Skyborne and IndiGo strengthen pilot training partnership

Applications are open for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme with Skyborne offering 100 selected cadets per year an international training programme and US FAA and Indian DGCA dual licences.

Rina Basu, regional director (Asia Pacific), Skyborne, said: “The trust IndiGo has placed in Skyborne since 2019 is a huge source of pride and testament to our vision to redefine pilot training.   

“In 2023, IndiGo became the first airline in the country to welcome 100 million passengers in a single year. We remain committed to supporting this record-breaking mindset, delivering a pipeline of well-trained First Officers to fuel IndiGo’s ongoing success.” 

Captain Ashim Mittra, senior vice president flight operations, IndiGo, said: “With the unprecedented demand for air travel in India, the extended partnership with Skyborne is valuable. With an academy’s airline-focused approach, international facilities, and an experienced team, Skyborne has proven to be a reliable partner time and again. 

"The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme offers a clear path to an exciting career, and we are pleased to continue this program with Skyborne. We appreciate their commitment to providing top-notch training and look forward to producing more skilled pilots through this partnership to fuel IndiGo’s growth through this decade.” 

The 17-month course begins at Skyborne’s United States facility in Vero Beach, Florida, with cadets spending 12 months earning their US FAA 141 Commercial Pilots License with Instrument Rating, plus the required multi-engine time, before completing a DCGA licence conversion in India. The application process has recently been revamped to include the latest suite of ADAPT pilot aptitude tests from Symbiotics. 

Sakshi Pradhan, recent graduate, added: “I’d like to thank Skyborne for this wonderful opportunity. The experience has been wonderful, and I will cherish the memories created throughout my lifetime. Skyborne truly gave me wings to fly.”