GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline group, is setting up a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO), which will offer an integrated 2+2 years Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Air India BMTO is a step towards building a robust, future-ready aviation ecosystem in India. It will serve the ambitions of the airline as it moves ahead in its transformation journey, strengthening the availability of aircraft maintenance engineers as Air India expands its fleet, making it self-reliant.

Air India has signed an agreement with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), to develop a build-to-suit facility for the AME program that will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories for practical training and a team of qualified trainers. The purpose-built campus spread over 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City, is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be housed close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru which will be operational in early 2026. The program at the BMTO will include two years of in-classroom academic coursework followed by two years of practical on-the-job training at the MRO.

The BMTO aims to foster a workforce of skilled professionals for aircraft maintenance and engineering operations where students will receive hands-on experience and training, adhering to industry standards and Air India’s specific requirements.

Till the new BMTO facility commences operations, Air India will implement a Cadet AME program with other reputable institutions across Bengaluru and Hyderabad to ensure continuity in its commitment towards AME education and workforce development as well as to support its requirements for aircraft maintenance engineers.

“The Basic Maintenance Training Organization will establish a pipeline of skilled engineers trained to Air India standards from the outset. This facility and program, combined with proximity to Kempegowda International Airport, will enable our AME cadets to gain hands-on, real-world experience as part of their training, supporting their future as industry-ready professionals aligned with Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion needs,” said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India.

The program is designed to meet Air India’s growing fleet maintenance requirements and provides specialized career paths for its AME graduates. Students will also be encouraged to pursue a simultaneous bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, which will enhance their academic and career opportunities.

“Air India’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art training facility symbolizes a bold step forward in enhancing India’s aviation capabilities. Education and skill development are vital to sustaining the growth of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. The Air India BMTO reinforces our vision of developing a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration,” said Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO, of BACL.

Air India has embarked on a five-year transformation journey, Vihaan.AI, that has seen a commitment to more than 500 new aircraft, delivery of which is well underway, and the commencement of a USD 400 million interior retrofit program for legacy aircraft. Air India has also begun in-housing of line maintenance operations across group airlines that will strengthen its self-reliance. In September 2024, Air India Group announced the commencement of construction of a mega MRO facility coming up in Bengaluru, reiterating its commitment to building a strong self-reliant aviation ecosystem for India.

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MUMBAI:  Frost & Sullivan, India’s top Growth Advisory Company, has revealed in its latest Total Cost of Ownership Benchmark analysis that Kia’s best-selling innovations – Seltos and Carens offer segments’ lowest maintenance expenses in both diesel and petrol variants.

According to the research findings, Kia Carens has emerged as the frontrunner in the family mover segment, showcasing the most economical maintenance costs for both petrol and diesel variants by 21% and 26%, respectively. Its diesel models feature the lowest acquisition cost presenting outstanding value for modern customers. Moreover, Carens Diesel closely follows the segment’s top performer in minimizing fuel costs, solidifying its position as one of the most premium family car options with a compelling value proposition.

Frost & Sullivan also stated that Kia’s bestselling innovation, the Seltos, also offers the lowest maintenance costs for petrol variants, delivering a minimum of 17% savings over the industry average. Additionally, the diesel variants share the lowest maintenance costs with another segment leader. In terms of overall total cost of ownership (TCO), the Seltos closely follows the segment’s top performers, securing the second-best TCO for its diesel variant and the third-best for its petrol variant.

Notably, the firm also declared in December 2023 that Sonet has the best maintenance cost in the Compact SUV segment. The report stated that Sonet’s Petrol and Diesel variants’ Maintenance Costs are 16% and 14% lower than the segment average, respectively.

Hardeep Singh Brar, National Head of Sales & Marketing, Kia India, stated, “We are thrilled to be recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the makers of one of most value-driven mobility solutions for new-age customers. Choosing a Kia isn’t just a wise decision for today; it’s an investment for the future, given its premiumness, unmatched maintenance and residual costs within their segments.“

These reports by Frost and Sullivan establish Kia models as one of the most value-for-money products in their segment. The survey also underpins Kia’s commitment to offering class-leading products with the best technology, design, and quality along with globally acclaimed aftersales services, which makes them a valued purchasing decision for customers.

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