Air India has placed an order for 34 aircraft to be used in its new Flying Training Organization (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra. The facility is scheduled to open in the latter half of 2025, pending regulatory approval.
The order includes 31 single-engine Piper Aircraft from the United States and three twin-engine Diamond Aircraft from Austria. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025. These aircraft will feature glass cockpits, G1000 avionics systems, and Jet A1 engines to provide advanced training for aspiring pilots.
According to Air India Aviation Academy Director Sunil Bhaskaran, "The new FTO is a strategic move to exponentially expand our training infrastructure and our commitment to building a self-reliant ecosystem of qualified pilots for both Air India and the Indian aviation industry." He added, "With this order of 34 trainer aircraft to support South Asia's largest Flying Training Organization, we are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets and to support the government's vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat."