Institutes scout for talent at show

Aviation shows are known for bringing together all stakeholders of aviation industry at one place to speed up B2B dealings. However, training institutes and colleges are quietly promoting its business away from media glare.

“While the first three days are important for airlines and aircraft makers, we look forward for the last two days when students who are interested in pursuing aviation studies visit our stalls,” said a representative of Mumbai-based Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology, which offers courses in the mechanical and avionics stream.

Whether or not aircraft makers or others seal business dealings at the aeroshow, these institutes will definitely convert some enquiries into admissions. According to the Czech Aerospace Training Academy official, some institutes may get 6-7 students out of nearly 300 enquiries. He said it is one of the ways to market the institute as it allows them to directly interact many youngsters.

According to Ficci-KPMG report, the total manpower requirement of airlines is estimated to rise to 120,000 by FY-2017.

Due to the huge opportunity, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is considering a proposal to start its centre in India. "We are planning to bring our academy to India in partnership with Boeing. But it is Boeing which has to take the last call," LaVern Phillips, business development official of AIM, said.