Maharashtra is set to strengthen its aviation training infrastructure with plans to establish eight new Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) across six airports in the state. The initiative, led by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC), aims to increase the availability of pilot training facilities and expand regional aviation opportunities.
According to an e-tender issued by MADC, a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, private operators are being invited to design, build, operate, maintain and transfer the proposed flying training bases. The plan includes setting up two FTOs each at Dharashiv and Yavatmal, along with one each at Baramati, Dhule, Karad and Latur.
The expansion will add new training capacity at existing aviation hubs. Baramati, which currently has two operational FTOs, will get another academy, while Dhule, Karad and Latur will also receive additional facilities. The initiative will also introduce flying schools at Dharashiv and Yavatmal, where such training facilities are currently unavailable. With the expansion, Maharashtra’s total number of flying academies is expected to increase to 13.
As per tender conditions, selected operators will receive limited lease rights for designated land parcels, hangars, aprons and paved areas. The selection process will be based on the highest concession fee offered per flying hour, with a minimum reserve price of ₹825 per flying hour per aircraft.
Operators will also have to maintain a minimum commitment of 3,000 flying hours annually per airport. MADC has stated that delays caused by operational issues or weather conditions will not waive the requirement to pay the guaranteed minimum fee.
Apart from hourly concession charges, operators will need to pay monthly land lease fees of ₹331 per square metre for paved areas and ₹275 per square metre for unpaved land. A fixed infrastructure and service charge of ₹10 lakh per month per airport will also be applicable.
The lease agreement will initially remain valid for five years, with the possibility of a further five-year extension based on performance and MADC’s approval.
The tender requires bidders to have at least three airworthy aircraft per airport. Companies without aircraft may be considered only if no eligible DGCA-licensed FTO with three aircraft participates, provided they acquire certified aircraft within six months.
MADC has also mandated strict compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms. Operators will have to submit certified monthly flying records, with penalties applicable for discrepancies or inaccurate reporting. At the end of the concession period, all developed infrastructure will be handed back to MADC without additional cost. Existing operators meeting performance standards will receive preference in future tender rounds.
Source: The Free Press Journal
