Air India has announced plans to bolster pilot training by acquiring 34 trainer aircraft for its upcoming Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. Set to be the largest of its kind in South Asia, the FTO is expected to commence operations by the latter half of 2025, subject to regulatory clearances, reports ANI.

In July, Air India announced to establishment of South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. Scheduled to commence operations by the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, this FTO will serve as a hub for training the next generation of commercial pilots. The project is part of a collaboration with the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) and has received authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

State-of-the-art facilities for Comprehensive Training

The FTO will be set up at Belora Airport in Amravati and will cover an expansive 10-acre area. The training organisation is designed to provide a world-class learning environment with:

  • Digitally-enabled Classrooms: Advanced technology to enhance pilot training and theoretical learning.
  • Aircraft Maintenance Unit: A fully equipped facility to ensure trainer aircraft are always flight-ready.
  • Global-standard Hostel Facilities: Comfortable accommodations for cadet pilots to ensure an optimal learning experience.
  • Digitised Operation Centre: A modern control centre to manage training schedules and operations seamlessly.

Training Cadet Pilots for a World-Class Airline

The FTO is expected to train 180 commercial pilots annually, addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots in the aviation industry. Speaking about the initiative, Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, stated: “The FTO at Amravati will be a noteworthy initiative in the direction of making the Indian aviation sector more independent and offering more opportunities for the youth in fulfilling their dreams of flying as pilots. The young pilots who will come out of this FTO will contribute to Air India’s aim of becoming a world-class airline, as it marches ahead towards its transformation journey.”

Economic and Skill Development Impact

The FTO is projected to generate over Rs 1,000 crore in economic growth for Maharashtra. It will also contribute to skill development, and technical ventures, and support small entrepreneurial schemes, making a significant impact on the state’s economy.

Air India has partnered with MADC to establish and manage the FTO for 30 years. According to Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy at Air India: “The FTO will start functioning from Q1 FY26 and will provide budding pilots a platform for being trained with a world-class course as per standards in global schools.”

The Flying Training Organisation in Amravati is set to become a cornerstone of India’s aviation sector, equipping aspiring pilots with world-class training and contributing to Air India’s transformation journey. With its advanced facilities and long-term vision, the FTO will not only bolster the country’s aviation capabilities but also serve as a model for future aviation training initiatives.