India’s flag carrier Air India is moving forward with plans to establish a new Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru. The new training institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program.
This four-year course, certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), combines classroom theory with intensive hands-on training to create the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.
Developing India’s Aviation Infrastructure
The initiative marks a significant milestone in developing India’s aviation infrastructure and demonstrates Air India’s commitment to excellence.
The airline continues to undergo its ambitious transformation journey, having recently merged with Vistara. The maintenance program will help meet the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance engineers. This ensures the airline’s rapidly expanding fleet receives world-class maintenance support.
Bengaluru Airport City
The planned development follows a strategic agreement between Air India and Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL). Bengaluru Airport City will host Air India’s cutting-edge training facility under this arrangement.
The impressive 86,000-square-foot campus will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced training laboratories, and a team of highly qualified instructors. The facility will welcome its first batch of students by mid-2026, launching a new era in aviation education.
The BMTO’s strategic location is adjacent to Air India’s upcoming 12-bay Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The close proximity creates a unique educational ecosystem.
Students will benefit from a carefully structured curriculum that includes two years of comprehensive academic study. This is followed by two years of hands-on practical training at the MRO facility, which is set to begin operations in early 2026.
Through intensive practical experience and theoretical knowledge, the program aims to create highly skilled maintenance professionals. Graduates will meet both international industry standards and Air India’s specific operational requirements.
This dual focus equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges of modern aviation maintenance.
Continuity in education and workforce development during the construction phase has been assured. Air India has established partnerships with renowned institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad for its Cadet AME program.
This interim arrangement demonstrates the airline’s unwavering commitment to developing skilled aviation professionals.
Aviation Academy Comments
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Aviation Academy at Air India, highlighted the program’s strategic importance. “The BMTO will create a steady stream of engineers trained to Air India’s exacting standards from day one.”
“Our facility’s prime location near Kempegowda International Airport enables practical, real-world training, preparing students for the demands of our rapidly expanding fleet.”
The comprehensive curriculum not only supports Air India’s maintenance requirements but also offers specialized career paths for ambitious students.
Through university partnerships, students can simultaneously pursue bachelor’s degrees, significantly enhancing their academic credentials and career prospects in the aviation industry.
Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO of BACL, emphasized the broader impact of the plan. “This advanced training facility represents a major leap forward in Indian aviation capabilities. It perfectly aligns with our vision for Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, fostering innovation and collaboration through world-class education and skill development.”
Summary
This transformative initiative is a key component of Air India’s five-year Vihaan.AI transformation plan. This will see substantial investments in fleet expansion with orders for over 500 new aircraft and a USD 400 million aircraft interior upgrade program.
The airline has already begun managing in-house line maintenance across its group airlines, demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence.
The planned development a new Bengaluru MRO facility further reinforces Air India’s dedication to building a self-reliant and technologically advanced aviation sector in India.
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