Air India to establish aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru to meet growing engineering needs, BA

Air India, India’s flagship airline group, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru. The institute will provide an integrated 2+2 years Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program, certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to develop skilled maintenance professionals.

This initiative aligns with Air India’s vision of fostering a robust aviation ecosystem in India, ensuring a steady pipeline of maintenance engineers as the airline continues its rapid fleet expansion. The BMTO will make Air India self-reliant in aircraft maintenance expertise, reducing dependency on external resources.

Air India has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), to create a custom-built training facility. Spread over 86,000 square feet, the campus will include modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and experienced trainers, designed to provide both theoretical and practical training.

The BMTO will be located near Air India’s upcoming 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in early 2026. The program includes two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of hands-on training at the MRO.

This new initiative will not only cater to Air India’s operational requirements but will also contribute to creating a pool of skilled engineers ready for real-world aviation challenges. Until the BMTO becomes operational, Air India will offer its Cadet AME program through reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad to ensure continuity in skill development.

Commenting on the development, Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of Air India Aviation Academy, said: “The Basic Maintenance Training Organization will establish a pipeline of skilled engineers trained to Air India standards. With proximity to Kempegowda International Airport, our AME cadets will gain hands-on, real-world experience, enabling them to meet the demands of Air India’s growing fleet.”

The BMTO program will also encourage students to pursue bachelor’s degrees through university partnerships, broadening their career prospects.
Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO of BACL, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Air India’s training facility represents a significant step in advancing India’s aviation capabilities. This initiative aligns with Bengaluru Airport’s vision of fostering innovation and collaboration within a thriving aviation ecosystem.”

The BMTO reflects Air India’s ongoing transformation under its Vihaan.AI strategy, a five-year roadmap to elevate the airline to world-class standards. Recent milestones include orders for over 500 new aircraft, with deliveries already underway, the launch of a USD 400 million cabin upgrade program for legacy aircraft, and the construction of a mega MRO facility in Bengaluru.

As India’s aviation leader, Air India continues to strengthen its self-reliance, ensuring operational excellence and a brighter future for Indian aviation.