Air India, India’s premier airline, has announced the establishment of a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru, aiming to train the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) and support its ambitious fleet expansion plans. The new facility, set to become operational by mid-2026, will offer a 2+2 years integrated AME program, certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ensuring that Air India can meet its in-house requirements for skilled maintenance engineers.
The decision to set up the BMTO aligns with Air India’s broader goals under its transformation journey, Vihaan.AI, and is a significant step in bolstering India’s aviation ecosystem. This training institute will serve as a critical component in strengthening Air India’s workforce as it works toward expanding its fleet and becoming self-reliant in aircraft maintenance.
Air India has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), to create a dedicated facility for the AME program. The purpose-built campus will span 86,000 square feet and will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories for hands-on training, and a team of qualified trainers. Located near the new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport, which is set to open in early 2026, the BMTO will offer students a comprehensive education in aircraft maintenance, including two years of theoretical coursework and two years of practical on-the-job training at the MRO.
The initiative is designed to ensure that Air India’s AME program aligns with industry standards and addresses the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals as the airline continues its fleet expansion. Through this program, students will gain valuable practical experience and be trained to meet Air India’s specific requirements.
To bridge the gap until the BMTO is fully operational, Air India has launched a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. This initiative ensures continuity in developing skilled engineers and supports Air India’s immediate need for qualified maintenance personnel.
Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Air India’s Aviation Academy, highlighted the importance of the BMTO in shaping a workforce of industry-ready engineers. “The BMTO will establish a pipeline of engineers trained to Air India’s standards from the outset, providing hands-on, real-world experience and supporting our growing fleet requirements,” he said.
The AME program is not just about technical training—it will also offer students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree through partnerships with universities, providing them with enhanced academic and career prospects.
Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO of BACL, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Air India’s commitment to setting up a state-of-the-art training facility reflects a bold step forward in enhancing India’s aviation capabilities and reinforcing our vision of a thriving, innovation-driven ecosystem.”
This move is part of Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan, which aims to significantly expand its fleet with more than 500 new aircraft over the next five years. The airline is also investing in retrofitting its legacy aircraft and strengthening its MRO capabilities, including the construction of a mega MRO facility in Bengaluru.
Through these efforts, Air India is not only focusing on modernizing its operations but also on cultivating a skilled workforce that can drive the airline’s growth and contribute to India’s aviation industry’s long-term success.
About Air India
Founded by the legendary J.R.D. Tata, Air India has been a pioneer in Indian aviation since its first flight in 1932. Today, the airline connects India to key global destinations across five continents, offering seamless connectivity through its full-service network. Air India is a proud member of the Star Alliance, offering passengers access to a global consortium of leading airlines. After its return to the Tata Group in 2022, Air India embarked on its Vihaan.AI transformation journey, focusing on operational excellence, customer service, and fleet modernization, with the vision of becoming a global airline with an Indian heart.