In a recent update provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian aviation sector has demonstrated substantial progress with an impressive number of aircraft orders and a steady supply of commercial pilots and maintenance engineers. Despite some sector-specific challenges, such as the shortage of commanders for certain aircraft types, the government’s strategic policies and initiatives are advancing the sector’s growth and infrastructure.
Key Highlights
1. Aircraft Orders and Fleet Expansion
The Indian aviation sector is undergoing significant expansion, marked by a massive order of 1,976 aircraft by major airlines. This includes a diverse range of aircraft types ordered by leading airlines such as Air India Group, Inter Globe Aviation Limited (Indigo), and SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Akasa Air).
- Air India Group:
- Total Orders: 210 A320/A321s, 40 A350s, 20 B787s, 10 B777s, 190 B737-8s
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 23 A320/A321s, 6 A350s, 22 B737-8s
- Tentative Induction Timelines: Aircraft induction is planned from 2023 to 2034.
- Inter Globe Aviation Limited (Indigo):
- Total Orders: 400 A320 Family (2015), 300 A320 Family (2019), 500 A320 Family (2023), 30 A350s (2024), 50 ATR 72-212A (600 Version)
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 205 A320 Family aircraft, 45 ATR 72-212A
- Tentative Induction Timelines: Aircraft induction spans from ongoing deliveries to 2030 onwards.
- SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Akasa Air):
- Total Orders: 76 B737-8s (2021), 150 B737-8s (2024)
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 23 B737-8s
- Tentative Induction Timelines: 2027 to 2032 for new orders.
2. Pilot and Crew Availability
The sector has seen a robust supply of pilots with 5,710 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) issued over the last five years. Despite this, there remains a specific shortage of commanders for certain aircraft types, which is being managed by employing foreign pilots through Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization (FATA).
- CPLs Issued by Year:
- 2019: 744
- 2020: 578
- 2021: 862
- 2022: 1,165
- 2023: 1,622
- 2024 (until July 17): 739
3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Training
To support the growing fleet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved 57 AME Training Institutes under CAR-147 (Basic). These institutes provide the necessary training aligned with international standards to produce approximately 3,500 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) annually, meeting the sector’s demand.
4. Government Initiatives for Skill Development
The government has implemented several measures to enhance the supply of trained pilots and maintenance engineers:
- Liberalized Flying Training Organisation (FTO) Policy: Airport royalty has been abolished, and land rentals rationalized to encourage the establishment of new FTOs.
- FTO Slots: Nine slots awarded in 2021 and six slots in 2022 at various airports to increase training capacity.
- Online-On Demand Examination (OLODE): Introduced by DGCA in November 2021 to allow flexible exam scheduling for AME and Flying Crew candidates.
- Regulatory Changes: DGCA has empowered Flying Instructors to authorize flight operations at FTOs, enhancing operational efficiency.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress, the sector faces challenges in specific areas:
- Commander Shortage: The lack of commanders for certain aircraft types necessitates the continued use of foreign pilots, which could be a temporary solution.
- Infrastructure and Training Capacity: Continued investment in infrastructure and expansion of training capacities will be crucial to meet future demands.
Conclusion
The Indian aviation sector is making significant strides with a large number of aircraft orders and a steady supply of pilots and maintenance engineers. While the sector is effectively managing current challenges, including the shortage of specific aircraft commanders, ongoing government initiatives and policies are set to support continued growth and development. The focus will be on further optimizing training, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing specific operational needs to sustain the momentum in India’s aviation industry.
In a recent update provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian aviation sector has demonstrated substantial progress with an impressive number of aircraft orders and a steady supply of commercial pilots and maintenance engineers. Despite some sector-specific challenges, such as the shortage of commanders for certain aircraft types, the government’s strategic policies and initiatives are advancing the sector’s growth and infrastructure.
Key Highlights
1. Aircraft Orders and Fleet Expansion
The Indian aviation sector is undergoing significant expansion, marked by a massive order of 1,976 aircraft by major airlines. This includes a diverse range of aircraft types ordered by leading airlines such as Air India Group, Inter Globe Aviation Limited (Indigo), and SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Akasa Air).
- Air India Group:
- Total Orders: 210 A320/A321s, 40 A350s, 20 B787s, 10 B777s, 190 B737-8s
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 23 A320/A321s, 6 A350s, 22 B737-8s
- Tentative Induction Timelines: Aircraft induction is planned from 2023 to 2034.
- Inter Globe Aviation Limited (Indigo):
- Total Orders: 400 A320 Family (2015), 300 A320 Family (2019), 500 A320 Family (2023), 30 A350s (2024), 50 ATR 72-212A (600 Version)
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 205 A320 Family aircraft, 45 ATR 72-212A
- Tentative Induction Timelines: Aircraft induction spans from ongoing deliveries to 2030 onwards.
- SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (Akasa Air):
- Total Orders: 76 B737-8s (2021), 150 B737-8s (2024)
- Aircraft Delivered as of June 30, 2024: 23 B737-8s
- Tentative Induction Timelines: 2027 to 2032 for new orders.
2. Pilot and Crew Availability
The sector has seen a robust supply of pilots with 5,710 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) issued over the last five years. Despite this, there remains a specific shortage of commanders for certain aircraft types, which is being managed by employing foreign pilots through Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization (FATA).
- CPLs Issued by Year:
- 2019: 744
- 2020: 578
- 2021: 862
- 2022: 1,165
- 2023: 1,622
- 2024 (until July 17): 739
3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Training
To support the growing fleet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved 57 AME Training Institutes under CAR-147 (Basic). These institutes provide the necessary training aligned with international standards to produce approximately 3,500 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) annually, meeting the sector’s demand.
4. Government Initiatives for Skill Development
The government has implemented several measures to enhance the supply of trained pilots and maintenance engineers:
- Liberalized Flying Training Organisation (FTO) Policy: Airport royalty has been abolished, and land rentals rationalized to encourage the establishment of new FTOs.
- FTO Slots: Nine slots awarded in 2021 and six slots in 2022 at various airports to increase training capacity.
- Online-On Demand Examination (OLODE): Introduced by DGCA in November 2021 to allow flexible exam scheduling for AME and Flying Crew candidates.
- Regulatory Changes: DGCA has empowered Flying Instructors to authorize flight operations at FTOs, enhancing operational efficiency.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress, the sector faces challenges in specific areas:
- Commander Shortage: The lack of commanders for certain aircraft types necessitates the continued use of foreign pilots, which could be a temporary solution.
- Infrastructure and Training Capacity: Continued investment in infrastructure and expansion of training capacities will be crucial to meet future demands.
Conclusion
The Indian aviation sector is making significant strides with a large number of aircraft orders and a steady supply of pilots and maintenance engineers. While the sector is effectively managing current challenges, including the shortage of specific aircraft commanders, ongoing government initiatives and policies are set to support continued growth and development. The focus will be on further optimizing training, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing specific operational needs to sustain the momentum in India’s aviation industry.
