Centre issues LoIs for 11 new flying training schools; annual pilot training capacity to increase by 750 cadets
With the addition of these 11 FTOs, India’s annual pilot training capacity is expected to increase by 750 cadets, providing a significant boost to the domestic training ecosystem
On Tuesday, the Centre announced Letters of Intent (LoIs) for the establishment of 11 new Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) at seven airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This move aims to bolster India's aviation training infrastructure, according to a Ministry of Civil Aviation statement. With the addition of these 11 FTOs, the country's annual pilot training capacity is projected to rise by 750 cadets, significantly strengthening the domestic training ecosystem.
India has already seen the creation of six new FTOs over the past two years. During this period, the number of training aircraft available to Indian FTOs has grown from 324 to 385, leading to a 25% increase in annual flying hours across the pilot training system. This expansion is not merely a matter of numbers; it represents a genuine improvement in training capacity and operational efficiency, stated Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu during an event.
Furthermore, the number of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) issued has reached its highest annual figure in the past decade, jumping from 1,347 in 2024 to 1,652 in 2025. The Minister also hinted at strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem for trainer aircraft and seaplanes.
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