Air India, in collaboration with Airbus, has opened an advance pilot training centre at the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, Haryana.
This modern facility, inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, aims to train over 5,000 pilots in the next ten years.
The initiative supports the rapid growth of India’s commercial aviation sector. Notable attendees at the launch included Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India, and representatives from Tata Group, Air India, and Airbus.
Support for A320 & A350 Operations
This 12,000-square-meter training centre, a 50:50 joint venture, features advanced technology to prepare pilots for Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft. It currently houses two Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) for A320 aircraft, with plans to add six more A320 simulators and two A350 simulators over time.
The facility also includes high-tech classrooms and briefing rooms. Approved by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the centre ensures training meets global standards.
Jürgen Westermeier, President & Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, emphasized the project’s significance. “We’re proud to partner with Air India and Tata Group on this vital infrastructure,” he said.
“This centre reflects our shared vision for Indian aviation’s future. It’s not just a joint venture; it’s an investment in India’s aerospace industry. India is a key market for Airbus, and this facility underscores our confidence in its potential.”
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s MD & CEO, highlighted the centre’s role in the airline’s growth. “Air India is expanding, with 570 new aircraft on order,” he said.
“This training centre will equip pilots to drive our ambition of becoming a world-class airline. It’s a step toward making Air India and Indian aviation more self-reliant. With Airbus, we’re building the infrastructure needed for one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.”
Centralisation of Pilot Training
The new facility centralizes Air India’s pilot training, previously spread across multiple locations, into the Gurugram academy. The Air India Aviation Training Academy, established in 2024, is South Asia’s largest aviation training hub.
It currently trains over 2,000 aviation professionals daily, including pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, engineers, and security personnel.
Over the next few years, it aims to train more than 50,000 professionals. The academy uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver immersive training, prioritizing safety.
The academy offers specialized training programs. For cabin crew, it provides courses in Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP), service, grooming, and voice and accent training.
Ground and security staff receive training in departure control, customer service, airport security, and ongoing refreshers. These programs ensure a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands.
In addition to the Gurugram facility, Air India is developing South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. Licensed by the DGCA, the FTO at Belora airport will train up to 180 commercial pilots annually. This initiative will help meet the growing demand for pilots as Air India expands its fleet.
Conclusion
Air India is also establishing a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) near its new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru, set to open in 2027.
The BMTO will offer a two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the DGCA, followed by two years of hands-on training at the MRO. This will strengthen India’s aviation maintenance capabilities.
The Air India-Airbus training centre in Gurugram marks a significant milestone in Indian aviation. By fostering skilled professionals and leveraging advanced technology, the facility supports India’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub.
As Air India grows and modernizes, this initiative ensures a steady supply of well-trained pilots and crew, driving the airline and the industry toward a brighter future.
