Bangalore. 28 May 2019. AirAsia India, the country’s most preferred low-cost carrier announced the launch of its Cadet Pilot Program in partnership with New Zealand Airline Academy and Harrison Omniview Consulting. The airline has forecasted exponential growth in the years to come. As the company expands its network and fleet, the need for pilots is also set to increase proportionally.

Early this year, India ranked 2nd amongst the fastest-growing domestic markets in terms of passenger volume. With the increasing number of air travelers every year, it is expected that airlines in India will require upto 10,000 new pilots by 2030 to meet the demand in the sector.


Ms. Sharvari Suralkar, Partner, Flight Deck Aviation, Mr. Jonathan Manuel, Director & CEO, New Zealand Airline Academy, Ms. Anjali Chatterjee, Head – People and Culture, AirAsia India, Capt. Manish Uppal, Head of Operations, AirAsia India, Mr. Gary Kircher, Mayor, Waitaki, New Zealand, Ms. Urvi Jani, Partner, The Pilot, Ms. Femida Sulaiman, Business Development Manager, New Zealand Airline Academy

Speaking at the launch of the Cadet Pilot Program, Capt. Manish Uppal, Head of Operations, AirAsia India said, “With the rising demand for pilots in India, we are delighted to launch our Cadet Pilot Program to welcome the next generation of Pilots to our family of Allstars. We have always stood by our mission, “Now everyone can fly,” and with the launch of this program, we are giving this platform to everyone who aspires to be a pilot for which we also have flexible financial options available at very affordable rates through HDFC bank.”

Anjali Chatterjee, Head- People and Culture, AirAsia India said, “The cadet pilot program is a streamlined, economical and a well-structured pathway to becoming a pilot, regardless of the fact that the candidate is fresh out of school or is looking for a career change.  AirAsia India welcomes all candidates who are passionate about flying.”

Talking at the launch, Jonathan Manuel, Director & CEO, New Zealand Airline Academy, added“It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with AirAsia India on this initiative of providing high-quality pilot training in New Zealand at an affordable cost to Indian students”.

The Cadet Pilot Program is an 18-24 month long course. The candidates that suit the eligibility criteria will have to go through a rigorous screening process with our partners Harrison Omniview in order to be able to pursue the course.

AirAsia India currently has a fleet of 21 aircraft covering 19 interesting destinations across the country. For more updates on AirAsia’s latest innovations, as well as promotions, activities and contests.