Pune, Feb 10 : In a significant step towards strengthening aviation education in India, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University Defence Research and Innovation Foundation (ADYPU DRIF), Pune, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This collaboration marks a crucial advancement in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, providing students with real-world exposure to the dynamic aviation sector.
The MoU aims to foster an ecosystem of innovation, skill development, and employment opportunities in the aviation industry. Dr. Nishakant Ojha, a globally recognized expert in emerging technologies and strategic affairs, has played a vital role in shaping this collaboration. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, the initiative will enhance student preparedness for industry challenges, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in aviation careers.
Dr. Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Chairman of ADYPU DRIF, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Education is a transformative force that shapes industries and nurtures future leaders. With India’s rapid aviation growth, this collaboration with AAI will inspire students to engage with real-world challenges and redefine the future of civil aviation. Our vision is to create a learning ecosystem where students actively contribute to industry advancements.”
The Indian aviation sector has been expanding at an unprecedented rate. Over the past decade, the government has successfully added 75 new airports, bringing the total to 149 as of 2024, with ambitious plans to increase this number to 220 within the next five to seven years. The sector has also witnessed record-breaking passenger traffic, with domestic air travel exceeding 122.5 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 7% year-on-year growth. International travel has surged as well, surpassing 64.5 million passengers with an 11.4% increase.
Recognizing this growth, Indian airlines have made substantial investments in fleet expansion. Air India recently placed an additional order for 100 Airbus aircraft, while the country’s airlines are projected to invest $150 billion in acquiring 1,700 new aircraft by 2030. With Boeing forecasting the addition of 2,800 commercial jets in South Asia over the next two decades, India is rapidly establishing itself as a global aviation powerhouse.
Dr. Nishakant Ojha emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This MoU represents a transformational step in aviation education by integrating academic excellence with industry exposure. By fostering innovation and creating employment opportunities, we are not just shaping careers but also strengthening India’s position as a global leader in aviation.”
Girish Kumar, General Manager (R) – Training, AAI, also highlighted the importance of this initiative, remarking, “This partnership reflects AAI’s commitment to strengthening industry-academia linkages and equipping students with practical aviation knowledge. We are delighted to collaborate with ADYPU, a leader in education and innovation.”
