NEW DELHI – At the Indian Aviation Engineers and Technicians Forum this week, industry leaders convened to address the pressing issue of a skilled workforce in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, which is struggling to keep pace with the tremendous growth of India’s aviation industry. As the sector is projected to be the third largest aviation market globally by 2025, the importance of developing a robust pipeline of aviation maintenance technicians has never been more apparent.
Urgent Need for Skilled Workforce
According to a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India’s aviation sector will require around 1,00,000 new pilots and 1,50,000 aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) by 2036 to support its growth trajectory. However, the current output from Indian training institutions is alarmingly low. In 2023, fewer than 3,000 AMEs were trained at various institutes across the country, falling drastically short of the target needed to meet industry demands.
Funding and Support for MRO Training Initiatives
During the summit, industry stakeholders emphasized the need for structured funding directed toward MRO training initiatives. There is a consensus that the Government of India must introduce a specific funding program to enhance aviation maintenance education. By investing in aviation training infrastructure and curriculum development, the government can help bridge the significant gap between the demand for skilled technicians and the current supply.
Streamlining Transition for Military Veterans
Another vital topic of discussion was simplifying the transition of military veterans with aviation experience into civilian aviation careers. The recent introduction of pilot training protocols has aided this process in some respects, but bureaucratic hurdles remain. Stakeholders urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to streamline the certification process for veterans, which would facilitate their swift integration into the workforce and provide them with roles that suit their extensive skill sets.
Addressing Testing and Certification Barriers
Delays in certification exams and On Job Trainings (OJT) add to the challenges faced by aspiring AMEs. Reports indicate that candidates are often forced to wait months and even years to take the necessary tests or complete their OJT’s due to a shortage of designated maintenance examiners (DMEs) and Assessors. Leaders at the summit called on the DGCA to increase the number of examination centers and introduce greater flexibility in conducting assessments, thus ensuring that budding technicians can secure their certifications in a timely manner.
Sensitizing DGCA Officials at HQ To Be More Objective Instead of Being Clerical while Issuing AME Licenses:
This is another factor causing major delays in issuing of AME Licenses that in turn deprives the Aviation Industry of trained Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. It thus acts as a restraint in the desired expansion of Aviation Industry in the country, despite tremendous efforts put in by the government of India. Very often reports come that DGCA Officers at the Airworthiness Directorate at DGCA HQ at Safdarjung Airport do not clear the Licenses of even trained and experienced Engineers over flimsy and clerical objections. Adequate training alongwith requisite counselling and sensitization to industry needs should be provided to DGCA officers, so as to equip them with decision making that is more holistic rather than clerical in approach.
Highlighting the Need for Inclusivity and Recognition
The summit also addressed the importance of inclusivity within MRO training programs. As various initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in aviation education are being discussed, stakeholders noted that financial barriers continue to prevent underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in aviation maintenance. A greater commitment to inclusivity can help attract a more diverse array of candidates to the field.
Furthermore, leaders lamented that many MRO programs do not receive recognition as STEM fields. This lack of classification jeopardizes funding opportunities for educational institutions and makes it challenging to attract prospective students. The importance of advocating for proper classification cannot be overstated, as it could unlock critical resources for educational development.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As India’s aviation industry is poised for significant expansion, the dismal state of AME and technician training presents a pressing challenge. With the need for 1,50,000 AMEs by 2036 and only a fraction currently being trained, it is clear that immediate action is required to develop a sustainable and skilled workforce. The summit underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts among government bodies, educational institutions, and industry players.
To ensure the success and safety of the Indian aviation sector, it is imperative to prioritize workforce development and training initiatives while at the same time upskilling and sensitizing DGCA officials to keep pace with industry requirements. As the industry looks to the skies, it must first solidify its foundation by addressing the immediate need for a capable and proficient maintenance workforce. The time to act is now.
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