India needs 30,000 pilots in next 20 years

New Delhi

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced on Tuesday that India will require 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, as domestic airlines expand their fleets with over 1,700 planes on order. Currently, India has 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, but with rapid growth in the aviation sector, the demand for skilled pilots will rise significantly.

Speaking at an event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 200 trainer aircraft, Naidu emphasized the government's collective approach to aviation development. He also mentioned that the ministry is assessing 38 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), which will be rated to improve training standards.

India's civil aviation market is growing fast, with airlines currently operating over 800 aircraft. The addition of over 1,700 new planes will increase the need for pilots as the country's aviation network continues to expand. The minister also proposed making India a global hub for pilot training, capitalizing on the growing demand for aviation professionals.

Additionally, Naidu highlighted efforts to categorize airports more effectively, including the possibility of dedicated cargo airports and specialized FTOs to streamline the training process. With the aviation industry rapidly expanding, India is poised to become a major player in global civil aviation in the coming decades.