KURNOOL: Andhra Pradesh took a significant step toward developing a comprehensive aviation ecosystem with the launch of the State’s first Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at Kurnool Airport on Saturday.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who inaugurated Orient Flights Aviation Academy, said developing Andhra Pradesh into an aviation hub was the vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Kurnool is being developed as a key centre for aviation and drones.
He termed the launch of the FTO a “historic development” for AP, and stressed the need to expand flight training facilities beyond major cities to rural and remote areas. The Centre had taken measures to increase the number of FTOs across the country, he said.
“India has currently 36 FTOs, which are not sufficient to meet the growing demand for pilots. With orders for new aircraft touching nearly 1,600, the country requires 25,000 to 30,000 pilots over the next 10 to 15 years. Hence, the Centre is encouraging setting up of FTOs in the country,” he explained.
AP’s aviation ecosystem broadening: Ram Mohan
Orient Academy, which currently has three aircraft, plans to increase the fleet to 10. It will have the capacity to train around 60 students per annum, besides creating opportunities in aircraft maintenance, ground operations and airport management.
The Union Minister highlighted Kurnool’s strategic location, proximity to Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, operational airport and favourable weather conditions as advantages for flight training. He promised to expand flight connectivity, and make provision for night-landing facility at Kurnool Airport.
Referring to the proposed Kurnool Drone City, he said the Centre would consider establishing a dedicated DGCA facility in Kurnool for drone testing and certification. “AP is moving toward a broader aviation ecosystem involving airports, FTOs, universities and allied industries. The Centre is planning to increase the number of airports in the country to more than 350 by 2047,” he added.
R&B Minister BC Janardhan Reddy said the FTO would provide new career opportunities for youth. Industries Minister TG Bharath urged the academy to expand future projects in Kurnool, and create more employment opportunities for local youth.