GMR forays into aviation training

The GMR group, with three airports under its sway, is entering the fastest growing area of aviation training with an investment of Rs 450 crore.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), 63 per cent controlled by GMR, has entered into a joint venture with Brussels (Belgium)-based Sabena Flight Academy (SFA) to set up a modern aviation academy at Hyderabad.
The new company to impart training for pilots and cabin crew will be operational at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport by January 2009.
The academy will also provide training for aircraft engineers, technicians, aviation consultants, airport operations staff and ramp services agents.
SFA’s associate partners— CFM, Sabena Technics and Flight Care—will also be involved in this project.
The academy will cater to the requirement of domestic and foreign airlines that are facing acute manpower shortages.
Involving an investment of more than 80 million Euros (Rs 450 crore) over the next three years, the academy will be able to provide accommodation for more than 200 trainees per year, six full flight simulators, cabin trainers and engineering tools.
23/10/07 Lalatendu Mishra/Hindustan Times