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NEW DELHI. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu officially released the second phase of the FTO Ranking in New Delhi today. This data-driven framework aims to strengthen training standards and enhance safety across all DGCA-approved institutions. The Minister emphasised that the ranking system brings transparency for aspiring cadets and their families during the decision-making process. Since the first phase launched in October 2025, the ecosystem has seen training flying hours increase from 32% to 50%. This reform is essential as India anticipates a requirement for nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade. The government’s "Train in India, Fly in India" initiative encourages local FTOs to align with high international benchmarks. Implementing the FTO Ranking mechanism helps institutionalise accountability while promoting healthy competition among flying schools.

Strategic Outlook and Sectoral Opportunities

The Minister highlighted that the Indian aviation landscape will expand significantly with 50 more airports and 500 additional aircraft soon. The growth, supported by a historic 29,000-crore outlay for Modified UDAN, creates vast opportunities for the nation's passionate youth. Under the current FTO Ranking framework, the DGCA has completely digitised the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) examination process. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam rules now offer a single window for both CPL and RTR licenses to ensure ease of doing business. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu noted that CPL issuances have increased by 2.5 times over the last eight years. Liberalising the FTO policy and abolishing airport royalties have further strengthened the self-reliance of the domestic training infrastructure. These interventions ensure that Indian pilots receive world-class training without needing to seek expensive certifications abroad.

Improving Performance and Safety Standards

Evidently, the April 2026 results show a notable upward shift in the performance standards of several institutions. For the first time, one school achieved the prestigious Category ‘A’ status, reflecting significant improvements in operational efficiency. The latest ranking also indicates that the number of schools in Category ‘C’ has reduced as they migrate to Category ‘B’. The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) showed significant progress, demonstrating the success of government-led institutions in this competitive space. Improved training efficiency has also reduced the time taken by cadets to complete their flying requirements for a CPL. The performance-driven framework ensures that safety compliance remains the topmost priority for all active flying training organisations. Aspiring pilots can now rely on these objective indicators to choose the best-suited academy for their careers.

Future Vision for Global Aviation Hub

The Ministry remains committed to making India a global aviation hub by fostering a robust pilot training ecosystem. Future phases of the FTO Ranking will continue to monitor training outcomes and aircraft fleet expansion at every approved centre. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that six new FTOs were permitted recently, with six more currently in the pipeline. The expansion will help bridge the supply-demand gap in the workforce as Indian carriers evolve into global transit hubs. The government continues to rationalise land rentals and provide administrative support to facilitate the growth of regional connectivity. Consistent monitoring through the ranking framework will ensure that the quality of Indian pilots remains globally competitive. In summary, the release of the Phase 2 rankings marks a defining step toward a transparent and quality-oriented aviation future.