AAI Approves 11 New Flying Schools

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has cleared 11 new Flying Training Organisation (FTO) slots at seven of its airports. This move aims to strengthen domestic pilot training capacity and reduce reliance on foreign flying schools.

The tender process for the new FTO slots was launched in February 2026, with technical bids opened on 30 April 2026 and financial bids on 22 May 2026. The entire process has been successful for all sites, according to AAI documents.

India's civil aviation sector is expected to expand rapidly, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation estimating a requirement of over 30,000 to 31,800 additional pilots over the next decade. Indian carriers are expected to induct around 500 more aircraft in the next five years, while the airport network is projected to grow by 50 more airports.

Currently, India has 41 DGCA-approved FTOs operating from 63 flying bases. However, without faster expansion of domestic training capacity, the growing demand cannot be met sustainably. The AAI note warns that the country needs to increase its domestic training capacity to meet the demand for pilots.

In the past, the AAI has awarded FTO slots at various airports. In 2021, nine FTO slots were awarded at five airports, and in 2022, six more slots were awarded at five airports. The AAI Board has also approved the allotment of land on a card rate basis for 25 years at 20 airports to encourage FTO development.

The 11 new FTOs are expected to add 60 to 70 training aircraft in the initial phase, scaling up to a combined fleet of 110 to 120 aircraft at full capacity. These facilities will also have multiple simulators and training devices. The new FTOs are expected to create an initial annual training capacity of 400 to 500 aviation professionals, including cadet pilots and technical trainees.

At full maturity, the output could rise to approximately 1500 professionals per year, with a core output of 700 to 750 cadets and trainees. This additional capacity will help reduce dependence on overseas pilot training, retain training expenditure within India, and improve utilization of regional airports.

Domestic pilot licensing numbers have already shown strong growth, with CPL issuances rising from 640 in 2018 to 1628 in 2024. The new FTOs at regional airports are expected to further accelerate this trend by offering more accessible and cost-effective training options for aspiring pilots.

The expansion of domestic pilot training capacity is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian aviation sector. With the growing demand for pilots, the new FTOs will help meet the requirement and reduce the country's reliance on foreign flying schools.

In conclusion, the approval of 11 new FTO slots by the AAI is a significant step towards strengthening domestic pilot training capacity and reducing reliance on foreign flying schools. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian aviation sector and help meet the growing demand for pilots.

The new FTOs will not only provide more accessible and cost-effective training options for aspiring pilots but also improve the utilization of regional airports. The expansion of domestic pilot training capacity is a crucial step towards meeting the requirements of the Indian aviation sector and reducing the country's reliance on foreign flying schools.

Overall, the approval of 11 new FTO slots is a positive development for the Indian aviation sector, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the country's ability to meet the growing demand for pilots.