- Bridging the Skill Gap in India’s Booming Aviation Industry
- Advanced Flight Simulator Centre to Meet Rising Pilot Demand
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Aviation
By Sangeeta Saxena
Gurugram, India. 25 January 2025. In a significant boost to India’s aviation sector, the Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC) inaugurated its third Full-Flight Simulator facility, Gurugram 2.0, in the presence of the Indian Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation Mr. Vumlunmang Vualnam. The new facility marks a crucial milestone in India’s commitment to pilot training and aviation safety, addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots as the country witnesses a surge in aircraft orders and airline expansion.
With India poised to become one of the largest aviation markets in the world, the need for highly trained pilots has never been greater. The Gurugram 2.0 facility is strategically designed to bridge this gap by offering state-of-the-art training solutions. The facility already houses two cutting-edge simulators—Boeing B737 Max and Airbus A320 neo-7000XR (2.1 version)—along with a Boeing B737 NG FTD Level 5, ensuring that pilots receive world-class training tailored to the latest aviation technologies.
Capt. D. S. Basraon, Founder and Chairman of FSTC, highlighted the facility’s role in supporting the Indian government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, stating, “Gurugram 2.0 will play a pivotal role in producing ‘Make in India’ pilots who are fully qualified and type-rated to join airlines in India. This initiative will not only strengthen India’s pilot training ecosystem but also enhance airline operations by developing a skilled workforce that meets global safety and competency standards.”
FSTC has been a cornerstone of aviation training in India for over 12 years, delivering more than 250,000 hours of simulator training to over 4,500 pilots. The launch of Gurugram 2.0 further solidifies its position as India’s largest DGCA-approved standalone training organization, offering globally recognized aviation training solutions accredited by EASA, Airbus, and Boeing.
The aviation industry in India is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth, with substantial aircraft deliveries expected in the coming years. Recognizing this demand,. Jyotsana, CEO of FSTC FTO, emphasized the importance of expanding pilot training capacity, “FSTC aims to produce over 200 fully trained pilots annually through its Flight Training Organization (FTO) and Approved Training Organization (ATO). With further expansions in the pipeline, we are committed to supporting the growing needs of the industry.”
Since its inception in 2012, FSTC has played a crucial role in advancing India’s aviation sector under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. Expanding from two simulators to twelve full-flight simulators and multiple training aircraft, FSTC has emerged as a preferred training partner for Indian and international airlines across the subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Beyond commercial aviation, FSTC has also contributed to the defense sector by manufacturing Hawk and Dornier simulators, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation in pilot training.
The inauguration of Gurugram 2.0 marks a significant milestone in India’s aviation training landscape. With an emphasis on safety, competency, and technological advancement, FSTC is ensuring that India’s growing aviation industry is backed by a well-trained workforce. As the demand for pilots continues to rise, FSTC’s unwavering commitment to training excellence will be instrumental in shaping the future of Indian aviation.
