and Gen24 FLYBIZ.

About Simnest Aviation
Simnest Aviation is a major player in the market for fixed-base FSTD manufacturers. The company has 23 type-representative simulators operating across 8 European countries, and their FMGS software is also used in North America and Asia. Their products, the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC, its simplified version, the Simnest A320 AATD and the Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC simulators are designed to be nearly identical to the real aircraft, replicating every intricate detail. This perfected to the limit realism of their type-representative flight simulators has helped many ATOs worldwide to expand their training portfolios with one of the most sought-after training, the MPL, and the most preferred pre-airline training, the APS MCC (EASA).

About Avion
Netherlands–based Avion builds sustainable Full Flight Simulators for pilot training. The company also operates a Flight Training Centre at London Luton Airport, offering dry lease hours on its Avion A320neo Full Flight Simulator (FFS). Avion‘s second training centre, Avion Flight Training Centre, Mumbai, India, is set to be inaugurated in early 2025. A new FFS for the Boeing 737 MAX is currently under development.

Source: Simnest
Photo Credit: Simnest

Related Posts

Flight Simulator Manufacturer HAVELSAN’s Boeing Devices Train Thousands of Pilots – Supporting Operators Receiving Aircraft in 2025

Ankara, Turkiye – headquartered flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN, has invested significant time and resources to develop state of the art Boeing type specific training devices to support Boeing B737MAX operators as they scale their operations in 2025 and beyond.

In 2024 HAVELSAN delivered two Boeing B737MAX full flight simulators to Turkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines. Both devices achieved EASA certification in 2024 and joined HAVELSAN manufactured Boeing B737NG full flight simulator training infrastructure.

April 2025 will be a special month for HAVELSAN as it will conduct a factory acceptance test with another airline customer for a brand new Boeing B737NG FTD Level 2 (the first Turkiye manufactured device of the type).

In addition to manufacturing Boeing flight simulator’s HAVELSAN also operates Boeing flight devices with an example being its training center partnership with Turkish Airlines which operates Boeing devices in Ankara since 2023.

The HAVELSAN team is immensely proud of the impact that its training devices are having on the Boeing operators in Turkiye and is actively working on expanding this impact to airlines and training centers around the globe.

Source: HAVELSAN

Related Posts

Indian Pilot Training Group FSTC Welcomes New 2025 Cohort for A320 Type Rating Training

India – FSTC, an Indian aviation training group operating both flight schools and full flight simulator training centers, has commenced a new batch of around 11 pilots for its Airbus A320 Type Rating program.

In February 2025 has launched a marketing campaign offering an A320 Type Rating at a special limited-time price of ₹12,00,000 (approximately USD$14,000).

Source: FSTC

Related Posts

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne and IndiGo Celebrate Largest Ever Intake

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

Related Posts

Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Marks 17 Years of Training Future Pilots

India – Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India, proudly celebrates 17 years of excellence in shaping the nation’s finest pilots. Since its inception in 2008, CAA has established a strong reputation for rigorous training and industry-leading standards, having trained over 600 skilled aviators who now serve in India and abroad.

With a fleet of 26 aircraft, two operational airbases (Dhana & Neemuch), and a significant presence in India’s pilot training ecosystem—contributing to 20% of the country’s domestic CPL market—CAA continues to set benchmarks in aviation training.

Adding to the significance of this milestone, the ICP 07 batch of the CAA-IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program formally signed their Letters of Intent (LOIs), marking a pivotal step toward their aspirations of becoming airline pilots.

Reflecting on this achievement, Y. N. (Bobby) Sharma, CEO of Chimes Aviation Academy, stated: “As we celebrate 17 years of unwavering commitment to aviation excellence, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, ambitious students, supportive parents, and esteemed partners. This academy is more than just a training ground—it’s where aspirations take flight.“

As India progresses toward self-reliance in aviation training, CAA proudly supports the ‘Train in India’ initiative, providing world-class pilot training domestically. The future is promising, and the journey continues.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy

Related Posts