India Will Need 30,000 Extra Pilots Once 1,700 Pending Aircraft Orders Get Delivered: Aviation Minister Naidu

India's burgeoning aviation sector faces a significant pilot shortage as airlines prepare to induct 1,700 new aircraft into their fleets. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu estimates the country will need an additional 30,000 pilots to operate these aircraft, highlighting a critical need for expanded pilot training programs. Currently, India has approximately 8,000 pilots for 834 aircraft, but a substantial portion are not actively flying, exacerbating the potential shortfall. The minister made these remarks at the CII Partnership Summit in Vishakhapatnam.

To address the anticipated surge in demand, the Indian government is exploring the establishment of more Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) to increase the output of qualified pilots. The current FTOs are insufficient to meet the projected needs of the rapidly expanding aviation industry. Minister Naidu emphasized the significant multiplier effect of aviation jobs, noting that one job in the sector creates 15 indirect jobs, surpassing the IATA's estimate of six.

In addition to addressing the pilot shortage, the Indian government is also considering the development of dedicated cargo airports, modeled after FedEx's logistics hub in the United States. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of air cargo operations, which currently face stiff competition from rail and road transport. Airport operators are also being encouraged to prioritize cargo facilities alongside passenger amenities.

Furthermore, the Indian government has set ambitious goals for domestic aerospace manufacturing, targeting a production value of $4 billion by 2030, up from the current $2 billion. The long-term vision includes the design and manufacture of complete aircraft within India, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Minister Naidu noted that India has reached a stage where it can design, manufacture, and maintain its own aircraft.

With an average of 480,000 daily air travelers in India, and a peak of 530,000 on November 10, the aviation sector is experiencing robust growth. Addressing the pilot shortage, enhancing cargo infrastructure, and promoting domestic manufacturing are crucial steps to sustain this growth and ensure the long-term viability of the Indian aviation industry.