FTOs play a key role in preparing the human resources needed for the aviation sector, says Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu inaugurated the Orient Aviation Academy at Orvakal Airport in Kurnool on Saturday.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s aim is to turn Andhra Pradesh into an aviation hub and Kurnool district is developing into a key hub for aviation, drones and industries.

Mr. Rammohan Naidu inaugurated Orient Aviation Academy at Kurnool Airport on Saturday in the presence of Ministers of State BC Janardhan Reddy and TG Bharath Gupta.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rammohan Naidu described the establishment of the first Flying Training Organization (FTO) in Andhra Pradesh at Kurnool as a historic development. “Measures are being taken to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem – encompassing not only airport construction but also training, maintenance, ground operations and airport management – rather than just focusing on infrastructure,” he said.

“FTOs play a key role in preparing the human resources required for this expanding aviation sector,” he said, adding that the central government is taking steps to increase both the number and capacity of FTOs across the country.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Kurnool region, the Union Minister noted that its proximity to Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu makes it an ideal location for aviation activities. He further stated that the presence of an already operational airport provides an additional advantage to the FTO.

The Union Minister noted that while some FTOs in the country relied on small airstrips with limited equipment, the availability of the FTO next to the fully functional airport at Kurnool offered significant advantages to the trainees. He emphasized that Kurnool’s year-round favorable weather conditions created an ideal environment for pilot training and assured his full support for the development of the FTO established there.

Speaking about the Drone City being developed in Kurnool, Mr. Rammohan Naidu emphasized that the use of drones is set to expand significantly in the future. He noted their growing application in various sectors including defence, agriculture, commerce, law and order, land surveying and ground surveillance.

The Union Minister noted that at present there are around 36 FTOs across the country, which is insufficient to meet future requirements. He said the demand for pilots was expected to increase significantly as the aviation industry expanded rapidly. With the country’s aircraft orders standing at around 1,600 and each aircraft requiring at least 20 to 30 pilots, the nation will need roughly 25,000 to 30,000 pilots in the next 10 to 15 years, he explained.

Measures to create more FTOs nationwide have been expedited, Mr. Rammohan Naidu said, adding that approvals have been given for 11 FTOs across the country. He noted that competition and opportunities in the aviation training sector in Andhra Pradesh will increase, with a new FTO at Kurnool and the approval for two FTOs at Kadapa. He mentioned that the ground breaking ceremony of one FTO has already been held in Rajahmundry and another is also planned at the site.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 20:40 IST