On World Pilots’ Day, Sky One Group Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani Calls for Stronger Domestic Pilot Training Infrastructure to Meet Soaring Demand

It was once in 2014 that the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) formally designated April 26th as World Pilots’ Day, acknowledging the crucial position pilots play in maintaining world aviation. Since then, the day has been noticed once a year to honour their contribution in connecting other folks and making sure secure air commute.

Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One

Even in lately’s tech-driven technology, with ongoing advances in self sustaining flight analysis, pilots stay on the middle of flight operations and are irreplaceable. With the aviation sector increasing swiftly, the worldwide call for for educated pilots continues to upward push. According to Boeing’s ‘Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024–2043,’ 6,74,000 new pilots shall be wanted over the following 20 years to perform and deal with the worldwide industrial fleet.

The record highlights robust call for within the Asia-Pacific area, in particular in nations like India, the place civil aviation is rising continuously. Recently, Civil Aviation Minister Okay. Rammohan Naidu famous that India would require round 30,000 pilots over the following 15 to 20 years, taking into account the dimensions of plane orders positioned by way of Indian airways.

Official information displays that the rustic these days has about 6,000 to 7,000 lively pilots, a host that will have to upward push considerably to satisfy long term wishes. The executive is introducing a number of measures to deal with this, and in step with Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, India must now set its objectives on turning into a world hub for pilot coaching.

In 2023, India issued a document 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), despite the fact that the quantity dropped to 1,342 in 2024. Mr. Mirchandani stresses the significance of keeping up momentum via well timed coverage updates. “The DGCA’s new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards. Strengthening the domestic training infrastructure and developing dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training can have a lasting impact,” he says.

He additionally issues to the will for cadet programmes structured round fashions utilized in Western nations, the place coaching is frequently subsidised or partly funded. “The cost of pilot training is shaped by multiple factors, including rising aviation fuel prices, the use of imported simulators and spare parts and the need for experienced instructors, many of whom are brought in from abroad. Addressing these challenges requires effective coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines, training institutes and other key players,” he explains.

Mr. Mirchandani provides that introducing monetary toughen mechanisms, equivalent to subsidised loans or scholarships, can ease the weight for aspiring pilots. “Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots,” he concludes.