Andhra Pradesh, 28th Sept 2026:
Orient Flights Aviation Academy, a DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisation and a unit of Orient Flights Pvt. Ltd., today inaugurated its new flying training base at Kurnool Airport, marking a significant milestone with the establishment of Andhra Pradesh’s first Flying Training Organisation.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the OFAA Hangar, Kurnool Airport, with Sri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Sri. B. C. Janardhan Reddy, Minister for Roads & Buildings and Infrastructure & Investments, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Sri. T. G. Bharath, Minister for Industries & Commerce and Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh, attended as Guests of Honour.
The event was also attended by Sri. Bastipati Nagaraju, Member of Parliament, Kurnool; Smt. Gowru Charitha Reddy, Member of Legislative Assembly, Panyam; Shri Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman AAI; Shri. Madhu Sudana Sankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Sri. Kona Sasidhar, IAS, Secretary to Government (FAC), Infrastructure & Investment Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Sri. Praveen Adithya C.V., IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Nandyal; Dr. A. Siri, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Kurnool; and Smt. Rajakumari Ganiya, IAS, Managing Director, APADCL as Special Guests and distinguished invitees.
The inauguration was held in the presence of Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman; Dr. Elizabeth Verghese, Founder Chairperson; Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Director; Sri. Anoop Swamikannu, CEO, St. Joseph’s Group of Institutions; Mr. Enid Verghese Jacob, Associate Director; and Mr. Abel Mathew Prasad, Vice President, along with members of the Board of Directors, management officials, staff, cadet pilots and other distinguished guests.
The establishment of the Kurnool FTO represents a significant expansion of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. The new base will provide aspiring pilots from the state and neighbouring regions with greater access to structured, professional and safety-focused flight training.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, said:
“The inauguration of our Kurnool flying training base is an important milestone in the journey of Orient Flights Aviation Academy and in the development of aviation training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. Our endeavour is to provide aspiring pilots with a structured pathway to a professional aviation career, supported by quality training, modern infrastructure and an uncompromising commitment to safety. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, our distinguished guests and all our stakeholders for their support and encouragement as we begin this new chapter at Kurnool.”
The inauguration ceremony featured the unveiling of the inauguration plaque, addresses by the dignitaries and the formal commencement of OFAA’s operations at Kurnool. The event also highlighted the academy’s continued commitment to aviation education and professional pilot training.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the flag-off of the inaugural flight, formally marking the commencement of flying training operations from the Kurnool base.
The Kurnool facility is designed to provide cadet pilots with a professional training environment supported by modern learning resources and aviation-oriented infrastructure. The new base will complement OFAA’s established flying training operations at Mysuru Airport, Karnataka.
The facility is expected to support aviation skill development and contribute to the growth of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing structured flight training closer to aspiring pilots in the region, OFAA aims to help develop confident, disciplined, safety-conscious and industry-ready aviation professionals.
The inauguration of the Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality pilot training and contributing to the continued growth of India’s aviation sector.
The Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals. Through the expansion from its established Mysuru Airport base to Kurnool Airport, OFAA aims to further strengthen access to professional pilot training and contribute to the continued growth of India’s aviation sector.
