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