Piper Aircraft has announced a new fleet agreement with the Air India Flight Training Center, which includes an order for 93 Archer DX aircraft. The agreement marks a significant step in Piper’s global fleet expansion, particularly in the Asian market. The Archer DX aircraft will be used to support Air India’s newly established flight training school in Amravati, Maharashtra, India, which is set to become the largest aviation training facility in South Asia.
The Air India Flight Training Center is a 600,000 sq ft integrated aviation training academy located in Gurugram, India, which aims to train 50,000 aviation professionals over the next few years. The academy plans to set up flight schools to prepare for the anticipated pilot shortage, with the first school located in Amravati.
Piper Aircraft is a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, known for their reliability and ease of use. The Archer DX is a single-engine aircraft designed for pilot training, and its addition to Air India’s fleet will enable the airline to train hundreds of cadets in its pilot programs.
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, stated that the investment in the Archer DX aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to equipping its pilots with cutting-edge training tools. Piper Aircraft’s President and CEO, John Calcagno, expressed excitement at welcoming Air India to the Piper Flight School Alliance and praised the airline’s commitment to providing its pilots with the best training possible.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for Piper Aircraft, as it expands its presence in the Asian market and reinforces its position as a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft.