On World Pilots' Day, Sky One Group Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani Calls for Stronger Domestic Pilot Training Infrastructure to Meet Soaring Demand
It was in 2014 that the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) officially designated April 26th as World Pilots' Day, acknowledging the essential role pilots play in sustaining global aviation. Since then, the day has been observed annually to honour their contribution in connecting people and ensuring safe air travel.
Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One
Even in today's tech-driven era, with ongoing advances in autonomous flight research, pilots remain at the heart of flight operations and are irreplaceable. With the aviation sector expanding rapidly, the global demand for trained pilots continues to rise. According to Boeing's 'Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043,' 6,74,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to operate and maintain the global commercial fleet.
The report highlights strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like India, where civil aviation is growing steadily. Recently, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that India will require around 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, considering the scale of aircraft orders placed by Indian airlines.
Official data shows that the country currently has about 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, a number that must rise substantially to meet future needs. The government is introducing several measures to address this, and according to Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, India should now set its targets on becoming a global hub for pilot training.
In 2023, India issued a record 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), though the number dropped to 1,342 in 2024. Mr. Mirchandani stresses the importance of maintaining momentum through timely policy updates. 'The DGCA's new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards. Strengthening the domestic training infrastructure and developing dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training can have a lasting impact,' he says.
He also points to the need for cadet programmes structured around models used in Western countries, where training is often subsidised or partially funded. 'The cost of pilot training is shaped by multiple factors, including rising aviation fuel prices, the use of imported simulators and spare parts and the need for experienced instructors, many of whom are brought in from abroad. Addressing these challenges requires effective coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines, training institutes and other key players,' he explains.
Mr. Mirchandani adds that introducing financial support mechanisms, such as subsidised loans or scholarships, can ease the burden for aspiring pilots. 'Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots,' he concludes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
21-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Veronique Manchharam of Bohème SG on building an ethical jewellery label
Singapore-based designer Veronique Manchharam brings ethical jewellery to life with her global brand, Bohème SG Jewellery was never really part of Veronique Manchharam's original plan. Based in Singapore and with no formal training, the French founder of Bohéme SG spent years teaching language classes to professionals in the finance sector. But a creative impulse led her to experiment with making statement brass jewellery. Inspired by dangling earrings worn at Indian weddings, she sought to make pieces that reflected her own personal style. Friends began asking for their own pieces, and soon, she found herself selling in local shops. In 2019, she left her teaching job to focus on jewellery full-time. The onset of COVID-19 presented challenges for the burgeoning designer, but it unexpectedly helped her grow. 'The ladies in Singapore were stuck at home, doing video calls,' she recalls. 'They still wanted to wear something beautiful so they would come, each buying 10 earrings at a time.' Now, just a few years later, her designs are stocked in over 40 retail spaces across the world, including Eastern Europe, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, and of course, Singapore. 'Maybe the Philippines, too,' she adds. More from Tatler: Revisiting traditional gold recycling practices in Asia—experts highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions and what we must learn from our ancestors
Tatler Asia
07-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Beyond butter chicken: How Hunger Inc is redefining India's cuisine for a new era
Forget tired stereotypes, Mumbai's Hunger Inc reveals how a new generation is crafting the future of Indian food, rooted in tradition but fearlessly innovative Across Asia's vibrant food landscape, culinary innovation is constant. Yet, there's a particular energy crackling around Indian cuisine lately, an evolution moving far beyond the familiar comfort food narratives. While diasporic interpretations have long enriched our cities, a powerful movement within India is redefining the cuisine on its own terms, merging deep-rooted traditions with a confident, contemporary vision. In case you missed it: Why everyone wants a seat at Asia's table Leading the charge is Hunger Inc Hospitality, the dynamic Mumbai group behind game-changers such as The Bombay Canteen, a 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants and 100 Bars winner; Veronica's, an all-day sandwich shop and deli; confectionery venture Bombay Sweet Shop; O Pedro, a Goa-inspired bar and restaurant; contemporary Indian restaurant Papa's which offers a 12-seat chef's table experience, among others. To understand this shift, we spoke with Sameer Seth, the Founder and CEO of Hunger Inc, and Hussain Shahzad, the group's executive chef, to find out more. Co-founder and CEO Sameer Seth experienced the earlier perception firsthand while working abroad years ago, where Indian food was often simplified or used merely as flavour accents. 'What's happening now,' Seth explains, 'is this amazing moment where so many of us who went abroad and came back to India are feeling proud—proud enough to take risks and do things with our culture and cuisine in ways we couldn't have imagined were possible in India even just ten years ago.' Above Sameer Seth, founder and CEO of Hunger Inc Above Hussain Shahzad, executive chef at Hunger Inc This isn't just about bringing global experience home; it's about shattering old moulds. 'We are being able to interpret things beyond the stereotype,' Seth emphasises. 'Indian food was considered very specifically, around certain curries... and we are getting to challenge all of that today. And that's the interesting and exciting part.' For Hunger Inc's executive chef Hussain Shahzad, a key challenge lies in escaping what he calls the 'trap of authenticity.' In cuisines with long histories, he argues, 'that trap... just prevents a cuisine from evolving.' The breakthrough? 'Today, that trap of authenticity is being broken because we're trying to define what authenticity means to us.' It's about informed evolution, not discarding the past. 'As chefs today, we're putting out more of those stories—our experiences on a plate—rather than just trying to create a better version of a dish that was created back in the day.' Seth crystallises their philosophy memorably: 'We're creating the traditions of tomorrow, today—what will become someone's flavour memories, someone's nostalgia, ten years from now.' When Hunger Inc opened The Bombay Canteen a decade ago, the mission was simple: 'to celebrate India,' recalls Seth. That founding 'war cry' has since evolved. 'Today, it's about understanding what new India wants—and how we can serve that in a way that truly excites them.' That ethos finds perhaps its clearest expression at Papa's, a 12-seater chefs' counter restaurant in Mumbai. Shahzad avoids the label 'modern Indian'. 'I feel it's forward-thinking Indian food,' he says. 'It's Indian food rooted in today—just more forward-thinking in how we approach it.' Above Papa's in Mumbai Above The exterior of Veronica's This forward momentum extends to every detail of the dining experience. Forget hushed tones and neutral palettes. 'Why does it have to be white tablecloths or greys and blue...?' Seth asks. 'India is about colour. India is about celebration.' At Papa's, that spirit translates into a setting that feels more like a dinner party at Hussain's home than a traditional fine dining room. It's an approach grounded in respect for origins, echoing the philosophy of their late co-founder, chef Floyd Cardoz. 'Until you take time to understand tradition, you can't innovate,' Seth reflects. 'It's about bringing that forward into new India—without veering into gimmickry.' The depth of Indian tradition offers an almost limitless canvas. 'Ten years in, I feel we're just scratching the surface,' Shahzad says with relish. 'Every 100 kilometres, the cuisine changes—the emotion of eating changes.' That spirit of exploration surfaces in strikingly inventive ways on their menus: take Bugs Bunny, a rabbit shawarma laced with chaprah (red weaver ants used by tribal communities), or a meticulously layered Wellington that channels the intricate flavours of a Kashmiri Wazwan feast. 'The flavours remain true to the Wazwan,' Shahzad explains, 'but the form is that of a Wellington. And to me, there's nothing about that that isn't Indian.' Even the rhythm of the meal at Papa's—beginning with savoury riffs on classic desserts—draws from Shahzad's own Bohri Muslim heritage. This blend of audacity and reverence is captivating diners. While international guests are intrigued, Papa's has also become 'a source of pride' for Indians, who see in it a reflection of their cuisine's bold new trajectory. Storytelling is key—the team ensures guests understand the why behind each dish. It might be the unexpected pleasure of encountering distinctly Indian flavours in a globally recognisable ceviche or decoding the playful irony of an Ahi tuna samosa, or as Shahzad describes it, 'a samosa in spirit—but not in essence'. Looking across the continent, both Seth and Shahzad see India's dining scene on a sharp upward trajectory, joining the ranks of Asia's established culinary powerhouses. 'I feel like the game in India is levelling up,' says Shahzad. 'All boats rise with the tide—and that's exactly what's happening right now.' He believes the country is entering a new phase: 'an era of innovation, as opposed to that era of refinement… For years, we were just focused on making better versions of butter chicken.' Hunger Inc is actively shaping the next generation of Indian hospitality through initiatives such as Canteen Class and the Canteen Open House. The former began as a series of Saturday afternoon sessions at The Bombay Canteen—later moving online—designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry reality. The latter builds on that ethos, bringing together over a thousand attendees for workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world insights. At the heart of both is a mission, as Seth puts it, to share 'the story of India, of today—the new India.' Above Summer Menu at The Bombay Canteen Above Paparazzi cocktail at The Bombay Canteen When asked about the biggest misconception they hope to challenge, their responses cut deeper than the usual clichés. For Shahzad, it's about freeing Indian cuisine from the narrow definitions imposed on it. 'It's the shackles of authenticity that people put on it,' he says. 'What we're trying to do is open people's minds to the idea of India as a whole.' Seth adds a vital point about contemporary India's capabilities. 'Come to India, you will find some of the best cheese, some of the best whiskey, some of the best gin. All being made here now,' he says. 'What it means to be an Indian restaurant today isn't limited to using the same ingredients we've relied on for the past hundred years.' Indian cuisine today is a living, breathing entity, steered by innovators who honour their roots while boldly charting new territory. As Seth points out, much of this heritage remains undocumented, waiting to be uncovered through curiosity and connection. 'The only way you will discover more is to ask more questions and showcase that curiosity,' he says. 'It's only through travel that you'll see—and be inspired by—what the India of tomorrow could be.' For diners across Asia and beyond, embracing that curiosity promises delicious revelations. Mumbai, it seems, is calling. Above Canteen Class at The Bombay Canteen
Fashion Value Chain
29-04-2025
- Fashion Value Chain
Dwarka Expressway Emerges as Real Estate Hotspot with 32% Price Surge Amid Soaring Demand for Luxury Living
Gurugram's Dwarka Expressway has swiftly transitioned from a development corridor to one of the most sought-after residential destinations in the National Capital Region (NCR). Property prices along the expressway have surged by as much as 40%, rising from Rs. 12,500 per sq. ft. at the launch of key projects to over Rs. 17,500 per sq. ft. today. Dwarka Expressway Representation image This sharp rise reflects a broader trend seen across Delhi-NCR, which currently leads India's booming real estate market. According to a recent report by CREDAI, Colliers, and Liases Foras, Delhi-NCR recorded the highest annual housing price growth among the top eight cities, with a 31% year-on-year increase in Q4 2024. This far outpaced the national average of 10%, followed by Bengaluru at 23%. The surge in Dwarka Expressway's real estate value is underpinned by major infrastructural progress, strategic location advantages, and a growing demand for premium lifestyle housing among both Indian and NRI buyers. A key driver of the region's transformation is its enhanced connectivity. The expressway serves as a vital link connecting Delhi, the Indira Gandhi International Airport, NH-8, and Gurugram's commercial districts. As the expressway nears completion and with metro connectivity on the horizon, the area is poised for sustained growth in high-end real estate development. Additionally, buyer preferences have evolved significantly. Modern homebuyers are not just looking for a house-they are investing in a lifestyle. Spacious homes, cutting-edge amenities, and community-driven living are now priorities, pushing developers to deliver projects that go beyond traditional offerings. Prominent developers such as Ganga Realty, Signature Global, DLF, M3M and Trehan Group are leading the charge, redefining luxury living along the corridor. Ganga Realty's flagship project, Nandaka, has emerged as a standout with its eco-conscious design, lush green spaces, and top-tier features tailored to urban lifestyles. Mr. Vikas Garg, Joint Managing Director, Ganga Realty said, 'The transformation of Dwarka Expressway into a premium real estate destination is a reflection of both visionary infrastructure planning and rising consumer aspirations. At Ganga Realty, we are focused on delivering projects like Nandaka that embody sustainable luxury, combining modern living with environmental consciousness. This corridor is not just witnessing growth-it's shaping the future of NCR's residential landscape.' Mr. Neeraj K Mishra, Executive Director of Ganga Realty, stated, 'Dwarka Expressway has transitioned from a growth corridor to a goldmine of opportunity. With its strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and surge in luxury housing demand, it represents the future of urban living. At Ganga Realty, we are committed to creating spaces that reflect modern aspirations while remaining rooted in sustainable living. Nandaka is a testament to that vision.' Mr. Saransh Trehan, Managing Director, Trehan Group, said, 'Dwarka Expressway's emergence as a luxury hotspot is driven by a potent mix of connectivity, planned urban development, and discerning homebuyers who seek value beyond square footage. The areas evolution underscores a shift toward integrated, experience-driven housing-something we at Trehan Group have always prioritized. This is a pivotal moment for real estate in the region.' Other luxury developments, such as Signature Global's high-rise projects with sky lounges and premium retail zones, and Krisumi's architecturally refined, community-centric townships, are further enhancing the region's appeal.
