Budget carrier AirAsia India Tuesday announced the launch of a cadet pilots training programme in partnership with New Zealand Airline Academy and Harrison Omniview Consulting to cater to the increasing demand.
Under the programme, the company plans to train 50 cadets in the first year and the first batch of 15 pilots is expected to join AirAsia fleet by 2021, an airline spokesperson told PTI.
According to AirAsia India, the country is expected to require up to 10,000 new pilots by 2030 to meet the industry's demand amid the increasing number of air passengers every year.
Moreover, as AirAsia India expands its network and fleet, the need for pilots is also set to increase proportionally, it said.
"With the rising demand for pilots in India, we are delighted to launch our cadet pilot program to welcome the next generation of pilots to our family of Allstars (AirAsia group employees). With the launch of this program, we are giving this platform to everyone who aspires to be a pilot," Manish Uppal, head of operations, AirAsia India said.
For selection in the 18-24 month long course, the candidate will have to go through a screening process with Harrison and, on getting it cleared the selected candidates will undergo a four months ground training in New Delhi, the spokesperson said.
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Post the ground training, the students will go to New Zealand for flying training, the company said adding that they will also be provided a four months training for Airbus A320 type rating.
"It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with AirAsia India on this initiative of providing pilot training in New Zealand at an affordable cost to the Indian students," said Jonathan Manuel, director and chief executive at New Zealand Airline Academy on the tie-up.
AirAsia India currently has a fleet of 21 aircraft covering 19 destinations pan-India.
"The cadet pilot programme is a streamlined, economical and a well-structured pathway to become a pilot, regardless of the fact that the candidate is fresh out of school or is looking for a career change," Anjali Chatterjee, head-people and culture, AirAsia India said.