New Delhi: In a strategic move under Tata ownership, Air India is on the verge of finalizing a joint venture with Airbus to establish a pilot training facility, marking it as the largest in South Asia, as reported by ET
The estimated investment for this facility is around ₹3,500 crore, with both Air India and Airbus holding equal 50% stakes in the venture.
According to ET, the facility, initially equipped with six simulators catering to Airbus A320 and A350 aircraft, has the potential to expand to 20 simulators, making it a formidable player in the region. This venture aims not only to serve Air India’s training needs but also welcomes other Airbus customers.
This ambitious move puts Air India in direct competition with CSTPL, a joint venture between IndiGo’s parent company InterGlobe and CAE Inc, currently dominating India’s flight simulation business.
Air India is also exploring another joint venture, this time with US-based L3 Harris, for pilot training on Boeing aircraft models like the 737, 777, and 787. The initiative is being overseen by former AirAsia CEO Sunil Bhaskaran.
An official stated, “We understand the importance of developing self-reliance of human resources and have invested to build a pilot training facility as the airline caters for a huge need due to expansion of fleet and network.”
The facility, scheduled to provide ab-initio, type-rated, and recurrent training, will not only benefit Air India but also generate revenue by offering its services to other airlines. With India witnessing a surge in aircraft orders, the demand for flight simulation centers is expected to rise.
