Air India starts direct flights to Manila from Delhi, unveils ₹1,000 crore pilot training centre

Air India has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manila, expanding its network in Southeast Asia. The route will operate via an Airbus A321LR aircraft, features business class, premium economy and economy cabins, and will operate five times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

With this addition to a new international destination, Air India now serves eight destinations across seven countries in Southeast Asia, strengthening its international presence. The Air India Group, which includes Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express, operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft across 55 domestic and 45 international destinations.

Alongside international expansion, Air India and Airbus have unveiled an initiative to boost aviation training in India. The two companies have established a pilot training facility in Gurugram, Haryana, with a planned investment exceeding ₹1,000 crore for high-end simulators.

Also read | Air India Express expands domestic network with daily flights from Jodhpur and Udaipur

The advanced training centre, located at the Air India Aviation Training Academy, was inaugurated recently by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Spread over 12,000 square metres, the facility will eventually house 10 full-flight simulators, eight of which will be for A320 family and two for A350 aircraft.

At present, the centre is equipped with two simulators for the A320 family. The remaining simulators will be installed in phases.

In a post on X, Minister Naidu stated: "Had the honour of inaugurating the Air India-Airbus Pilot Training Centre at Air India's Aviation Training Academy alongside Airbus Board Chairman, Rene Obermann and Air India CEO, Campbell Wilson.

Also read | Air India, Air Astana to operate more flights between India and Kazakhstan

The facility is expected to train over 5,000 pilots over the next decade, to meet the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals as Air India modernises and expands its fleet.

Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, described the venture as more than just a partnership. "It is a strategic investment in the future of the Indian aerospace industry itself. India is a strategic powerhouse for Airbus, and this state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our belief in its immense potential," he said.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson added that the training centre marks a major step towards in the airline’s transformation journey, and in making both the carrier and Indian aviation more self-reliant.