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In an exclusive interview with Financial Express, Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, discusses India’s looming pilot shortage, predicting a shortfall of approximately 2,375 pilots over the next five years. Excerpt:
Q. India’s aviation industry is facing a shortfall of about 2,375 pilots in the next five years. What factors do you think are contributing to this gap?
India’s aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world so it is not surprising that we find the sector grappling with a critical shortage of trained pilots, estimated to reach a shortfall of 2,375 in the next five years. Primarily fueled by the rapid expansion of the sector, driven by increasing passenger demand and the addition of new aircraft and the fact that it takes much longer to train and hire qualified pilots. Factors such as high training costs and limited access to advanced training infrastructure add more delays to the speed of fresh graduates in the market. We must also consider the possibility that many Indian pilots are lured abroad by the promise of better pay and working conditions, leaving domestic airlines to struggle. Recently we have seen stakeholders address the issue and with more incentives to institutes, fast tracked training and better pay we can ensure that the supply of pilots is stable and the industry’s growth trajectory remains unhindered.
Q. How does this pilot shortage impact the aviation industry in India, especially in terms of growth and international competition?
The pilot shortage is an obvious bottleneck to the ambitious growth plans of India’s aviation sector. Unless this is addressed and solved, this shortage is sure to affect the plans for fleet expansion, operations and eventually lead to increased costs as airlines. While many aspects of the sector can be outsourced, Pilots are at the centre of aviation and the shortage of skilled professionals could limit the sector’s ability to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel, both domestically and internationally. If we compare across the globe, India risks falling behind competitors such as the UAE and Singapore, which are quick to position themselves as aviation hubs.
Q. What is the long-term outlook for India’s aviation industry if the pilot shortage isn’t addressed soon? Could it impact the ambitious growth plans of airlines and the aviation sector as a whole?
If left unaddressed, the pilot shortage could severely hinder India’s aviation growth story. Airlines may face delays in expanding their fleets, leading to reduced connectivity and operational constraints. The economic repercussions could extend beyond the aviation sector, affecting tourism, trade, and regional development. This could jeopardize India’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub and a key player in the international market. However, I remain optimistic. With a focused strategy on pilot training, government incentives, and industry collaboration, this challenge can be turned into an opportunity. By investing in robust training systems and creating a conducive environment for talent retention, India has the potential to lead the global aviation sector in the coming years.
Q. What measures are being taken by the industry to address this shortfall? Are there sufficient training programs and flight schools to meet the growing demand?
The aviation industry has always been proactive at taking steps to address issues. However, there is a lot of scope for the government to add programs focusing on fast-tracking pilot certifications and expanding the number of institutions. Establishing world-class flight schools that train pilots is an expensive initiative so fostering international collaborations could be a solution as well. However, it is essential to meet future demand and ensure a steady pipeline of skilled pilots from the country as it is an opportunity to not only compete the demand domestically but be a source for the global scarcity as well.
Q. What role do government policies play in addressing this shortfall? Are there any initiatives in place to encourage more young people to pursue careers as pilots?
Government policies like UDAN have boosted regional connectivity, we need similar programs targeted at pilot training. We have a pool of young, talented and educated youth who can be given financial assistance to promote the sector. Also launching awareness campaigns in schools can inspire young talent to consider aviation as a viable career path. A roadmap with actual impact can only be drafted by the government as it needs education, infrastructure as well industry participation.
Q. Is there a need for changes in aviation regulations to support the faster development of pilots in India?
Aviation Regulation is in place to ensure safety and is essential for seamless operations. Meanwhile, it would be unwise to change it to add speed to the pilot training and licensing. While simplifying certification procedures might encourage the entry of international training providers thereby giving students more options, we must never presume that aviation regulations are an impediment in the development. Additionally, with a likely influx of many fresh pilots, it is even more important to establish standardized guidelines for training as well as flying hours and creating mechanisms for periodic skill enhancement will enhance the quality of pilot training in India. .
Q. What steps are airlines taking to retain trained pilots and prevent them from moving abroad for better opportunities?
Airlines do recognize the importance of retaining their trained workforce and like in any other sector, competitive salary packages, career progression and benefits are sure to help. However, airlines are also addressing work-life balance with a focus on combating fatigue. While I am personally unaware of specific structured programmes across the country, each airline is constantly working to reduce the migration of talent and strengthen their domestic workforce.
Q. Do you see a trend of Indian pilots migrating abroad for better pay and opportunities? If so, what is the impact on domestic aviation?
There is indeed a noticeable trend of Indian pilots migrating to countries offering higher salaries and better working conditions, such as the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. This talent drain is a major contributory factor in the domestic pilot shortage and leads to additional costs in hiring and training new recruits. This migration reflects the global demand for Indian talent, it also directs Indian airlines to develop conditions and policies that match global standards in terms of compensation, benefits, and career opportunities.
Q. With advancements in automation and AI, do you foresee technology playing a role in alleviating the pilot shortage in the future?
Technology is an essential ingredient in the future of pilot training and it can revolutionise the speed of training and quality of instructions. We are already using AI-driven simulators and VR training modules that can enhance learning efficiency and provide real life conditions to the pilots. However, although there are a lot of hopeful advancements, the concern for regulations and safety would necessarily determine the pace of the deployments.
Q. How confident are you that the industry can overcome the pilot shortage, and what is your vision for India’s aviation industry in the next decade?
I am absolutely sure that the Indian aviation industry has what it takes to emerge from this situation as this is definitely more opportunity than challenge. We have infrastructure, a youth base which is not only educated but also able to absorb the supply of skilled pilots. Collaborative efforts from all airlines, policymakers, and training institutions would surely mean that aviation can retain its growth path. India has the potential to meet the country’s internal pilot requirements while becoming a global destination for training in aviation.