Latest news with #GMRAeroAcademy
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How one man reached for the sky from his classroom
Hyderabad: For T Sai Kiran , becoming a pilot was always his dream. Growing up, his fascination for aircraft led him to imagine himself in a cockpit one day. However, financial hurdles forced him to change course, although he never strayed far from aviation. After graduating with a BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from Hyderabad, Sai Kiran began his career as an assistant professor in 2011, teaching aeronautical engineering for nearly eight years. "Teaching was fulfilling, but deep down, I still wanted to be part of the action of the industry," said the 36-year-old. Undeterred, he enrolled on a certification course in airport operations at GMR Aero Academy in 2019. The course became a launchpad, and soon after, he landed a job with Air India SATS . Over the next three years, he worked his way up from the customer service department to the airline's website operations, finally becoming a turnaround coordinator and managing critical ramp-side functions such as aircraft handling, fuelling, boarding, and service coordination. His starting salary in the aviation industry was a modest Rs 2.8 lakh per annum. However, he persevered, combining his technical know-how with hands-on experience. His growing expertise eventually brought him back to GMR Aero Academy in 2022 — this time as a faculty member. Today, he teaches the same airport operations certification course that he once trained on, combining his passion for aviation with his talent for teaching. The result? A fulfilling career that brings together his two passions — and a salary that has more than quadrupled in just three years. "I couldn't become a pilot," he added, "but I found a different way to be close to the skies."
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
GMR Aero Academy Restarts ARFF Training from May 14 in Hyderabad
GMR Aero Academy will restart its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training program on April 21, at its Hyderabad campus, marking a strategic step to support growing demand for skilled aviation safety personnel. The ARFF initiative, aligned with global aviation safety standards, is resuming after a hiatus, with the upcoming ninth cohort commencing on May 14. Previously, over 350 professionals were trained under this program between 2013 and 2018 in Hyderabad. The training spans 24 weeks and integrates International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards with practical exposure to modern fire safety systems. It offers hands-on sessions involving real-time firefighting equipment and simulations. The faculty comprises industry professionals experienced in aviation emergency response. Participants completing the course gain access to job opportunities across GMR's aviation network, which includes over 15 airports across India. The academy also maintains recruitment partnerships with major Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. This program relaunch coincides with a significant expansion in India's aviation infrastructure. As more airports come online, the need for certified fire and rescue staff has become critical, especially in Telangana and neighboring southern states. GMR Aero Academy President Ashok Gopinath stated that the role of airport firefighters is vital in ensuring safety in aviation operations. He highlighted that the training not only enhances technical capabilities but also instills operational readiness for emergency scenarios. With accreditations from ICAO, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI), the academy provides training modules that include hazardous material management, aircraft recovery techniques, and structural firefighting drills. The ARFF curriculum is designed to meet global safety and emergency standards. The academy reports a 90 per cent placement rate, having trained and placed nearly 1,000 professionals across airports in India. GMR Aero Academy continues to focus on producing mission-ready fire and rescue personnel to support India's rapidly growing aviation sector.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GMR Aero Academy to resume firefighting training programme
GMR Aero Academy has announced the relaunch of its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training programme, with operations resuming at its Hyderabad campus. The programme, which had trained over 350 professionals between 2013 and 2018, will commence its 9th batch on May 14. Designed as a 24-week intensive course, the ARFF programme is structured around an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant curriculum. It combines classroom learning with hands-on experience using advanced fire fighting equipment, and is led by experienced industry professionals. Graduates of the programme are expected to benefit from GMR Aero Academy's strong industry linkages, including access to a network of over 15 airports managed by the GMR Group across India, and connections with major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. 'Airport firefighters are the guardians of aviation safety, whose split-second decisions and actions save countless lives. Like our armed forces who serve the nation, these professionals work with unwavering dedication and courage, often putting themselves in very challenging situations for the greater good of passengers and aviation personnel. There is a growing demand for such highly skilled professionals, and the need far outweighs the current supply, making their role critical in sustaining the aviation ecosystem,' said GMR Aero Academy president Ashok Gopinath.
