Mumbai Positioned for First A320 Pilot Training Centre

Avion and AeroStar Training Services have signed a Letter of Intent to establish FAA-approved training at the Avion Flight Training Centre in Mumbai. The two companies intend to offer FAA-approved Airbus A320 type rating training and further FAA programmes to pilots from India and across the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made at the Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) in Bangkok, Thailand.

There is currently no FAA-qualified Full Flight Simulator of any type in India, according to the companies, and no FAA-qualified Level D A320 simulator anywhere in Asia. Once approved, pilots from India and the wider region would be able to obtain FAA certificates and type ratings close to home, without the cost, the visa process and the weeks abroad that training in the United States demands.

AeroStar Training Services is an established FAA-approved training provider based in Kissimmee, Florida, and brings the regulatory expertise and operational experience needed to make this possible. Deidra Wilson, CEO and Founder of AeroStar Training Services, welcomed the agreement: “India and the wider APAC region have produced some of the most capable pilots we train, and until now, every one of them has had to cross an ocean to do it. Working with Avion allows us to bring the same FAA curriculum and the same level of instructors to Mumbai, and we look forward to welcoming our first students there.”

The Avion Flight Training Centre in Mumbai is home to two Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators designed and manufactured by Avion in the Netherlands, alongside an A320 Flight Training Device. The centre is owned and operated in India by Gen24 Flybiz Pvt. Ltd., Avion’s partner for the Mumbai facility. FAA-based training is expected to commence in 2027, subject to FAA approval.

Prachee van Brandenburg, CEO of Avion, sees the partnership as a natural extension of the company’s work at London Luton Airport: “Bringing FAA training to Luton showed us how much demand there is for it outside the United States, and India is the clearest next step. Our centre in Mumbai already trains to the highest standard every day, and with AeroStar, we can now open it to pilots pursuing FAA certificates as well.”

Mumbai is among the best-connected cities in Asia and sits at the centre of one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, with Indian carriers placing record aircraft orders and recruiting pilots in large numbers. Together, Avion and AeroStar aim to make Mumbai the go-to destination for FAA-approved A320 training in Asia.

Avion is exhibiting at this year's Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit, taking place now through 2 September. Stop by booth 208 to learn more.