Odisha's Aviation Ambitions: Can Local Flight Schools Meet the Challenge?

Concerns Over Bidding Criteria for Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre

In Bhubaneswar, Indian Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) are requesting the Odisha government to reconsider the requirement of having a turnover exceeding Rs 100 crore over the last three years to qualify for the bidding process for the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) in Dhenkanal district, as stated by an official.

During a recent pre-bid meeting with the Transport and Commerce department of the Odisha government, the FTOs highlighted that the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had severely affected their operations, making it impossible for them to meet the turnover criteria.

A senior official mentioned that the state government has not yet made a decision regarding this issue.

The Odisha government has initiated a tender process to select an Operating Partner (OP) for the management of the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre.

This aviation centre is designed to train young individuals from Odisha, preparing them for careers in the aviation industry, including roles as pilots and cabin crew. Additionally, the state has allocated funds for developing an airstrip in Birasal, Dhenkanal, with an investment of Rs 562 crore.

The planned infrastructure will feature 53 training aircraft, three simulators, a fully developed airstrip, hangars, service buildings, and student accommodations.

Sources indicate that four Indian FTOs are interested in the project but are unable to participate due to their turnovers falling below the Rs 100 crore threshold.

A resolution from the Odisha government, issued on March 12, 2024, emphasizes the urgent need for India to produce 2,000 pilots annually over the next two decades to satisfy the growing demand for airline pilots. Currently, existing flying schools can only train between 900 and 1,000 pilots each year, leading to a significant shortfall.

Records from the Director General of Civil Aviation reveal that around 42% of commercial pilot licenses are awarded to cadets trained in foreign flying schools. The BPAC initiative aims to address this gap by training approximately 500 pilots each year at full capacity, potentially transforming the aviation landscape in India.