Air India has unveiled plans to establish a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in Indian aviation. The initiative, scheduled to commence operations by early 2026, aims to become South Asia’s largest facility of its kind, catering to the burgeoning demand for skilled commercial pilots.
This pioneering venture, the first of its kind by an Indian airline, will be housed at Amravati’s Belora airport and operate under a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) license. The FTO will boast a fleet comprising 31 single-engine and 3 twin-engine aircraft, dedicated to training aspiring pilots.
Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, emphasized the strategic importance of the FTO in bolstering India’s aviation capabilities and fostering opportunities for the nation’s youth to pursue careers in aviation. “The establishment of the FTO at Amravati is a crucial step towards enhancing self-reliance in Indian aviation and realizing the aspirations of future pilots,” he stated.
Air India secured the tender from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company for a 30-year lease to develop and operate the FTO, underscoring its commitment to supporting India’s aviation infrastructure growth.
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy of Air India, highlighted the FTO’s role in providing world-class training aligned with global standards. “Aspiring pilots will benefit from state-of-the-art curricula comparable to the best international institutions,” Bhaskaran affirmed. He also reiterated Air India’s dedication to advancing India’s aviation sector in alignment with the government’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Earlier this year, Air India announced plans for its Aviation Academy in Gurugram, set to be South Asia’s largest spanning 600,000 square feet. These initiatives reflect Air India’s proactive approach in addressing the evolving demands of the aviation industry and preparing for future growth.
The establishment of the FTO in Amravati comes at a critical juncture amidst industry reports highlighting significant manpower shortages across various aviation disciplines. CAPA India, a leading aviation consultancy, recently underscored the severity of these shortages, citing concerns over pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), and cabin crew deficits exacerbated by global recruitment trends and regulatory changes.
As Air India progresses with its expansion plans, including the new FTO in Amravati and the Gurugram Aviation Academy, the airline reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s aviation ecosystem and meeting the evolving needs of the rapidly expanding aviation market.