Training as An Enabler for IndiGo’s ATR Fleet

Atul Chandra’s accompanying feature article “Raising the Bar” illustrates quite well that Indian operator IndiGo is on a trajectory to become a global aviation player.

While the airline has hefty order on the books to receive additional Airbus and Boeing aircraft to permit it to expand its international connectivity, the backbone of IndoGo’s operations remains the domestic air travel market. A significant part of IndiGo’s strategy to meet the surging demands of India’s domestic and even adjacent regional markets is its ATR 72-600 fleet.

This August 30, Lucca Accinni, a corporate spokesperson for ATR, confirmed the OEM was on contract to deliver 50 ATRs to IndiGo. “As of today we have successfully delivered 45 aircraft, with five remaining to be delivered. These deliveries are progressing on schedule as we continue to support IndiGo’s expansion to their regional fleet.”

IndiGo took delivery of its first “600” airframe in November 2017.

The Training Pillar

This January 18, IndiGo signed an MOU with India-based CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL) for the exclusive supply of flight crew training for its ATR fleet. While the IndiGo press release generating this article noted the “FFS will be ready by February 2024,” a CAE Linked-In post from this April, stated “Continuing with its vision and growth plans, CSTPL recently inducted two new FFS: Airbus A320 and ATR 72-600.” Training under the agreement includes programs along the pilot’s training continuum, from certification to recurrent.

CSTPL is a joint venture launched in 2013 between InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE.

This joint venture and contract are of additional interest to Halldale Group, as they are another instance of India-based simulation and training companies providing products and services to training enterprises in civil aviation as well as defense and other adjacent high-risk communities.