Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu launched the ‘Career Guidance Programme in Aviation’ at the Indian Aviation Academy in New Delhi, aimed at inspiring students from Classes 11 and 12 about various career options within the aviation sector. The initiative covers a broad spectrum of aviation careers, including piloting, air traffic control, aircraft design, and airport management. The inaugural session featured an interactive discussion led by women pilots, who shared their professional experiences and addressed students’ queries, creating an engaging environment for aspiring young aviators.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the critical need to nurture talent early to keep pace with India’s rapidly growing aviation industry. He explained that the demand for 1,700 new aircraft would create approximately 34,000 pilot jobs, advocating for Indian students to fulfill this need rather than relying on foreign pilots. He highlighted the government’s significant achievements in expanding airport infrastructure, noting that the number of airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to 159, with plans to build 50 more in the coming years.
The Minister also underlined the importance of legislative reforms to support the domestic aviation ecosystem, including the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam and the Aircraft Protection of Interest in Aircraft Object Bill. By featuring women pilots prominently in the program, Shri Naidu sought to challenge traditional career perceptions and encourage young students, particularly girls, to pursue careers in aviation. This initiative aligns with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub and aims to connect young talent with the industry’s growth trajectory.