Dholera is gearing up for an aviation boost. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has called for proposals to create Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) at the newly planned Dholera Airport. This initiative aims to promote local pilot training and cut down on dependence on foreign programs.
This collaborative effort is led by the Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), which includes AAI with a 51% stake, the Gujarat government holding 33%, and the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust owning 16%. The winning bidder will take charge of designing, building, operating, maintaining, and ultimately transferring the FTO along with its necessary infrastructure.
The lease for this project spans 25 years. Initially set for 20 years, there’s an option for a five-year extension pending government approval. To keep the facility active as a training hub, operators must log at least 3,000 flying hours annually in one out of every three years.
Bids will be assessed based on concession fees per flying hour; there’s a baseline fee established at ₹675. Once handed over the site, construction must wrap up within a year to kick off flying operations.
The overarching goal here is clear: create a top-notch training environment staffed by qualified professionals. By establishing these centers locally, DIACL hopes to make quality flight training more affordable for aspiring pilots in India.