'Indian Flying Academy' and 'Fly Ola Aviation Academy' Inaugurated at 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Conference in Khajuraho

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Limited, and the Confederation of Indian Commerce and Industry, took place on 25th July 2023 at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The event's theme was "Last Mile Access: Regional Connectivity with Helicopters and Small Aircraft." It was graced by the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Civil Aviation and Steel Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

'Indian Flying Academy' and 'Fly Ola Aviation Academy' inaugurated at 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Conference in Khajuraho

A Step Towards Enhancing Regional Connectivity

One of the primary objectives of this conference was to explore and expand the UDAN scheme in remote and hilly areas. To achieve this goal, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated three pilot training schools, namely 'Indian Flying Academy,' 'Fly Ola Aviation Academy,' and a helicopter FTO in Khajuraho, MP. With these new additions, the total number of FTOs in Madhya Pradesh will be six, comprising three in Khajuraho, one in Indore, one in Sagar, and one in Guna.

The Growing Aviation Landscape in India

Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia shared some remarkable statistics during the conference. He highlighted that the number of airports in the country had increased significantly from 74 to 148 and was projected to reach 200 in the future. Moreover, the total count of aircraft in India had risen by 75 percent, growing from 400 to 700. The minister further projected that in the next five years, the country could witness a substantial rise, with around 1200 to 1500 aircraft in operation.

Additionally, the aviation industry has experienced substantial growth in flight academy organizations, which have increased from 28 in 2016 to 57 at present. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a record 1135 commercial pilot licenses last year, signifying the growing demand for skilled aviators in the country.

Continuing the Tradition of Helicopter Summits

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Conference at Khajuraho follows the success of previous summits, with the first Helicopter Summit being held in Uttarakhand in 2019 and the fourth taking place in 2022 at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar.

Conclusion

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Conference held in Khajuraho served as a platform to discuss and strategize ways to enhance regional connectivity through helicopters and small aircraft. The inauguration of 'Indian Flying Academy' and 'Fly Ola Aviation Academy' further contributes to the growth and development of the aviation sector in India. With a focus on expanding the UDAN scheme and improving air connectivity, the conference aimed to make air travel more accessible and convenient for people living in remote and hilly areas.

FAQs

1. What was the theme of the conference?

   The theme of the conference was "Last Mile Access: Regional Connectivity with Helicopters and Small Aircraft."

2. Who inaugurated the conference?

   The conference was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Civil Aviation and Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

3. What training schools were inaugurated at the conference?

   Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated three pilot training schools - 'Indian Flying Academy,' 'Fly Ola Aviation Academy,' and a helicopter FTO in Khajuraho, MP.

4. How many Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) will be there in Madhya Pradesh?

   Madhya Pradesh will have a total of six FTOs, with three in Khajuraho, one in Indore, one in Sagar, and one in Guna.

5. What growth has the aviation industry seen in terms of airports and aircraft?

   The number of airports in the country increased from 74 to 148, with a projection to reach 200 in the future. The total count of aircraft rose from 400 to 700, and it is expected to grow to around 1200 to 1500 in the next five years.