Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne and Indian Airline IndiGo Sign 5 Year Pilot Training Contract Extension

Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a five-year contract extension with IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline, to continue to train its next generation of A320 First Officers.

Applications are open for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme with Skyborne, offering 100 selected cadets per year an international training programme and US FAA and Indian DGCA dual licences.

Rina Basu, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), Skyborne, says: “The trust IndiGo has placed in Skyborne since 2019 is a huge source of pride and testament to our vision to redefine pilot training.

In 2023, IndiGo became the first airline in the country to welcome 100 million passengers in a single year. We remain committed to supporting this record-breaking mindset, delivering a pipeline of well-trained First Officers to fuel IndiGo’s ongoing success.”

Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President Flight Operations, IndiGo, says, “With the unprecedented demand for air travel in India, the extended partnership with Skyborne is valuable. With an academy’s airline-focused approach, international facilities, and an experienced team, Skyborne has proven to be a reliable partner time and again.

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme offers a clear path to an exciting career, and we are pleased to continue this program with Skyborne. We appreciate their commitment to providing top-notch training and look forward to producing more skilled pilots through this partnership to fuel IndiGo’s growth through this decade.”

The 17-month course begins at Skyborne’s United States facility in Vero Beach, Florida, with cadets spending 12 months earning their US FAA 141 Commercial Pilots License with Instrument Rating, plus the required multi-engine time, before completing a DCGA licence conversion in India. The application process has recently been revamped to include the latest suite of ADAPT pilot aptitude tests from Symbiotics.

Sakshi Pradhan, recent graduate, adds: “I’d like to thank Skyborne for this wonderful opportunity. The experience has been wonderful, and I will cherish the memories created throughout my lifetime. Skyborne truly gave me wings to fly.”

Skyborne and IndiGo will partner on a series of webinars providing prospective trainees with further information about the programme, including detail on the selection process and Q&A sessions.

About Skyborne 

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire Airport 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. It is their vision to create 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 aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimize 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 Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway.   

About IndiGo

IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 350+ aircraft, the airline is operating 2000+ daily flights and connecting 86 domestic destinations and 33 international destinations. India by IndiGo!

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider, CPaT, Marks 30 Years of Aviation Training Excellence

CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As CPaT commemorates three decades of excellence in aviation training, it proudly reflects on its journey as a pioneer in the industry.

Since its inception in 1994, CPaT has continually pushed boundaries, setting new standards for aviation training. From its humble beginnings, CPaT has grown to become a global leader, delivering cutting-edge training solutions to airlines and airline training organizations across the world. With a relentless commitment to innovation and a passion for excellence, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation training.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Dave Rapley, President and CEO of CPaT Global. “For 30 years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest quality training solutions to the aviation community. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the trust of our customers.”

Throughout its 30-year history, CPaT has embraced emerging technologies and pioneered new ways to enhance the learning experience, while meeting the unique needs of airlines, ATOs/TRTOs and Universities. CPaT was the first aviation training provider to transition to the Software-as-a-Service model, to offer cloud-based training, to launch a content-authoring tool that allows trainers to modify and create content, and most recently, pave the way for Cabin Crew Managers to leverage the benefits of distance learning quickly and easily.

As CPaT looks to the future, it remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in aviation training. With a continued focus on harnessing the latest technologies and methodologies, the company is poised to lead the industry forward for the next 30 years and beyond.

About CPaT

CPaT Global, LLC (CPaT) is the market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry. CPaT delivers software-as-a-service applications to more than 350 global aviation customers, serving 200,000+ individual training users each year. CPaTpioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training 30 years ago and has built on that legacy to offer new and imaginative training solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and invaluable. CPaT transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions, with in-depth content and interactive courseware spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

Source: CPaT
Photo Credit: CPaT

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Aviation INDIA Summit & Exhibition Receives Official Endorsement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation

The upcoming Aviation INDIA Summit & Exhibition has garnered official endorsement and support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Scheduled for the 12th and 13th of June 2024 at the esteemed JW Marriott hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi, this two-day event is poised to be a high-level networking conference and exhibition. It is set to attract influential figures in the aviation sector, including professionals, leaders, and C-suite executives from India’s airlines and operators, covering cargo and business aviation charter. The summit will also host representatives from regulators, airports, lessors, OEMs, MROs, training institutions, finance and leasing firms, insurance and law entities, along with aviation suppliers and service providers spanning the entire supply chain.

Themed “New India Rising – How India’s Aviation Renaissance Can Achieve Global Ambitions,” the summit aims to illuminate India’s aviation industry, currently undergoing a renaissance. The national carrier is taking the lead with a substantial investment of $70 billion in a new fleet and $400 million in cabin refits. The discussions will extend beyond the national carrier, encompassing other dynamic carriers and support and services companies across South Asia. The summit seeks to explore strategies for India to compete with Gulf carriers and achieve its projected “world-class” aviation offering.

With an expected 700 delegates from India and the subcontinent’s airlines, operators, airports, and aviation support industries, individuals are invited to participate in this exciting event. It offers a unique opportunity to meet and network closely with the key players shaping the aviation landscape in the region.

Source: Mark Brown (Times Aerospace)
Photo Credit: Mark Brown

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