India’s aviation industry is surging, creating exceptional growth prospects for aspiring pilots. Robust expansion, dozens of new airports, and record-breaking aircraft orders signal an era of opportunity across the country in 2025 and beyond.
Record Demand: An Unparalleled Decade for New Pilots
India will need over 1,500–2,000 new pilots annually for the next ten years, and the total need may top 30,000 in the next 15–20 years due to the surge in airline expansion and new aircraft arrivals. Recent projections show more than 7,000 pilots are required between 2024–2026 alone, reflecting India’s role as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. For new pilots, this creates jobs both in established airlines and emerging carriers, regional routes, and even international postings as global demand for skilled aviators rises.
Fleet Expansion: Aircraft Orders at Record Highs
Indian airlines, led by IndiGo and Air India, are making historic aircraft purchases. Air India has ordered 570 planes (including 470 in one order in 2023 and another 100 in late 2024), split between Airbus and Boeing, to modernize and expand their fleet as part of a massive transformation effort. IndiGo itself has nearly 1,000 aircraft on order, including both narrow- and wide-body jets, while Akasa, and Spicejet have all increased their orders.
Airline
Total Aircraft Orders (approx)
Latest Major Orders
Air India
570
470 (2023), 100 (2024)
IndiGo
Nearly 1,000
New A350-900, A321XLR
Akasa, Spicejet, Star Air
Hundreds in total
Consistent expansions
Airport Infrastructure Boom
The number of airports in India is set to soar, boosting regional connectivity and career options for pilots. By 2030, at least 50 new airports are planned, with modern facilities in both tier-1 cities (like the new Noida and Navi Mumbai International Airports opening in October 2025) and smaller cities via the UDAN scheme. These additions will alleviate congestion, offer more flight options, and support airlines in their expansion.
Among recent milestones:
Navi Mumbai and Noida airports are operational from October 2025, transforming the aviation landscape of Mumbai and Delhi.
Over 600 new routes have been launched under the UDAN regional connectivity plan, bringing air travel to smaller towns.
The airport count is expected to increase by at least 50 in the next five years.
Salary and Career Prospects
New pilots can expect monthly starting salaries from â‚ą1.5 to â‚ą3 lakh, with significantly higher pay for captains and experienced professionals. There are job opportunities not just in big carriers but also in regional airlines, cargo, and charter operations, as well as scope for Indian-trained pilots abroad due to a global pilot shortage. Etihad is looking to hire several 100 pilots’ from Oct 3-5 in New Delhi.
Last few months have been quite for the hiring of fresh pilots’. But Indigo is now increasing intake of new pilots’ in iFly with fresh batches every month. This surplus was created due to the new contracts for pilots’ which had suddenly increased pilot availability. Now the surplus is over and new aircraft have started rolling in to India. Recovery of P&W engines have also increased aircraft availability. I would strongly advise new pilots’ to be ready for a fresh round of hiring in a few months. Those who are waiting at various stages of their training should be prepared to be called at short notice.
Key Growth Drivers
Rising domestic and international passenger traffic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Ambitious government infrastructure plans and investment in aviation.
Historic aircraft orders by Indian carriers, ensuring steady aviation sector expansion.
Global pilot shortages create international pathways for Indian pilots.
What Sets New Pilots Apart
Due to this demand, airlines increasingly value new pilots who demonstrate:
Strong communication and CRM (crew resource management) skill
Solid technical training and good ground training knowledge
Airlines are looking to hire a mix of Cadet program students and fresh industry pilots’ to meet the burgeoning demand. Get trained from institutes like Narain Aviation which doesn’t focus on merely passing DGCA exams but prepares you for airline interview from Day One.
Conclusion
For new pilots, 2025–2035 represents a golden era—marked by high hiring, progressive opportunities, and industry transformation. Those entering the profession now can expect enviable career growth, robust compensation, and access to the latest in global aviation technology.
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He had served in the Meteorological Branch of the Indian Air Force for over 25 years. He not only has had years of experience in operational weather forecasting across the country but had also served in the capacity of Joint Director involving administrative and policy matters.
He was part of IPKF in Sri Lanka and served during various operations. He was actively involved in issuing timely forecasts for cyclones over Kutch and during earthquake at Bhuj.
He has deep knowledge of Meteorology and forecasting based on years of experience having served in most parts of the country. This practical knowledge mixed with years of teaching experience is very helpful in his current assignment.
Besides all of the above, he has had the opportunity of teaching Met for over five years to young trainee pilots at flying academies in Bidar and Hakimpet. At these places, young trainees from Fighter and Helicopter stream were trained to become pilots’ in the Indian Air Force.
A Squadron Commander in the IAF, she has handled the responsibilities of a Senior Air Traffic Controller, Radar Controller and a Duty Air Traffic Controller. She was the operational and administration head for more than 70 personnel in a squadron, which included officers and airmen.
Implementation of Airport procedures and enforcing field rules and regulations at diverse IAF bases with varied traffic conditions.
Successfully handled Aircraft operations as Senior Air Traffic controller at busy Air Force bases like Tezpur, Jodhpur, Bidar and Hakimpet which have complex flying environments, handling mixed traffic of defence as well as civil airplanes.
Successfully delivered results while working under challenging conditions and resource constraints. Possesses the ability to integrate and motivate diverse teams by creating positive work environment to facilitate high grade performance.
A retired fighter pilot, with versatile experience of 30 yrs. in the IAF, comprising Flying Training primarily, Operations and Flight Safety, apart from Surface to Air Missiles and Radars.
Over 17 yrs as a pilot, including second-in-command of a Flying Squadron. Total Flying of 2,350 hrs (4000 sorties), on Maruts, MiG-21s, Kirans, HT-2s and HPT-32s. Have force-landed aircraft without engine power twice, as a trainee (jet trainer aircraft) and as an Instructor (propeller trainer aircraft).
Qualified/Chief Flying Instructor twice at the Air Force Academy, 900 hrs instructional flying with trainees. Chief Ground Instructor at AF Stn Bidar, handling all Ground Training for flying
Commander of a Missile Squadron of 375 technical, operational and support personnel, for 3 yrs. Best Guided Weapons Squadron twice, 1997-98 and 1999-2000.
Director/Senior Flying Training Officer at HQ Training Command IAF, Bangalore for 5 yrs. Responsible for induction and operations of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and Flight Simulators at Bidar, Flying Instructors’ School at Tambaram and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
Qualified Flying Instructor, trained at Flying Instructors’ School, Tambaram, Chennai(1990) Second in Flying and fifth in overall merit at commissioning.
Air Marshal Ravinath Gururaj Burli (Retd) has a distinguished record of four decades of service. He has been an instructor at Flying Instructors School (FIS), Tactics And Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).
He was Commandant at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, where he trained the young air force cadets learn flying training.
He brings his immense knowledge to train young students at our institute in Navigation, Instruments and Radio aids. His passion for teaching is amazing and fabulous.
