Air India & Airbus forge strategic partnerships to elevate India’s aviation training ecosystem, ET TravelWorld

In a groundbreaking move, Air India has announced the establishment of South Asia’s largest integrated aviation training academy, covering 600,000 sq ft in Gurugram, India. Concurrently, Airbus, in a 50:50 joint venture with Tata-owned Air India, revealed plans for the Tata Airbus Training Centre, a world-class pilot training facility in Gurugram, Haryana.

The academy, unveiled at Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad, will train over 50,000 aviation professionals, encompassing pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, engineering, and security staff. Over 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Bays will support Airbus and Boeing fleet training, ensuring crew readiness and enhancing the overall aviation ecosystem.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, emphasised the academy’s role in making India’s aviation industry self-reliant and contributing to the country’s fast-growing aviation market. “Our new training academy is a major step forward in making the Indian aviation industry more self-reliant, and to building the aviation infrastructure that India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. We are delighted to be working with our partners in this journey.”

The academy will include simulators for Airbus A320 Family, A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 family, fostering a comprehensive training environment.

Joint Venture with Airbus
Airbus and Tata-owned Air India have joined forces in a 50:50 joint venture to launch a world-class pilot training center in Gurugram. The joint venture with Airbus to setup ‘Tata Airbus Traning Centre‘ which is due to be operational starting early 2025, marks a significant collaboration wherein Airbus contributes to equipping the training centre with 10 FFS Bays.

The Tata Airbus Training Centre aims to provide A320 and A350 flight training to approximately 5,000 new pilots over the next decade. The center will house 10 Full Flight Simulators, classrooms, briefing, and debriefing rooms, fostering a comprehensive Airbus Flight Training Device setup.Approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the center will offer courses ensuring compliance with global aviation standards.

Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital, addressing India’s need for 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next two decades.

“The pilot training centre with Air India and the maintenance training partnership with GMR are a testament to Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital. Airbus is directly investing and operating training capabilities to ensure that the growth of the India aviation industry is accompanied by adequate skilled manpower that is readily available,” he said.

Airbus is also partnering with GMR Aero Technic to provide Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses in Hyderabad.