Image Source: The Statesman
In a major boost to India’s aviation sector, CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL), a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and Canadian flight simulation technology leader CAE, has unveiled a cutting-edge pilot training center in Mumbai. The vast 44,000 square-foot facility is slated to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026 with two Airbus A320 full-flight simulators (FFS), eventually expanding its capacity to house up to six simulators. This development underscores the growing demand for skilled pilots in India and represents a significant milestone in enhancing quality, accessibility, and efficiency in aviation training for the region.
Key Highlights of the Mumbai Simulator Facility
The facility will initially operate with two Airbus A320 full-flight simulators, with expansion plans to add up to six simulators catering to various aircraft types.
Spanning 44,000 square feet, the center is strategically located to serve India’s commercial aviation hub, making pilot training more accessible to airlines and aspiring pilots in western India.
CSTPL currently operates three other centers in Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, with a combined capacity of 23 full-flight simulators.
The Mumbai expansion aligns with India’s rapidly growing aviation market, which expects a demand for up to 20,000 new professional pilots over the next decade.
Training programs will encompass type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks across Airbus, ATR, and Boeing aircraft platforms, compliant with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations.
The center aims to serve both new entrants to the profession and experienced airline pilots seeking to update or maintain certifications.
The facility is expected to improve operational efficiency and training quality for airline partners, supporting safer skies and a robust aviation ecosystem.
Strategic Importance Amid India’s Aviation Boom
India’s aviation sector is among the fastest-growing globally, driven by increasing domestic travel, expanding airline fleets, and rising international connectivity. The resultant demand for trained pilots has outpaced current training infrastructure, creating bottlenecks that CSTPL aims to alleviate. By adding a premier training center in Mumbai, the JV better distributes training capacity across the country’s major aviation corridors.
Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE’s Division President for Commercial Aviation, emphasized that the Mumbai facility reflects their commitment to addressing pilot shortages intelligently, bringing training closer to India’s aviation centers, and elevating standards of instruction. Aditya Pande, CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, highlighted the JV’s dedication to building an aviation training ecosystem that supports India’s growth trajectory and strengthens its standing in global aviation.
Comprehensive Training for Diverse Aircraft Types
The Mumbai facility’s multi-platform capability is designed to meet the diverse needs of India’s airline fleets, ranging from regional turboprops and narrow-body jets to wide-body aircraft. Providing Airbus A320 simulators initially leverages one of the most common aircraft in India’s skies, while plans for future simulator types will broaden the scope.
Training modules include initial type ratings for pilots new to specific aircraft, recurrent and refresher courses to ensure skill retention, and proficiency assessments that comply with global aviation safety standards. This holistic approach aims to maintain operational readiness and competency among India’s growing pilot workforce.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Pilot Training Ecosystem Nation-wide
InterGlobe-CAE’s move complements its existing presence, creating a robust triad of training hubs. This network not only addresses the immediate pilot demand but also paves the way for future innovations in pilot education such as virtual reality integration, advanced scenario training, and data-driven performance analytics.
The new Mumbai center will support improving the quality and quantity of pilots essential to sustaining India’s aviation sector’s ambitious expansion plans over the next decade. Increased training capacity is vital for maintaining high safety benchmarks and ensuring the seamless operation of airlines nationwide.
Conclusion
The launch of the Mumbai pilot simulator facility by the InterGlobe-CAE joint venture marks a significant step toward bridging India’s pilot training gap and equipping the nation’s aviation industry with skilled professionals prepared for modern challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with strategic location and expert management, CSTPL is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing the future of Indian aviation and propelling its global competitiveness.
Sources: CIO Insider India, AviTrader, The Statesman, Economic Times, Asian Aviation
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