Govt Releases FTO Rankings April 2026; Transparency, Safety and Global Competitiveness in Focus

In a significant reform aimed at strengthening India’s aviation training ecosystem, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, has released the second phase of rankings (April 2026) for DGCA-approved Flying Training Organizations (FTOs). The initiative marks a major step toward enhancing transparency, safety standards, and performance accountability in pilot training across the country.

The ranking framework, first introduced in October 2025, represents a data-driven and performance-based evaluation system, enabling objective comparison among training institutions while encouraging continuous improvement.

A Landmark Reform to Transform Pilot Training

Describing the initiative as a “landmark reform,” the Ministry stated that the FTO ranking system is designed to:

• Improve training quality and safety compliance

• Promote accountability among training institutions

• Empower aspiring pilots with transparent performance data

Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that the core objective behind introducing rankings was to make pilot training more transparent and accessible, especially for aspiring cadets and their families making critical career decisions.

“This system brings clarity and confidence to students choosing aviation as a career,” he said, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in a rapidly expanding aviation sector.

Aviation Sector Poised for Rapid Expansion

The rankings come at a time when India’s aviation industry is entering a high-growth phase. According to the Ministry:

• 50 new airports are expected in the next five years

• Indian carriers are projected to induct around 500 new aircraft

• Major airports are evolving into global transit hubs under the Hub & Spoke Policy

• A massive ₹29,000 crore outlay under the Modified UDAN scheme is set to boost regional connectivity

With these developments, India is expected to require nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade, creating significant career opportunities for the youth.

Tangible Improvements in Training Performance

Since the introduction of the FTO ranking system, the aviation training ecosystem has witnessed measurable improvements:

• Training flying hours increased from 32% to 50%

• Expansion of aircraft fleets across FTOs

• Improved efficiency leading to reduced time for cadets to complete CPL (Commercial Pilot License) requirements

These gains reflect the positive impact of structured monitoring and competition among training institutions.

Key Highlights of April 2026 Rankings

The second phase of rankings indicates a clear upward trend in performance standards:

• One FTO has achieved Category ‘A’ status — a significant milestone, as no institution qualified in this category in the previous phase

• Increase in the number of FTOs in Category ‘B’, reflecting overall improvement

• Reduction in Category ‘C’ institutions, indicating enhanced compliance and training quality

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) has shown notable progress in rankings

The top-ranked institution in Category ‘A’ is:

• Avyanna Aviation Pvt. Ltd

Category ‘B’ includes prominent institutions such as:

• Academy of Carver Aviation

• National Flying Training Institute

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi

• Chimes Aviation Academy

• Bombay Flying Club

• Gujarat Flying Club, among others

Category ‘C’ includes a range of FTOs that are showing progress but require further improvements in operational and safety parameters.

Policy Reforms Driving Growth and Self-Reliance

The government has introduced several complementary reforms to strengthen the pilot training ecosystem:

• Liberalization of FTO policies

• Abolition of airport royalties

• Rationalization of land rentals

• Full digitization of CPL examination processes

• Introduction of a single-window system under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam for CPL and RTR licensing

These measures aim to enhance ease of doing business while improving training infrastructure.

Surge in Pilot Certifications and New Institutions

Reflecting the impact of these reforms:

• The number of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) issued has increased by over 2.5 times in the last eight years

• Record numbers of CPLs were issued in 2024 and 2025

• Six new FTOs have been approved in the last 18 months, with six more in the pipeline

This expansion is crucial to meet the growing demand for trained pilots in both domestic and international markets.

‘Train in India, Fly in India’: A Strategic Vision

The Minister outlined a dual objective for the sector:

1. Enhancing global competitiveness of Indian FTOs by aligning with international benchmarks

2. Promoting self-reliance in pilot training through the vision of “Train in India, Fly in India”

This approach aims to reduce dependence on foreign training institutions while positioning India as a global hub for aviation training.

Toward a Global Aviation Hub

The second phase of FTO rankings reinforces the government’s commitment to building a transparent, performance-driven and globally competitive aviation training ecosystem.

By combining infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms, and data-driven monitoring, India is laying the foundation for becoming not just a major aviation market, but a global leader in pilot training and aviation excellence.

As India’s skies expand with new routes, airports, and aircraft, the focus on quality pilot training will be central to ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustained growth—making initiatives like the FTO ranking system a critical pillar of the country’s aviation transformation.