India’s aviation industry is preparing for its biggest expansion phase yet. Airlines are placing massive aircraft orders, airports are coming up across the country and the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector is rapidly evolving into a major industry in itself. While automation and artificial intelligence are changing many professions, aircraft maintenance remains a field where technical judgement, precision and hands-on expertise cannot be replaced by machines.
At the centre of this transformation is the growing demand for highly trained Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) capable of handling next-generation aircraft and increasingly sophisticated aviation systems. Ashok Gopinath speaks about the future of AMEs, India’s expanding aviation ecosystem and the integrated global-standard training being offered at the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad.
Excerpts:
Q 1. With Indian airlines placing historic aircraft orders, how sharply do you see the demand for skilled aircraft engineers rising over the next five years?
India’s aviation sector is entering a very high-growth phase driven by rapid fleet expansion, increasing regional connectivity, rising passenger traffic, and significant investments across airlines, airports, aerospace, and MRO infrastructure. Over the next five years, the demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals is expected to increase substantially as airlines induct newer generation aircraft and domestic maintenance capabilities continue to expand.
At the same time, India is also emerging as a key global source of aviation talent for international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This creates additional pressure on the domestic talent pipeline and further highlights the need for high-quality aviation training ecosystems.
Another important shift is the growing focus on strengthening India’s domestic MRO ecosystem and the opening of Indian Defence MRO segment to private sector. India’s MRO industry is projected to grow from approximately $1.7 billion in FY22 to nearly $4 billion by FY31. Historically, a considerable portion of heavy maintenance work moved overseas, but today there is strong momentum toward building local capability, infrastructure, and technical expertise within India itself. This transition will require a large pool of highly trained, industry-ready professionals who are familiar with modern aircraft platforms, safety standards, troubleshooting methodologies, and operational maintenance environments.
This is precisely why the GMR School of Aviation was conceptualised — to create globally trained, industry-ready aviation professionals through an integrated ecosystem that combines academics, live MRO exposure, practical training, on-job training, and global-standard learning methodologies.
Q 2. The institute offers programmes approved by both India’s DGCA and Europe’s EASA. What edge does an EASA-aligned qualification provide in the global aviation market?
The key advantage of an EASA-aligned qualification is that it exposes students to globally benchmarked aviation maintenance standards and operational practices that are widely recognised across international aviation markets and this opens up global employment market. At the GMR School of Aviation, the EASA-integrated B1.1 and B2 pathways combine academic learning with structured practical exposure and on-job training within an EASA Part-145 operational environment. This provides students with familiarity in international maintenance procedures, safety practices, documentation standards, troubleshooting methodologies, and operational discipline expected across global aviation ecosystems.
Another important differentiator is that students are trained within an integrated ecosystem that combines DGCA and EASA pathways, live MRO access, type training, and Airbus-supported competency systems under one platform. This significantly enhances industry readiness and improves adaptability to global aviation environments.
As aviation becomes increasingly globalised, qualifications aligned with international regulatory standards provide students with stronger career mobility and broader opportunities across airlines, MROs, OEMs, and aviation service providers worldwide.
Q 3. How has the collaboration with Airbus shaped training standards and curriculum delivery at the institute?
The collaboration with Airbus has been extremely important in helping the School build a globally aligned aviation training ecosystem. Airbus serves as a key technical collaborator and supports curriculum development, simulation-based learning, and competency-focused training methodologies through Airbus trained and assesses instructor.
One of the most important outcomes of this collaboration is the integration of Airbus Competency Trainer (ACT) systems within the School. These systems allow students to simulate operational testing, troubleshooting logic, component identification, removal and installation procedures, and functional testing of Airbus A320 aircraft systems through advanced simulation exercises. The collaboration has also helped strengthen competency-based learning approaches, practical exposure standards, and training methodologies aligned with evolving global aviation requirements. The institution has additionally received recognition from Airbus France, reflecting the credibility and quality benchmarks being developed within the School. Overall, the partnership ensures students are trained through modern, technology-driven, and globally benchmarked learning systems rather than purely classroom-oriented methodologies.
Q 4.GMR Aero Technic recently signed major maintenance agreements with fast-growing airlines like Akasa Air. Do such partnerships translate into stronger placement pipelines for students?
The broader advantage of operating within the GMR Aero Technic ecosystem is that students gain direct exposure to real operational aircraft maintenance environments and evolving airline maintenance requirements during their training itself. The School has been designed around the philosophy of creating “Day One Industry-Ready” professionals through simulation-based learning, practical workshops, live aircraft exposure, troubleshooting training, and structured On-Job Training. Traditionally, aviation graduates often required additional training after recruitment due to limited practical exposure. The School addresses this gap by integrating training directly with operational MRO environments. Majority of the students are absorbed , internally in our own GMR Aero Technic MRO to meet the growing and expanding business. As the aviation ecosystem expands and airline-MRO collaborations increase, these partnerships naturally strengthen opportunities for industry exposure, internships, practical learning, and long-term employability. The objective is to create highly skilled professionals who are operationally confident and readily employable across airlines, MROs, OEMs, and global aviation organisations.
Q 5. How deeply are technologies like AI, predictive analytics and digital systems influencing modern MRO operations, and are students being trained for this shift?
Modern aviation maintenance environments are becoming increasingly technology-driven, and the industry is steadily moving toward more digitally enabled maintenance ecosystems. At the GMR School of Aviation, there is strong emphasis on simulation-based learning, advanced aircraft systems training, troubleshooting methodologies, and technology-enabled maintenance exposure. The school has incorporated Airbus Competency Trainer systems, advanced aircraft system mock-ups, smart classrooms, digital learning platforms, EWIS workshops, engine and NDT training facilities, and real aircraft maintenance exposure through GMR Aero Technic’s operational MRO ecosystem. The objective is to ensure students are trained in environments that closely reflect modern aircraft maintenance ecosystems and operational workflows. As aviation technology evolves further, integration of digitally enabled learning systems and advanced maintenance methodologies will continue to become increasingly important in AME training frameworks.
Q 6. In one sentence, what is the core mission of the GMR School of Aviation?
The core mission of the GMR School of Aviation is to create industry ready Aircraft Maintenance professionals to global standards, confident of handling modern commercial aircraft by integrating world class technical education, live MRO exposure, practical training, modern simulation technologies within one ecosystem.
What sets GMR School of Aviation apart?
DGCA-approved AME programmes: The school runs CAR-147 (Basic) courses approved by DGCA, Govt. of India, for both Mechanical (B1) and Avionics (B2) streams. This is the mandatory first step toward becoming a licensed AME in India.
GMR has partnered with international training organisations to align its curriculum and practical training with EASA Part-147 standards. For students aiming at global careers, this dual compliance pathway is critical. It prepares them for EASA Part-66 license modules, making them eligible for opportunities with airlines and MROs in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
– Practical, hands-on training on live aircraft: Theory is taught in classrooms, but the differentiator is 40%+ of training hours spent in GMR Aero Technic’s hangars. Students work on A320 family, ATR, and other commercial aircraft during scheduled maintenance checks. They learn on tooling, software, and documentation used in real airline operations.
Being inside a functioning MRO means exposure to planning, stores, technical records, and quality departments. Students don’t just learn how to torque a bolt — they understand why MEL deferrals, AD compliance, and airworthiness documentation matter.
While the basic course doesn’t grant type ratings, GMR’s ecosystem gives students familiarity with Airbus and Boeing platforms that most colleges can’t provide until after placement.
What is the structure of the course offered at GMR School of Aviation
Duration: 2 years academic + 2 years practical maintenance experience for license eligibility
Streams: B1.1 (Aeroplane Turbine), B1.3 (Helicopter Turbine), B2 (Avionics)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or 3-year diploma in engineering
Training modules: Cover DGCA Module exams 1–17, plus practical task training in GMR hangars
Certification path: After passing modules and gaining experience, candidates apply to DGCA for AME license. EASA pathway requires clearing EASA Part-66 modules and relevant experience.
