"France’s Simaero to Invest $200 Million in Hub-and-Spoke Pilot Training Centers in India"

Paris-based Simaero, specializing in pilot training and simulation engineering, has announced a $200 million investment to establish a network of hub-and-spoke-based pilot training centers in India.

The investment will be split into two phases. The first phase involves a $100 million allocation to develop a major training facility near Delhi International Airport, featuring eight flight simulators. This facility, spanning 4,500 square meters, is slated for completion by November. The second phase will invest an additional $100 million to set up two smaller satellite training centers in key cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. These centers are expected to be operational by 2026 and will each host three to four simulators.

Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager India at Simaero, explained that the decision to expand into India was driven by the country's burgeoning demand for trained commercial pilots. “India represents a significant growth opportunity for us, given the increasing need for simulator training,” Jattana said. “Our goal is to train around 5,000 pilots over the next five years, catering to both Indian and neighboring countries.”

The first-phase facility near Delhi is intended to address the current deficit in pilot training infrastructure in India. Simaero aims to recapture the 30% of training that currently takes place abroad and reduce training costs by 30-40%. “Training in India will offer substantial cost savings compared to training abroad,” Jattana added.

Simaero, which is also seeking Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) certification in addition to its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval, will offer training solutions for aircraft from manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer. The company’s expansion into India aligns with its strategy to address gaps in pilot training infrastructure and cater to the growing aviation sector in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Jattana highlighted that Simaero’s entry into India not only meets local demand but also positions the company to serve neighboring countries where pilot training infrastructure is lacking. “By bringing training to India, we offer a more affordable and efficient solution for airlines in the region,” he concluded.

ET