Punjab Set to Take Flight: CM Mann Unveils Vision for Thriving Aviation Hub
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Patiala, Punjab - Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has outlined his government's ambitious plan to establish the state as a major hub for the aviation industry. During a visit to the Patiala Flying Club, Mann emphasized the importance of providing quality, affordable, and world-class training that aligns with industry needs. The chief minister revealed that the state will be positioning itself as a premier destination for aviation education and training, with a focus on creating job providers rather than job seekers. To achieve this, Mann's government has initiated several initiatives, including the development of an aviation museum at the Patiala Aviation Complex, which will not only preserve India's flying heritage but also inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. Mann highlighted the benefits of training at the Patiala Flying Club, where students can receive a 50% subsidy, reducing the cost of becoming a commercial pilot from ₹40 to ₹45 lakh to ₹22 to ₹25 lakh. This reduction in fees has made it more accessible for students from ordinary households to pursue their dreams of becoming pilots. In addition to the Patiala Flying Club, the state government has also launched a new website for the Department of Civil Aviation and established the Patiala State Aviation Council, which aims to provide opportunities for every child to fulfill their dream of flying high. The Patiala Flying Club, which spans 253 acres, is one of the largest aviation training campuses in India and has broken the decades-long barrier that made aviation training inaccessible to those from ordinary backgrounds. With its night landing capability and training experience at Amritsar International Airport, the club offers a comprehensive training experience. Mann also emphasized that the aviation career is not limited to becoming a pilot, and that the state government offers affordable technical education at the Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College, which runs India's most economical AME and B.Sc programs. The college offers a three-year B.Sc plus three-year Directorate General of Civil Aviation-approved AME program for just ₹3 lakh, compared to ₹5 to ₹8 lakh in other states. The chief minister took pride in the fact that more than 4,000 trained professionals from the Patiala Flying Club and College are working in major companies, earning an average starting salary of ₹1.5 lakh per month. He also revealed that key Indian airlines are the main employers for the students of this prestigious institute.
