Amid growing concerns over operational stress and safety challenges in India’s aviation sector, Kadapa Member of Parliament YS Avinash Reddy raised the issue of a severe shortage of well-trained pilots during parliamentary proceedings. His intervention came in the context of recent disruptions in the aviation industry, which have drawn attention to gaps in workforce preparedness and training infrastructure.
Avinash Reddy pointed out that as air travel expands rapidly across the country, the availability of adequately trained pilots has not kept pace with demand. He stressed that aviation safety and service reliability depend heavily on sustained investments in training institutions and skill development, rather than short-term operational measures.
Need for More Pilot Training Centres
During his question in Parliament, Avinash Reddy underlined the necessity of setting up more pilot training centres across India. He noted that limited training capacity has become a structural bottleneck, restricting the supply of skilled pilots at a time when airlines are expanding fleets and routes.
According to him, increasing domestic training facilities would not only enhance safety standards but also reduce dependence on foreign training institutions, making pilot education more accessible and cost-effective for Indian aspirants.
Focus on Kadapa Airport’s Strategic Potential
Drawing attention to regional infrastructure, Avinash Reddy specifically raised the issue of establishing a flying training centre at Kadapa Airport. He questioned the government on the timeline for initiating such a facility and sought clarity on plans for a new terminal building at the airport.
Kadapa Airport, he argued, has the potential to play a dual role—supporting regional connectivity while also contributing to aviation training and employment generation. The MP emphasised that developing airports in backward and aspirational regions is essential for balanced national growth.
Link Between Skill Development and Aviation Safety
Aviation experts have repeatedly stressed that pilot shortages can place operational pressure on airlines and crew, making long-term workforce planning a policy priority. By raising the issue in Parliament, Avinash Reddy brought attention to the need for a coordinated approach linking aviation expansion with skill development initiatives.
He noted that pilot training infrastructure should be treated as a national asset, with government involvement ensuring quality standards, affordability, and wider geographic distribution.
Regional Development Through Infrastructure Investment
The MP also highlighted that projects such as a flying training centre and a modern terminal building at Kadapa Airport would have broader economic benefits. These include local employment, ancillary services, and improved connectivity for the Rayalaseema region.
Such investments, he argued, would align with the government’s stated objectives of strengthening regional airports and promoting inclusive infrastructure development.
YS Avinash Reddy’s parliamentary intervention reflects a governance-focused approach to addressing systemic challenges in the aviation sector. By linking pilot shortages with training capacity and regional infrastructure, he positioned the issue as one of national safety, skill development, and equitable growth.
As the aviation sector continues to expand, questions raised in Parliament about training centres and airport development are expected to play a key role in shaping future policy decisions.
