In a significant development for India’s aviation sector, IndiGo, the country’s leading airline, has announced a partnership with Marigold Aviation to enhance its Cadet Pilot Program. Marigold Aviation is recognized for its state-of-the-art commercial airline flight training facilities and a management team comprising experts in aviation training and regulations. This collaboration aims to deliver a comprehensive and high-quality training program tailored for aspiring pilots.
The Cadet Pilot Program is designed to prepare candidates for various critical steps, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) examinations, acquiring a Commercial Pilot License with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL – MEIR), and receiving Airbus A320 type rating. The structured program sets a clear pathway for trainees to become Junior First Officers with IndiGo, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing aviation market.
Capt. Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo, expressed the importance of this partnership, stating that India is home to the third-largest and fastest-growing aviation market globally. As IndiGo aims to double its operations, the demand for skilled pilots becomes crucial. He noted, “Our partnership with Marigold Aviation is a key milestone in that journey, providing access to world-class training with an emphasis on safety, quality, and excellence while nurturing the aspirations of New India’s future pilots.”
Gautam Chitnis, Managing Director of Marigold Aviation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting IndiGo’s leadership in the aviation sector. He said, “We are excited to partner with IndiGo in this groundbreaking initiative to nurture the next generation of pilots.” Chitnis emphasized Marigold’s commitment to offering a world-class training experience, equipping aspiring pilots with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in today’s dynamic aviation landscape. He added that this partnership enhances their training offerings and promotes the vision of making pilot training more accessible to talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
To facilitate this initiative, Marigold Aviation and IndiGo will host a series of informational seminars across key cities in India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, in November. These roadshows will be open to aspiring pilots and their families, providing detailed insights into the Cadet Pilot Program and the career opportunities available within IndiGo.
An exciting aspect of these seminars will be the introduction of a new financing scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at removing financial barriers for aspiring pilots. Many potential candidates often find the financial commitment of pilot training daunting; this scheme intends to make the dream of becoming a pilot more attainable for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. With these financing options, Marigold Aviation and IndiGo hope to empower more students to pursue their passion for aviation without the financial burdens that typically accompany pilot training.
Overall, this partnership represents a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of pilot training in India, ensuring that aspiring pilots receive the necessary support and education to succeed in their aviation careers. As IndiGo continues to expand its operations, the collaboration with Marigold Aviation promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian aviation, nurturing skilled pilots who will contribute to the industry’s growth and excellence.
