Andhra Pradesh aviation hub development begins with new Kurnool academy

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has inaugurated the Orient Flights Aviation Academy at Kurnool Airport, marking the first Flight Training Organisation (FTO) in Andhra Pradesh. The academy, promoted by the Hindustan Group, aims to train approximately 60 students annually and plans to expand its current fleet of three aircraft to 10.

The initiative is part of a broader central government strategy to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major aviation hub by developing an ecosystem that includes pilot training, aircraft maintenance, ground operations, and airport management. The minister noted that Kurnool is well-suited for such activities due to its favorable weather conditions and strategic location near Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the national demand for human resources, Naidu stated that India currently has 36 FTOs, which is insufficient to meet future needs. With airlines placing orders for approximately 1,600 aircraft, the country is projected to require between 25,000 and 30,000 pilots over the next 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the government is considering establishing a dedicated DGCA facility in Kurnool for drone testing and certification as part of a proposed Kurnool Drone City.