Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 30, 2019
New Zealand Airline Academy, an Institute based at Oamaru Airport in the Waitaki District of Canterbury, and Harrison Omniview Consulting have signed a contract with AirAsia to conduct the latter’s ‘Cadet Pilot Programme.’
The Signing Ceremony was held in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
The low-cost carrier said that the Programme was in line with its forecast exponential growth in the coming years.
“As the Company expands its network and fleet, the need for pilots is also set to increase proportionally,” a press note said.
The Otago Daily Times reported that the Waitaki economy could receive a boost of $5 million as trainee pilot undergo the Programme at the Oamaru Airport.
The first batch of trainees is expected to arrive in August this year.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher was in Bengaluru yesterday for the signing ceremony.
The newspaper said that 50 people would be trained during the first year.
Vigorous Training
The Cadet Pilot Programme, conducted over 18 to 24 months, provides for a robust and rigorous screening process conducted by Omniview to recruit high talent.
New Zealand Airline Academy Director and Chief Executive Jonathan Manuel said, “It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with AirAsia India on this initiative of providing high-quality pilot training in New Zealand at an affordable cost to Indian students.”
AirAsia India Head of Operations Captain Manish Uppal said that the Programme will address the rising demand of pilots in India.
Flexible finance options
“We welcome the next generation of Pilots to our family of Allstars. We have always stood by our mission, ‘Now everyone can fly,’ and with the launch of this Programme, we would be creating a platform to everyone who aspires to be a pilot. We have flexible financial options available at very affordable rates through HDFC bank,” he said at the Launch.
Ms. Anjali Chatterjee, Head of People and Culture, AirAsia India said, “The Cadet Pilot Programme is a streamlined, economical and a well-structured pathway to becoming a Pilot, regardless whether the candidate is fresh from school or is looking for a career change. AirAsia India welcomes all candidates who are passionate about flying.”
Growing demand
Early this year, India ranked Second amongst the fastest-growing domestic markets in terms of passenger volume. With the increasing number of air travellers every year, it is expected that airlines in India will require up to 10,000 new pilots by 2030 to meet the demand.
AirAsia India currently has a fleet of 21 aircraft covering 19 destinations.
