India’s domestic airlines are rapidly expanding their networks, leading to a surge in demand for pilots. To support this growth, airlines have ordered over 1,700 new aircraft.
Given this expansion, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced that India will require 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years.
He also stated that the government is working closely with the aviation industry to facilitate this growth.
Focus on Flying Training Organisations (FTOs)
The minister highlighted that 38 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) are being evaluated, and their performance will be rated to ensure high training standards.
Major Aircraft Orders by Airlines
Speaking at an event for the signing of an MoU to procure 200 trainer aircraft, Naidu mentioned that:
Indian airlines have placed orders for over 1,700 aircraft
Currently, there are more than 800 aircraft in service
India’s Growing Need for Pilots
At present, 6,000 to 7,000 pilots are actively working in the country. However, due to rapid expansion, the demand for pilots will rise significantly, reaching 30,000 in the next two decades.
The minister also emphasized the goal of making India a global aviation training hub, given its status as one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets.
Additionally, efforts are being made to classify airports, exploring the possibility of dedicated airports for cargo operations and flight training.