Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Signs Long-Term Agreement with Akasa Air for Boeing 737MAX Pilot Training

CAE announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Akasa Air, India’s fastest growing airline, to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training at CAE’s facilities in India. Akasa Air will leverage CAE’s best-in-class training facilities, instructors, and latest generation full-flight simulators for the next 15 years, fulfilling the airline’s commitment to develop the world’s best-trained pilots who meet the highest training standards. The partnership is also a game changer for the Indian aviation industry which will require a strong force of highly skilled aviators to drive its growth.

CAE has trained Akasa Air pilots since the start of the airline’s operations in 2022, providing world-class infrastructure and a rigorous and immersive simulation training curriculum that enables them to meet superior levels of proficiency.

Commenting on the announcement, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said, “We are pleased to further cement our partnership with CAE, one of the world’s leading pilot training technology providers. Akasa Air is built on a strong foundation of reliability and practices the highest standards of safety and precision in global aviation. Our approach to learning and development is rooted in developing a future-ready workforce to gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic aviation landscape. As we receive a substantial influx of aircraft in the coming decade, this partnership will provide us access to the world’s best training facilities for the next 15 years and will help us build a team of highly experienced and skilled pilots, as we continue our commitment of becoming one of the world’s safest airlines.”

“This long-term agreement is a testament to the quality of the pilot training we deliver and the strong relationship we have built with Akasa in a relatively short time,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation. “In the fast-growing Indian aviation sector, CAE has the infrastructure and resources to support the expansion of airline partners, like Akasa Air, in the region.”

CAE has a long and significant presence in India, operating 13 state-of-the-art simulators in three commercial aviation training centres and delivering essential pilot training and training services to airlines in India. Last year, CAE became a Boeing Authorized Training Provider for Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) curriculum in India.

CAE shares Akasa Air’s commitment to sustainable operations. In 2020, CAE became the first carbon-neutral Canadian aerospace company, reducing its emissions and investing in projects that offset residual annual carbon emissions for its global operations, including in India.

About Akasa Air

Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares – all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service makes this commitment a reality for all Indians. The carrier launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 to support the growing demand across India, currently operating 23 737 MAX aircraft connecting 20 cities across India.

Akasa Air makes its foray into international skies starting 28 March 2024, flying non-stop from Mumbai to Doha, becoming the first Indian airline to fly overseas in a record period of just 19 months since its inception.

With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 23 737 MAX aircraft which delivers superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also powers a quieter cabin with 40 percent lesser noise fulfilling the airline’s promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, airlines, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with more than 13,000 employees in approximately 250 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Global Aviation and Pilot Training Group Airways Aviation and International Institute of Aviation Announce Education Alliance in India

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has shared that Airways Aviation Group (AAG) and India based International Institute of Aviation (IIA) announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that lays the groundwork for a new education alliance aimed at delivering a series of courses and seminars across India. Designed to address the expanding needs of the industry, offerings will commence with Indian DGCA CPL Theory along with the Airways Aviation Foundation classes at the IIA Pune Academy from April 1st.

The new academic alliance will deliver its bespoke courses as part of the Airline Pilot Pathway Program developed by Airways Aviation, providing the perfect opportunity for aspiring aviators interested in beginning their studies close to home.

Indian students will benefit from a tailored curriculum developed and delivered by industry professionals, offering a meaningful introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. Students will be guided through those initial critical steps and will acquire the knowledge needed to confidently progress to the practical full-flight training phase, initially in Australia or Europe. There are also plans to establish practical flight training facilities in India.

India aims to adopt and foster the world’s best practices, higher standards, and quality to expand capability and improve industry outcomes through strategic domestic and international education and training collaborations. Emphasising quality and excellence, the goal is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a thriving aviation career. Both parties are committed to ensuring the success and impact of this initiative.

The recently signed MOU sets forth a framework that outlines the responsibilities of both parties which include the provision of necessary infrastructure, classrooms and facilities along with qualified instructors and study materials etc. Each will leverage their respective and joint market and industry presence to run campaigns to attract and inform prospective students from across India.

“This new collaboration with the Airways Aviation Group is a testament to a shared vision that will help anticipate and elevate the aviation education needs in India, with the aim of equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the aviation industry well into the future,” said Dr. Sumeet Suseelan – Chairman of the International Institute of Aviation.

“With the world’s largest population, India will continue to assert itself as an important market and we are pleased to expand and leverage the Airways Aviation Groups presence beyond our existing and growing global network. We currently operate in Europe, the Middle East, China, Africa, Australasia and now India providing experienced staff, courses, expertise and know-how to aspiring professionals in collaboration with partners like the International Institute of Aviation,” said Romy Hawatt – Airways Aviation Group – Founder and Chairman.

About Airways Aviation

Airways Aviation is the largest privately owned group of multidisciplinary aviation academies of its kind offering a range of aviation courses certified by EASA, CASA, ICAO, and IATA to the Civilian and Military markets. With over 45 years of aviation education & training experience the Airways Aviation Group offering ranges training from pilot to cabin crew passing from maintenance technicians, ground handlers, military programs up to higher education programs such as Bachelor’s Degrees in Business in English concurrently with their Commercial Pilot License in both Australia and Europe in conjunction with Griffith University  or  Southern Cross University  in Australia and Montpellier Business School (MBS)  in France. Airways Aviation owns and operates a fleet of over 70 aircraft and 12 simulators. It trained to date over 9.000 pilots and 26.000 cabin crew, maintenance technician and other aviation professionals.

About IIA

IIA is the only company started & operated by the world’s Best Cabin Crew & Well known Aviation Author Dr. Sumeet Suseelan also widely known as Aviation Guru, IIA is the only Institute / BBA & MBA Aviation College, that provides complete Training in Aviation Including Private Jet, Helicopter Operations, Commercial Operation, Drones, Airport Management from Aspect of Government as well as Private. IIA is a Pioneer in Designing Aviation Syllabus for Universities, International Charter Operations, Airline SetUp, and Quality Manpower Supply to Aviation Industry. IIA has been the official Training & Manpower partner to many Airlines & Universities & the Dealer of Luxury Private jet TBM for the past decade.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

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IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh Shares Insights on the Aviation Industry’s Growth at 2024 Changi Aviation Summit

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, expressed satisfaction during the 2024 Changi Aviation Summit in Singapore, stating that the industry’s progress and recovery remained robust throughout 2023.

Walsh said the following in his speech:

  • In 2023, the industry reached just over 94% of its 2019 levels, with strong performance in domestic markets but lagging international markets.
  • The Asia-Pacific region performed slightly less than the global average, at 86% of 2019 levels, with domestic markets ahead but international travel lagging.
  • Over the next 20 years, the industry is estimated to grow at 3.3% annually, reflecting challenges such as infrastructure constraints, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
  • The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead with a growth rate of around 4.5% per year.
  • Walsh compared the industry’s state in 1990 and 2019, noting significant shifts in market shares among regions, with Asia-Pacific experiencing substantial growth.
  • Chinese and Indian domestic markets have seen significant growth since 1990, highlighting future opportunities in these regions.
  • Walsh emphasized the need for change to unlock growth opportunities in Africa, where aviation remains underdeveloped.
  • The top 20 international route groups account for 95% of all international travel, with significant shifts observed before and after the pandemic, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: IATA

Photo Credit: IATA

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