"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

Don't you think you've come a little late in the day to India considering that Air India/ Indigo the two major operators -- already have their own pilot training programmes?

The decision of Air India and Indigo to recently launch their own pilot training programmes itself indicates exponential growth in the Indian aviation industry. With the industry further projected to be expanding rapidly, the existing infrastructure is insufficient to meet the industry's current and future needs. We believe that Simaero India's entry into the market is timely, as we aim to complement these existing programmes and bridge the gap by providing additional training solutions to other Indian airlines and those in neighbouring countries, which are crucial for industry growth. Our training programs will also support pilot training overflow that Air India and Indigo may encounter, beyond their internal capacities.

By the same yardstick, Air India has just announced the setting up of over two dozen simulators for their cockpit crew. Indigo has tied up with multiple operators and has its Airbus-partnered simulator in Greater Noida. Do you still see a big market for it?

There is a severe deficit in training infrastructure in India vis-à-vis flight simulators for specific type ratings, which Simaero India aims to bridge. Our comprehensive training solutions and state-of-theart facilities will cater to the broader market, including other airlines and regions that are currently underserved..

When you talk of South Asia, where else is the market? None of the countries neighbouring India have big fleets that will validate such a huge investment. Could you elaborate on your plans?