Airbus and Air India to Establish Pilot Training Center in Gurugram

Airbus has announced a 50:50 joint venture with Tata-owned Air India to set up a pilot training center in Gurugram, Haryana. The Tata Airbus Training Centre, slated to begin operations in early 2025, aims to train approximately 5,000 new pilots over the next decade, focusing on A320 and A350 aircraft.

The 3,300 sq. m. facility will include 10 full-flight simulators, training classrooms, and briefing and debriefing rooms. In its initial phase, four A320 simulators will be operational. Training programs at the center will be approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

In a parallel initiative, Airbus has partnered with GMR Aero Technic to offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training at GMR’s facility in Hyderabad. Airbus will supply training materials, including handbooks, exam databases, and digital modules, as well as oversee instructor training and performance assessments.

Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, cited forecasts that India will require 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians over the next 20 years to meet the demands of its expanding aviation sector.

Airbus’ activities in India also include collaborations with academic institutions and investments in areas such as aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support. These efforts are part of the company’s strategy to contribute to the growth of India’s aerospace ecosystem.