Gujarat expands pilot training capacity with five new FTOs

Gujarat is establishing itself as a national hub for commercial pilot training by expanding its aviation infrastructure. The state currently has five operational Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), with five additional facilities in the pipeline, which would bring the total to 10.

This expansion is being driven through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model managed by the Civil Aviation Department and the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL). The initiative involves allocating land at state-owned airports and airstrips to eligible operators via a transparent bidding process to attract private investment and build a skilled workforce.

The development responds to a surge in India’s aviation sector, fueled by increased passenger traffic, the ‘UDAN’ regional connectivity scheme, and massive aircraft orders from domestic airlines. These factors are expected to create a demand for between 25,000 and 30,000 commercial pilots in the coming years. To date, the state's training network has produced over 3,200 Commercial Pilot Licence holders.