Indian Aviation is rapidly growing and the need for skilled manpower is at all time high. The growth further intensifies the robust training programs with job security. To highlight the concept better, Jaffer Mohiuddin, CEO, Gomsons Aviation in an exclusive interview with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World shares his insight about the current Aviation training program, prospective amendments in curriculum, Part-147 training organisations, challenges and many more key issues. Over the years, he had pioneered India’s first EASA Part 147 satellite training centre, securing DGCA-approved in-house OJT for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and integrated VR-based immersive technology into training programs. We hope that this the inputs of the interaction will be useful for our readers. Excerpts…

In India, MPL system of Pilot Training might be introduced as the regulator and stakeholders are evaluating the process. How do you see this change looking into the growing demands for pilots?

The introduction of the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) in India has the potential to significantly transform how we produce airline-ready pilots. MPL, when implemented under the training framework outlined in ICAO Annex 1 and Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG), creates a structured pathway where cadets are trained in a multi-crew environment right from the early stages.

This not only accelerates operational readiness but also ensures competency standards are globally aligned. Given the rapid growth of India’s airline fleet and the increasing demand for skilled pilots, MPL could help meet that demand more efficiently. However, the real success will depend on strict regulatory oversight, standardised curriculum, and active collaboration between Regulatory, Airlines, and Approved Training Organisations. The focus must remain on maintaining the highest safety standards while delivering pilots who can transition seamlessly into airline operations from day one.

Despite of sudden surge in FTOs in India, still aspiring pilots prefer getting CPL done from some overseas location. What’s the factor that drives them to do so?

India now has 38, flying schools, many aspiring pilots still choose overseas training for one key reason time and training efficiency. Leading academies in the USA, Australia, and South Africa offer year-round flying weather, larger training fleets, and higher instructor availability, enabling students to complete their CPL in 12–18 months instead of the 2–3 years it can sometimes take in India.

A growing number of students now complete their DGCA ground school training and CPL theory exams in India before leaving, so they can focus entirely on flying once they reach a foreign school. This streamlined approach allows for quick course completion and avoids the delays often caused by weather, aircraft availability, or scheduling bottlenecks in India.

Training in India is improving rapidly. Several new FTOs are investing in modern fleets, upgraded infrastructure, and better simulators, raising domestic standards significantly. However, demand remains extremely high due to the current boom in the aviation sector, which often leads to waiting periods and extended timelines for completion.

Overseas training continues to appeal because it combines faster completion, exposure to diverse airspaces and ATC procedures, and advanced training technology. The regulatory streamlined licence conversion process makes the return to India relatively straightforward. In many cases, the time saved abroad even offsets the additional costs, making it a competitive and attractive option for aspiring pilots.

In India, soon students from arts and commerce streams might be allowed to pursue CPL training, however many other countries already have such provisions. What’s your take on such amendments?

The upcoming amendment to allow arts and commerce students to pursue Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training may seem like a new development, the reality is that Indian Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) have, in many cases, already welcomed such candidates. Traditionally, these students have been trained in both ground school and flying the key requirement has been to complete Mathematics and Physics papers before applying for their CPL licence to the regulatory.

Internationally, countries such as the USA, Australia, and South Africa have long followed this open eligibility model, focusing on a candidate’s aptitude, medical fitness, and aviation training rather than their academic stream. Formalising this pathway in India, the process will become smoother and more transparent, reducing delays for aspiring pilots from non-science backgrounds.

However, bridging programs remain essential. Subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, and meteorology rely on core physics and mathematical principles, and ensuring every student masters these foundations is critical to maintaining safety and training quality.

In a rapidly growing aviation market, such inclusivity could significantly expand the talent pool, help address the pilot shortage, and inspire a more diverse generation of aviators all while bringing India in line with global best practices.

To make the aviation training more robust in India, what initiatives need to be implemented? What are the roadblocks?

To truly strengthen aviation training in India, we must look beyond pilot training and develop a holistic aviation ecosystem. This involves investing in world-class infrastructure and expanding the scope of training to include Aircraft Maintenance Engineering(AME) PART 147, Cabin Crew Training, Airport Operations, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and other specialised aviation disciplines.A transformative step would be the creation of a world-class Aviation University a single integrated campus housing Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), Aircraft Maintenance (PART 147) training centres, cabin crew academies, ATC simulators, and airport management programs under one roof. Such a facility could generate a steady pipeline of skilled professionals across every segment of the industry.

In parallel, India needs to expand training fleets with modern aircraft, introduce state of the art simulators, and adopt global best practices in curriculum design. Aligning training modules with international standards, integrating Safety Management Systems (SMS), and including real world operational scenarios will significantly raise competency levels across the board.

The main roadblocks today are high training costs, a shortage of experienced instructors, and weather related disruptions at certain FTO locations. Addressing these through regulatory reforms, strong industry academia partnerships, and targeted investment, India can position itself not only to meet domestic demand but also to become a global exporter of aviation talent.

The next ten-fifteen years is going to be transformative year for Indian aviation as large chunk of ordered aircraft will join the fleet. How do see the opportunity for aspiring youths?

The next decade is poised to be one of the most exciting and opportunity rich chapters in Indian aviation history. India projected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market, hundreds of aircraft across airline fleets, business jets, and both fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations are set to join the skies. This growth will fuel an unprecedented demand for skilled professionals, not only Pilots but also Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Technicians, Flight Dispatchers, Ground Operations experts, and specialists across the entire aviation value chain.

This growth will create thousands of new positions in Flight operations, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Cabin Crew, Air Traffic Control, Airport Management, Ground Handling, Cargo, and allied services. The ripple effect will also drive expansion in aviation training institutions, MRO facilities, and aviation-related technology sectors.

Aspiring youth, this is the time to prepare. Those entering the industry now will be able to build careers in a rapidly expanding market, with opportunities to work not only in India but also in the global aviation network. However, to truly capitalise on this boom, young professionals must focus on acquiring globally recognised skills, maintaining high safety and service standards, and embracing continuous learning as the industry evolves.

There is inclusive growth in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sector which offers ample job opportunities. But, there is no guided policy for organised salary structure, which sometimes leads to exploitation of manpower. How do you see such gap and what’s the solution to fix it up?

This is one of the less discussed but pressing challenges in Indian aviation. The sector is growing across Aeronautical fields like Pilots, Engineers, ATC, and MRO and Non-Aeronautical roles such as Ground Handling, Airport Retail, and Cargo, there’s a glaring gap, the absence of a standardised salary structure.

Ground handling is a prime example. Many global airlines outsource these operations to third-party companies as a cost-cutting measure. Unfortunately, this often results in staff receiving salaries far below fair industry benchmarks, despite working in highly demanding, safety-sensitive roles.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that a large portion of our workforce, after receiving quality training and developing strong skill sets, leaves for overseas jobs where compensation and worklife balance are far superior. This talent drain happens because many freshers here face long, hectic work hours with pay packages that do not match their responsibilities or the physical demands of the job.

The solution lies in policy driven reform. Industry bodies must collaborate to introduce clear wage standards for all Aviation roles, including outsourced positions. Transparent employment contracts, regular wage audits, and enforceable compliance checks are essential to protect workers.

Fair pay is not just about ethics it’s about retaining talent. If we wants to be a respected global aviation hub, competitive and equitable compensation must be given as much priority as fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrades

There is inclusive growth in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sector which offers ample job opportunities. But, there is no guided policy for organised salary structure, which sometimes leads to exploitation of manpower. How do you see such gap and what’s the solution to fix it up?

This is one of the less discussed but pressing challenges in Indian aviation. The sector is growing across Aeronautical fields like Pilots, Engineers, ATC, and MRO and Non-Aeronautical roles such as Ground Handling, Airport Retail, and Cargo, there’s a glaring gap, the absence of a standardised salary structure.

Ground handling is a prime example. Many global airlines outsource these operations to third-party companies as a cost-cutting measure. Unfortunately, this often results in staff receiving salaries far below fair industry benchmarks, despite working in highly demanding, safety-sensitive roles.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that a large portion of our workforce, after receiving quality training and developing strong skill sets, leaves for overseas jobs where compensation and worklife balance are far superior. This talent drain happens because many freshers here face long, hectic work hours with pay packages that do not match their responsibilities or the physical demands of the job.

The solution lies in policy driven reform. Industry bodies must collaborate to introduce clear wage standards for all Aviation roles, including outsourced positions. Transparent employment contracts, regular wage audits, and enforceable compliance checks are essential to protect workers.

Fair pay is not just about ethics it’s about retaining talent. If we wants to be a respected global aviation hub, competitive and equitable compensation must be given as much priority as fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrades

What according to you the sector challenges and how one can overcome them?

I think the Indian aviation sector is entering an exciting growth phase, but it is important to acknowledge the hurdles that could slow us down.First, infrastructure remains a challenge. While airports are expanding, major hubs remain congested, and several regional facilities are underutilised. If we can repurpose idle hangars, training centres, and workshops for MRO, simulation, and skill development, we could ease pressure on major hubs, accelerate training, and reduce costs.

Second, there’s a shortage of skilled manpower. The demand for Pilots, Engineers, Dispatchers, and Technicians is rising faster than the supply. Strengthening industry&academia partnerships and providing genuine On the Job training at airlines and MROs can ensure candidates are job-ready from day one.

Cost is another barrier. CPL training costs Rs.50–80 lakhs, and AME courses Rs.25–40 lakhs. Expanding scholarships, airline-sponsored cadet programmes, and adopting VR/AR simulators can make aviation careers more accessible without compromising safety.

A major concern is workforce retention. India produces world-class talent, but many leave for better pay, worklife balance, and career growth overseas. The answer lies in respecting our workforce through fair wages, safe working conditions, and clear career pathways.

If we address infrastructure bottlenecks, bridge skill gaps, reduce costs, simplify regulations, and embrace sustainability, Indian aviation can not only overcome its current challenges but position itself for sustained global leadership.

How can Indian Part 147 training organizations adapt their curriculum, infrastructure, and industry partnerships to meet the standards and the rapidly evolving skill requirements of modern aircraft maintenance?

This is an area I am deeply passionate about. Part 147 organizations are the backbone of India’s aircraft maintenance ecosystem, yet the gap between rapidly evolving aircraft technology and our current training capacity is widening. New Aviation School in Hyderabad and soon in Delhi and Mumbai are raising the bar, but their intake is still far too small to meet the national demand for skilled AMEs.

Indian Part 147 organizations are at a crucial turning point. DGCA framework ensures quality and compliance, the global aviation industry is advancing rapidly with new technologies, greener systems, and more sophisticated maintenance practices. To remain competitive, our training must be aligned with EASAstandards, enriched with handson modules in predictive maintenance, advanced composites, drone systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

Our infrastructure should reflect real world MRO environments. VR/AR simulation labs, live aircraft sections, and industry grade maintenance software. Strong industry partnerships with OEMs, airlines, and MROs, combined with structured On-the-Job Training and global exchange programs, must become the norm. Faculty development is equally vital, ensuring instructors remain current with industry practices.

By modernizing curricula, upgrading infrastructure, and deepening industry linkages, we can not only bridge the skills gap but also produce globally competitive, future-ready AMEs for the aircraft of tomorrow.

How is the requirement for Part-147 training organisations to establish partnerships with MROs or airlines for practical training impacting aviation maintenance education in India?

This requirement is one of the most positive changes we have seen in recent years, and it aligns perfectly with the intent of CAR-66. Previously, many Part-147 organisations struggled to provide meaningful On Job Training, but now these formal tie-ups ensure trainees get supervised, hands-on experience with live aircraft, real components, and actual maintenance workflows.

It brings several benefits. First, allowing trainees to log practical tasks that meet regulatory competency standards. Second, it shortens the gap between theory and practice students are exposed to modern aircraft types, tooling, documentation systems, and safety procedures exactly as they will see them in the field.

An employability standpoint, graduates now enter the workforce far more job-ready, reducing the onboarding time for employers. It also improves the integrity of assessments because practical evaluations are happening in genuine operational environments.

There are challenges. Coordinating placements at scale, ensuring consistent training quality across different MRO partners, and maintaining proper CAR-66-compliant records require careful management. But overall, this move is raising the standard of AME education in India and ensuring our engineers meet both domestic and global expectations from day one on the job.