Air India Purchases 93 Piper Archer DX Aircraft for Pilot Training
Air India has finalized a purchase agreement for 93 Piper Archer DX aircraft to support its flight training academy. The order includes 31 firm deliveries scheduled for 2025 and options for an additional 62 aircraft in 2026 and 2027. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, according to a press release from the airline.
The aircraft will be used at Air India's new flight training facility in Amravati, Maharashtra, which aims to train up to 180 pilots annually. The academy is part of the airline’s broader efforts to enhance aviation training infrastructure in the region.
The Piper Archer DX, powered by the Continental CD-155 diesel engine, is recognized for its fuel efficiency and training suitability. It consumes 5.8 gallons of fuel per hour, offers a cruise speed of 114 knots, and has a range of 522 nautical miles. Standard features include G1000 avionics, designed for ease of use in training environments.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the acquisition would strengthen the academy’s ability to train cadets for the airline's operations. Piper Aircraft CEO John Calcagno confirmed the company's commitment to supplying reliable aircraft for pilot training programs.
Air India’s training academy, which spans 600,000 square feet in Gurugram, already trains professionals across various aviation roles, including pilots, cabin crew, and engineering personnel. The Amravati facility represents an extension of this initiative, with a focus on producing future pilots.
Piper Aircraft, headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, manufactures various models designed for training, private, and business aviation. The company is known for its fleet of trainer-class aircraft, including the Archer DX, and actively participates in the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
This investment highlights Air India's focus on developing in-house training capabilities to meet the growing demand for pilots in the aviation industry.