Akasa Air launches Akasa SkyCadet pilot training programme
Akasa Air
The programme has been developed in collaboration with Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy to develop future-ready commercial pilots.
Akasa Air announced the launch of Akasa SkyCadet – a pilot training programme designed to develop future-ready commercial pilots through comprehensive aviation training aligned with DGCA regulations and the airline’s global operational standards.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with approved Flight Training Organisations namely: Skynex Aero and Dunes Aviation Academy. The programme is designed to nurture aspiring pilots by combining comprehensive aviation education, flight training, and airline-aligned preparedness.
India’s aviation sector continues to grow, with long-term growth expected to drive increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals and high-quality training infrastructure. The demand for skilled pilots is expected to rise significantly as Indian airlines continue to expand their fleets through some of the largest aircraft orders in global aviation. Indian carriers currently have an order of approximately 1,700 aircraft, while the country's commercial fleet is projected to nearly triple by 2035. Industry estimates suggest that today India has approx. 12,000 – 15,000 commercial pilots in India and by 2035 India will require around 35,000 pilots and approximately 45,000 new pilots across India and South Asia over the next two decades, creating substantial opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals.
Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Akasa Air said, “India’s aviation industry is entering a phase of sustained long-term growth, and building a future-ready workforce will be critical to supporting this expansion responsibly. At Akasa Air, we have always believed that our people will be the cornerstone of our success. The Akasa SkyCadet Programme reflects our commitment to investing in talent from the grassroots level and creating structured pathways for aspiring pilots to build meaningful careers in aviation. Beyond technical capability, the programme is designed to instil a strong culture of safety, operational excellence, discipline, and service orientation – the values that define Akasa Air. As we continue to scale our operations, we are focused on nurturing skilled professionals who can grow with us and contribute to the future of Indian aviation.
The programme provides an integrated and progressive learning pathway through three distinct phases. Ground School covering a comprehensive theoretical curriculum covering air regulations, navigation, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, and human performance to prepare cadets for DGCA examinations and subsequent flight training. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Flight Training a structured dual and solo flying training focused on building operational proficiency through navigation, instrument, and cross-country flying in accordance with DGCA and ICAO standards. And Type Rating on Boeing 737 MAX, advanced simulator and aircraft systems training designed to prepare cadets for commercial jet operations on the Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
