Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

IndiGo Advances to Evidence-Based Training Model to Enhance Pilot Competence and Safety

India – IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share and fleet size, has announced plans to implement Evidence-Based Training (EBT) for its flight crew — a next-generation pilot training framework designed to strengthen safety, decision-making, and performance competencies through data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

The move represents a major evolution in IndiGo’s flight training philosophy as it transitions from its current Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) model toward a fully integrated, evidence-driven program aligned with global best practices in airline pilot development.

  • A senior IndiGo official confirmed that the airline is in the process of “baselining CBTA”, a necessary step before full adoption of EBT, which uses operational performance data to tailor training to actual in-flight challenges faced by pilots.
  • “When you become CBTA-compliant, you eventually end up, once you mature, you become EBT-compliant,” the official said. “Now, with all the data we are going to use, and with the help of the world’s best practices and consultants, we need to see how we can eventually reach the EBT stage.”
  • IndiGo will leverage its vast operational database — drawn from over 2,300 daily flights and a fleet exceeding 400 aircraft — to develop training profiles informed by real-world evidence.
  • The EBT system will integrate AI-driven data validation and analytics to identify behavioural patterns, performance trends, and areas for skill reinforcement across core competencies such as situational awareness, decision-making, and crew resource management (CRM).
  • The airline anticipates a 12–18 month implementation timeline for the program, which will be developed in collaboration with global training consultants and OEM partners.

The airline’s pilot workforce, now numbering over 5,300, is expected to double by 2030, supported by a growing order book of 900+ aircraft, including upcoming wide-body additions for long-haul operations.

Source: Indigo and Media Reporting

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Keyvan Aviation – Aeronautical and Navigation Database Solutions for Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Mehmet Keyvan, CEO & Chairman at Keyvan Aviation (Keyvan Group), offering Big Data solutions and services in the aviation field, including with the approved Aeronautical and Navigation Database for Aircraft Avionics Systems, Flight Simulators and Flight Planning systems, and many other tailored data solutions.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Origins & Mission: Mehmet Keyvan founded Keyvan Aviation to provide certified global aeronautical and navigation data essential for flight operations, avionics, and simulators. As an EASA Type 1 Data Provider, the company ensures aviation stakeholders have access to precise, regulatory-compliant databases used by airlines, flight schools, and simulator operators.
  • Commitment to Data Quality & Certification: Mehmet Keyvan emphasized that “flying without data is like flying with closed eyes,” highlighting the importance of reliable, certified information in aviation safety and training. The company’s focus is on delivering trustworthy, high-quality data tailored to each client’s specific system and operational needs.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Innovation: Keyvan Aviation collaborates with major simulator and tech firms like Quantum3D, Simnest, and HAVELSAN to integrate high-quality data into 3D simulations and AI-powered systems. These partnerships aim to improve training realism and data analytics, supporting the growing need for efficient, modern pilot training solutions.
  • AI, Digitalization & Data-Driven Training: Mehmet believes artificial intelligence and real-time data will transform how pilots are assessed and trained, enabling more targeted and adaptive learning. By analyzing simulator data, instructors can identify weaknesses and tailor future sessions, enhancing safety and operational readiness.
  • Vision & Competitive Edge: Keyvan Aviation differentiates itself through its global data coverage, competitive pricing, and 24/7 technical support. With coverage of over 55,000 aerodromes and heliports worldwide, the company combines certification, quality, and customer service to meet the evolving needs of the aviation training industry.

 For more information:

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AeroGuard Flight Training Center CEO Highlights Importance of Transfer of Knowledge and International Indian FTO Stakeholder Training at Aviation India 2025

India – Global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center’s CEO Joel Davidson participated in a key panel discussion at Aviation India 2025 titled “Building India’s Next Generation of Pilots”. Mr Davidson highlighted AeroGuard’s interest and passion to support the development of the Indian flight training infrastructure and emphasizing the crucial role of transfer of knowledge initiatives through the development of Indian flight training industry professionals by international pilot training groups.

The session brought together leaders from flight training organizations (FTOs) such as AeroGuard Flight Training Center and Chimes Aviation Academy, airlines such as IndiGo, advanced pilot training groups such as CAE and Simaero and the Indian regulator DGCA, highlighting the need to focus on human capital development and retention within the pilot training ecosystem.

Source: AeroGuard
Photo Credit: AeroGuard

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AeroGuard Flight Training Center CEO Visits with Air India Training Academy in October 2025

United States headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which announced in 2024 its selection by Air India as a preferred flight training provider, CEO Joel Davidson visited the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram to meet and spend time with the new incoming cadets. AeroGuard places significant importance on cultivating an airline aligned pilot training culture and ensuring that the cadets are prepared to train within industry leading safety and quality flight training operations.

The Air India cadet pilot program individuals start their training journey at the Air India Training Academy for their Ground School phase and gain exposure to the flag carrier’s culture. After completing their ground school training and exams in India, the cadets will come to AeroGuard’s Phoenix, Arizona base in the United States to conduct their flight training and establish the skills required for their professional pilot careers with Air India.

AeroGuard’s frequent meetings with airline management teams and cadets signifies its commitment to fostering excellence in pilot training and establishing a foundation of trust and collaboration between AeroGuard, the airline partner, and the airline’s future pilots.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Photo Credit: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Seeks Immediate Candidates for Assistant Flight Instructors Roles in 2025

India — Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates multiple flight training bases in India, is expanding its instructional team and has opened recruitment for Assistant Flight Instructors (AFIs) across its flying bases in Dhana and Neemuch. The initiative supports its ongoing training operations and anticipated student intake growth.

  • CAA is seeking AFI-rated pilots to join immediately (preference)

  • Eligibility criteria include:

    • Valid Assistant Flight Instructor (AFI) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

    • Valid Class-I medical

    • Current endorsements on Cessna 172 and Piper Archer III aircraft

    • Up-to-date licensing and medical documentation

In 2024 AFM reported that CAA had launched together with Indian airline IndiGo, the IndiGo Flying Instructor Program (FIP). This program aims to deliver top-quality pilot training while providing a clear pathway for aspiring instructors to transition into commercial airline roles at IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers.

Program Overview:

  • The CAA-IndiGo FIP offers multi-engine CPL holders an opportunity to become certified flight instructors at CAA while building valuable flight experience.
  • The program focuses on flying instruction for IndiGo cadet pilots, allowing candidates to accumulate 2000 flight hours, enhance their aviation skills, and ultimately move into positions as Junior First Officers (JFO) at IndiGo.
  • After logging 500 flight hours on the Airbus A320, successful candidates will be promoted to Senior First Officer (SFO), fast-tracking their commercial aviation careers.
  • The cost of the instructor rating is covered
  • When a candidate is selected by IndiGo Airlines and successfully signs an LOI with the airline, they will retain seniority at the airline from that day forward

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy

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