With the Indian aviation sector set to soar in the not-too-distant future, Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, sheds light on the France-based global aviation training provider’s ambitious plans to revolutionise pilot training in India. Focused on state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic partnerships, he shares with 100 KNOTS how Simaero India is set to invest $100 million to bridge training gaps and bring cutting-edge simulation capabilities to India and South Asia.

What are Simaero’s plans for investment, infrastructure and strategy in India?

Simaero India launched in mid-2023 with the goal of establishing a simulation training centre here, which will also function as a DGCA and EASA-approved Airline Training Organisation (ATO). The training centre, located just 15 minutes from Delhi airport near NH8, is expected to be operational by Q4 2024 and will feature eight full-flight simulator bays. Initially, we are planning to set up simulators for the A320 NEO and Boeing B737 NG, with plans to add the B737 MAX and ATR 72-600 within 24 months. We will prioritise these simulator types first, as they are widely used by local carriers. However, we are open to operating wide-body type simulators based on the needs of our future clients.

We’re also looking to expand our presence in India by establishing at least two satellite training centres, each equipped with two to four simulators, following a hub-and-spoke model. The first satellite centre should be operational by 2026, with Kolkata being a primary candidate due to the lack of training centres in eastern India. We’re also considering Mumbai and Bengaluru, along with potential opportunities in neighbouring countries like Nepal, where we already conduct business through our Paris based ATO.

What is Simaero's global infrastructure footprint?

Currently, Simaero operates training centres in France, China and South Africa. We have two centres in France—one in Paris and another, smaller one in Brittany. We’re also opening a new centre in Paris that will be operational by Q1 2025, with the first simulator there being an A350. In South Africa, we have one centre in Johannesburg and we’ve recently launched one in Changsha, China. 

Looking ahead, we plan to establish eight full-flight simulators in Delhi NCR, with at least eight more across satellite centres in India. Our goal is to support 16 full-flight simulators within the next five to six years. This will include a mix of A320s, the new A321XLR, which Indian airlines have ordered in large numbers, as well as B737 MAX and ATR 72-600 simulators. We’re also open to installing wide-body simulators as needed, like the A350 or B787. Our approach is flexible and we’re ready to adapt our infrastructure to meet our customers' specific requirements. 

Considering that Air India and IndiGo, the two major operators, already have established pilot training programs—with Air India setting up over two dozen simulators and IndiGo partnering with multiple operators—do you still see a significant market for Simaero in India? How do you plan to compete with these existing setups?

The launch of pilot training programs by Air India and IndiGo clearly reflects the rapid expansion of the Indian aviation industry. As this growth continues, existing infrastructure will struggle to keep up with demand. Simaero India's entry into the market is both timely and essential. Our goal is to complement these programs by offering additional training solutions for other Indian airlines and neighbouring countries, filling the gap in training capacity. We also aim to support any pilot training overflow that Air India and IndiGo may experience, ensuring we meet the broader market's needs, including regions that currently lack adequate training facilities.

What is Simaero India’s five-year roadmap for India and South Asia? Have you tied up with any India-based airlines so far?

Our five-year roadmap for India and South Asia focuses on establishing Simaero India as the leading independent pilot training provider in the region. We plan to expand our training facilities, increase the number of simulators and offer a complete range of DGCA-approved training programs through our local ATO.  Alongside our main centre in Delhi NCR, we’ll be setting up satellite centres in key cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. We’re committed to building a robust local workforce and forming strong partnerships with airlines to support the region’s aviation growth.

As for airline partnerships, we’re already in advanced talks with two Indian airlines and expect to finalise agreements soon, though I prefer not to disclose names at this stage. Additionally, we’re in discussions with carriers in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. As a group, Simaero serves over 250 customers and operates 30 full-flight simulators certified by various civil aviation authorities across the world. We’re prepared to extend our services to neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, with plans to expand further into Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

What quantum of pilot training do you project for India per year?

India currently has over 1,700 aircraft on order and around 800 in operation, with about 10 percent grounded due to logistical and engine issues. These orders are expected to be fulfilled within the next five to seven years, by 2030. India, now the world's most populous country, has a rapidly growing aviation sector. When compared to China, which has a smaller population but ten times the number of aircraft, it’s clear that India's aviation industry is poised for significant expansion. To meet the demand for the increasing number of aircraft in Indian airlines, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 new pilots will be needed annually. Currently, around 1,500 commercial pilots obtain their Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) licences each year, highlighting a need for an additional 500 to 1,000 pilots annually.

How many pilots or type ratings does Simaero India plan to begin with annually? What is the expected timeline for launching the facility?

We initiated our ATO application process with the DGCA last month and expect to complete the building by Q4 this year. We aim to have simulators ready for training by early 2025. Our training costs will be highly competitive, potentially cheaper than those abroad, to attract more students. Our primary focus will be on training new commercial pilots to be airline-ready by conducting high-standard initial type rating, a significant portion of which is currently conducted outside India. Approximately 80 percent of this training is done abroad, representing a large volume. Our core strategy is to bring this business back to India. We plan to conduct 100 type ratings per year on each type, expanding to around 1,500 annually. According to last year’s DGCA data, over 3,000 type ratings on P1 and P2 were conducted across all aircraft types, with Airbus accounting for about 1,500 ratings annually, mostly done outside India. For other aircraft, like the B737 MAX, demand will rise once current supply chain issues are resolved, as there are only three simulators for this type in India.

Which airlines have you partnered with in India? 

We are in advanced talks with several major airlines both in India and across Asia. We're on the verge of finalising agreements with two Indian airlines. Our goal is to establish strategic partnerships that leverage our expertise and cutting-edge training facilities, ultimately expanding the pool of pilots in India trained in modern aviation practices.