India's aviation sector is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, fueled by rising disposable incomes, increased tourism, and improved air connectivity to smaller cities. To sustain this growth, the nation is actively exploring strategies to address the increasing demand for qualified pilots. A key consideration is the potential overhaul of the pilot training system, with a shift towards a unified "multi-crew pilot licence" (MPL) system.
Currently, India follows a system where aspiring pilots first obtain a commercial pilot licence (CPL) and then pursue type rating separately for specific aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is contemplating a gradual transition to the MPL system, which integrates these stages. Under the MPL system, cadet pilots would undergo approximately 70 hours of flying in a training aircraft, followed by 140-160 hours of simulator training. Subsequently, airlines would induct them as trainees on specific aircraft types. The DGCA is scheduled to hold a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the proposal. If approved, both CPL and MPL systems will coexist, offering operators the flexibility to choose the most suitable option based on their safety and operational efficiency requirements.
The MPL system, approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), has been adopted by over 50 airlines globally, including Lufthansa, Etihad, flyDubai, and Singapore Airlines. Proponents of the MPL system argue that it aligns better with modern airline operational realities and can be tailored to specific aircraft types and airline operational philosophies. A senior pilot noted that MPL should have been adopted several years ago to meet India's growing aviation safety and scaling needs. The competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) compliant curriculum and associated instructor training are important aspects of the MPL system.
This potential shift in training methodology comes at a time when India's aviation market is experiencing rapid expansion. India has officially climbed to the spot of the world's fifth-busiest aviation market, according to the latest figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The rise of Indian aviation is being fueled by a growing appetite for travel, whether for business, culture, or pure leisure. Domestic air travel has soared as people hop between major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, while also heading to buzzing new tourist centers like Jaipur, Kochi, and Varanasi. The Ministry of Tourism is also pushing this trend through programs such as Dekho Apna Desh, which invites everyone to explore India on a budget.
However, this rapid growth has also exposed a critical challenge: a shortage of pilots. India is projected to require over 1,000 new pilots annually for the next five years to meet rising demand. Some estimates suggest that India will need 10,900 additional pilots by FY 2030, bringing the total to 22,400 by 2029. Despite the DGCA issuing a record 1,622 commercial pilot licenses in 2023, a shortage of 2,375 pilots is still projected over the next five years.
To address this shortage, the government has been encouraging the establishment of new Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) across India. Air India has also announced plans to set up its pilot training academy in Amravati, Maharashtra, with the aim of training 180 pilots annually. Furthermore, in addition to potentially adopting MPL, India is also contemplating making students from Class 12 arts and commerce streams eligible to pursue CPL, a field previously reserved for science students with physics and maths.
The combination of a booming aviation market and a shortage of qualified pilots has created an urgent need for innovative solutions. By considering a shift to the MPL system and exploring other measures to expand and diversify the pool of potential pilots, India aims to ensure that its aviation industry can continue to soar.
