TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 11 JUNE 2026
Akasa Air, India’s fastest growing airline, announced the launch of Akasa SkyCadet – a pilot training programme designed to develop future-ready commercial pilotsthrough comprehensive aviation training aligned with DGCA regulations and the airline’s global operational standards.
This initiative underscores the airline’s continued investment in talent development, operational excellence, and building a future-ready pipeline of commercial pilots in the fast-growing aviationindustry. The programme has been developed in collaboration with approved Flight Training Organisations namely: Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy. The programme is designed to nurture aspiring pilots by combining comprehensive aviation education, flighttraining, and airline-aligned preparedness.
India’s aviation sector continues to grow, with long-term growth expected to drive increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals and high-quality training infrastructure. The demand for skilledpilots is expected to rise significantly as Indian airlines continue to expand their fleets through some of the largest aircraft orders in global aviation. Indian carriers currently have an order of approximately 1,700 aircraft, while the country’s commercialfleet is projected to nearly triple by 2035. Industry estimates suggest that today India has approx. 12,000 – 15,000 commercial pilots in India and by 2035 India will require around 35,000 pilots and approximately 45,000 new pilots across India and South Asiaover the next two decades, creating substantial opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals.
Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Akasa Air said, “India’s aviation industry is entering a phase of sustained long-term growth, and building a future-ready workforce will be critical to supporting this expansion responsibly. AtAkasa Air, we have always believed that our people will be the cornerstone of our success. The Akasa SkyCadet Programme reflects our commitment to investing in talent from the grassroots level and creating structured pathways for aspiring pilots to build meaningfulcareers in aviation. Beyond technical capability, the programme is designed to instil a strong culture of safety, operational excellence, discipline, and service orientation – the values that define Akasa Air. As we continue to scale our operations, we arefocused on nurturing skilled professionals who can grow with us and contribute to the future of Indian aviation.”
The programme provides an integrated and progressive learning pathway through three distinct phases:
- Ground School: A comprehensive theoretical curriculum covering air regulations, navigation,meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, and human performance to prepare cadets for DGCA examinations and subsequent flight training.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Flight Training: Structured dual and solo flying training focusedon building operational proficiency through navigation, instrument, and cross-country flying in accordance with DGCA and ICAO standards.
- Type Rating on Boeing 737 MAX: Advanced simulator and aircraft systems training designed toprepare cadets for commercial jet operations on the Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
The programme reflects Akasa Air’s people-first philosophy and commitment to fostering a progressive and inclusive workplace culture, offering aspiring pilots the opportunity to build careers withone of the world’s fastest-growing airlines. While the Akasa SkyCadet Pilot Programme focussing on freshers will strengthen long-term pilot pipeline in India, the airline will continue to hire CPL holders and B737 type-rated pilots to meet its growing talentrequirements as it rapidly expands its fleet and operations.
About Akasa Air:
Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares – all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centricphilosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians.
Akasa Air’s consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 28 million passengers since itslaunch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 26 domestic and seven international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, SriVijaya Puram, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Kozhikode, Navi Mumbai, Dibrugarh, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Phuket (Thailand) and Hanoi (Vietnam).
With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 38 737MAX aircraft, which deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also has a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise, fulfilling the airline’s promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngestand greenest fleet in the Indian skies.
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