Key facts
- Akasa Air has launched the Akasa SkyCadet pilot training program.
- The program aims to develop future commercial pilots aligned with DGCA regulations and airline standards.
- It is a collaboration with Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy.
- The training includes theoretical curriculum, flight training, and Boeing 737 MAX type rating.
- India's aviation sector is projected to need around 35,000 pilots by 2035.
Akasa Air, India's fastest-growing airline, has launched the Akasa SkyCadet program, a new initiative aimed at training the next generation of commercial pilots. This program is designed to develop future-ready pilots by providing comprehensive aviation training that aligns with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations and the airline's operational standards.
The airline stated that this investment in talent development underscores its commitment to operational excellence and building a robust pipeline of skilled pilots for the rapidly expanding Indian aviation industry. The Akasa SkyCadet program was developed in collaboration with approved Flight Training Organisations, Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy.
India's aviation sector is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase in demand for skilled aviation professionals. Indian carriers have placed orders for approximately 1,700 aircraft, and the country's commercial fleet is expected to nearly triple by 2035. Industry estimates suggest that India currently has between 12,000 and 15,000 commercial pilots, but will require around 35,000 pilots by 2035, with an estimated 45,000 new pilots needed across India and South Asia over the next two decades.
Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Akasa Air, highlighted the importance of a future-ready workforce for the sustained growth of India's aviation industry. He emphasized that the Akasa SkyCadet Programme reflects the airline's dedication to investing in talent from the ground up and creating structured career paths in aviation. The program aims to instill values of safety, operational excellence, discipline, and service orientation.
The training pathway is divided into three distinct phases: Ground School, which covers theoretical subjects like air regulations and meteorology; Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Flight Training, focusing on dual and solo flying proficiency; and Type Rating on the Boeing 737 MAX, involving advanced simulator and aircraft systems training for jet operations. While the SkyCadet program targets freshers, Akasa Air will continue to hire experienced CPL holders and B737 type-rated pilots to meet its ongoing talent needs as it expands its fleet and operations.