At present, the airline continues to prepare for fleet and network expansion from 2027 onwards, when deliveries from its order of 570 aircraft are expected to pick up pace.
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AMIT DAVE
Several Indian as well as foreign carriers have shown interest in using Air India’s new training academy; however, the airline is currently focusing on fully operationalising the facility for its internal requirements before exploring external partnerships.
Speaking to businessline, Air India’s chief executive Campbell Wilson said that a number of airlines, including foreign carriers, have approached the company to use its new training facility.
However, he said the airline is concentrating on fully operationalising all components of the academy and supporting its own training requirements, given the large number of aircraft it expects to receive over the next few years.
At present, the airline continues to prepare for fleet and network expansion from 2027 onwards, when deliveries from its order of 570 aircraft are expected to pick up pace.
In the medium term, he noted, the airline will certainly examine third-party opportunities.
Accordingly, cheaper currency rates are a major draw for such a facility.
The airline’s training fees vary by programme, with the Cadet Pilot Programme costing approximately Rs 60 to 80 lakh, covering all training phases, ground school, the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and type rating.
For experienced pilots, the estimated cost for post-CPL training and type rating ranges from Rs 20 to 30 lakh.
Besides, for the cabin crew or ground staff training, the fees are substantially lower, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh.
In comparison to other similar facilities abroad, the cost at Air India’s academy is cheaper.
Cabin crew
In terms of courses, for cabin crew, the academy offers inclusive instruction on Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) along with service training, grooming, and voice and accent training.
Furthermore, training for ground and security staff covers departure control, customer service and airport security.
The academy also hosts management programmes, including commercial, human resources and leadership training.
Recently, Air India has set up a centre for advanced pilot training in two simulator units, in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), within the same campus as the Air India Training Academy.
The airline had recently inaugurated an advanced pilot training centre that has been set up as a 50:50 JV with Airbus.
As per the airline, this facility currently has two operational simulators for A320 aircraft and will eventually have 10 Airbus simulators, including those for A350 aircraft.
The facility will train over 5,000 new pilots over the next decade.
Meanwhile, the other facility coming up will have 11 Boeing simulators, taking the total number of Full Flight Simulator (FFS) bays to 21, supporting the airline’s existing and future Airbus and Boeing fleet and ensure crew readiness ahead of future aircraft deliveries.
Moreover, the academy is envisioned to provide Air India professionals with immersive learning experiences with a focus on practical application.
For instance, door training, prepares crew for routine and emergency operational procedures. Advanced simulators and drill facilities offer real-world exposure to emergency protocols, equipping crew to respond smoothly in such situations.
The academy conducts training sessions every day for over 2,000 Air India group personnel across operational and customer-facing roles, including cabin crew, pilots and security staff.
These sessions cover both recurrent training—mandated at regular intervals for flight crew, cabin crew and ground staff—as well as programme-specific courses required under regulatory and organisational standards.
Published on November 27, 2025
