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Air India orders planes for pilot training amid major fleet expansion

Air India orders planes for pilot training amid major fleet expansion
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

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."

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Air India's investment is part of its Vihaan.AI transformation program aimed at enhancing its training infrastructure. This initiative supports the airline's fleet expansion plans by meeting the demand for new pilots.

The Piper Archer DX single-engine aircraft offers durability and comfort, while the Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft provides safety with fuel efficiency similar to a single-engine plane.

Air India has also opened a new Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, which spans over 600,000 square feet and is currently South Asia's largest. The upcoming FTO will cover more than 435,600 square feet and include digitally enabled classrooms, hostels, a digitized operations center, and maintenance facilities. It aims to graduate 180 commercial pilots annually once operational by FY26 at Amravati's Belora Airport.

Apart from training aircraft orders, Air India has been expanding its mainline fleet with significant jet orders. In 2023 alone, it ordered 470 Airbus and Boeing jets followed by another order for 100 more aircraft in 2024. This expansion aligns with India's position as the world's third-largest domestic market.

Since September 2023, Air India has received several deliveries including six A350-900s and 35 B737 MAX 8s. After merging with Vistara and AIX Connect (AirAsia India), Air India's fleet now consists of approximately 300 aircraft serving both domestic and international routes.

Organizations Included in this History
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