Boeing to Set Up Pilot Training Academy in India to Meet Growing Demand

According to a statement issued by the White House on Thursday, Boeing has announced a $100 million investment in infrastructure and programs to train pilots in India.

This comes after Air India signed definitive orders for more than 200 jets from Boeing earlier this week, including 190 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft and 20 787 Dreamliners, according to Reuters.

The news also coincides with a flurry of agreements inked by American and Indian businesses before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit with American officials.

The Demand for Pilots in India

India is facing a growing shortage of pilots as the country's aviation industry expands rapidly. India will need over 1,000 new pilots every year over the next five years. However, the number of commercial pilot licenses (CPL) issued in India has been declining in recent years.

There are a number of factors contributing to the pilot shortage in India. One factor is the high cost of pilot training. The average cost of a pilot training program in India is around INR 45 lakhs (US$67,000). This is a significant investment for many families and can be a barrier to entry for those who want to become pilots.

Another factor contributing to the pilot shortage is the lack of adequate training infrastructure in India. There are only a few flight training schools in India that are approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This means that there is limited capacity to train new pilots.

What the Indian Government is Doing

The pilot shortage is having a number of negative consequences for the Indian aviation industry. Airlines are having to cancel flights due to a lack of pilots, and passengers are facing longer wait times. The shortage is also making it difficult for airlines to expand their operations.

(Photo: by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images) An employee walks past an Indigo Airlines bus at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport on June 20, 2023. Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo said on June 19 it had ordered a record 500 A320 airliners from European manufacturer Airbus at the Paris Air Show.

The government of India is aware of the pilot shortage and is taking steps to address it. Recently, the government announced a plan to invest in pilot training infrastructure. The government is also working to make it easier for foreign-trained pilots to obtain a CPL in India.

These measures are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the pilot shortage in India. If the government takes the necessary steps, India can avoid a major crisis in its aviation industry.

The collaboration between Boeing and India is a significant step in addressing the pilot shortage. Boeing is a global leader in aviation, and its expertise in pilot training will be invaluable to India's aviation industry. The investment will also help to create jobs and boost economic growth in India.