New Delhi: In a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning aviation industry, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu highlighted the urgent need for a substantial increase in the number of pilots to meet the country’s escalating air travel demands. Speaking at the UDAAN Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday, Minister Naidu emphasized that India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, will necessitate at least 20,000 new pilots in the near future.
The minister’s remarks came during the launch of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, a technological advancement that aligns with India’s Digital India mission. This initiative, implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), allows pilots to access their licenses securely through the eGCA app, ensuring seamless real-time verification for global agencies.
India’s aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with the number of airports doubling to 157 over the last decade. The country is set to add 50 more airports in the next five years, further underscoring the need for a robust pilot workforce. With orders for up to 1,700 new planes pending for the Indian fleet, the demand for skilled pilots is expected to surge.
Minister Naidu praised the EPL initiative, stating that it enhances safety, interoperability, and aligns India with global best practices in aviation governance. This move also positions India as the second country globally to adopt such a facility, after China.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam and Director-General of DGCA Faiz Ahmed Kidwai were also present at the event, which marked a significant step in India’s commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of both citizens and the aviation industry.
