As aviation expands, DGCA and GSV join hands to bridge India’s skilled workforce gap

India’s aviation sector is growing fast, but behind the expansion lies a critical challenge of shortage of skilled manpower. In this context, a new agreement between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya aims to address this gap by preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.

The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train young people in key areas such as aviation engineering and aviation management. The agreement was signed by DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai and GSV Vice Chancellor Prof Manoj Choudhury, in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with senior officials from both sectors.

India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with airlines expanding fleets and routes at an unprecedented pace. However, this growth has also exposed a major weakness, there are simply not enough trained professionals to support the industry’s needs.

Through this partnership, DGCA and GSV aim to create a steady pipeline of skilled talent. The focus will be on developing industry-ready professionals who can work across aviation operations, engineering, and management roles.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister of civil aviation Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted that building a strong workforce is essential for the future of the aviation sector. He said that while infrastructure and fleet expansion are important, the real strength of the industry lies in its people.

The need for skilled manpower is especially critical in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) segment. India has seen rapid growth in this area, with the number of MRO organisations increasing from around 160 to over 240 in recent years.

This expansion has created significant demand for trained engineers, technicians, and support staff. Without a strong talent pipeline, the growth of domestic MRO capabilities could slow down, forcing airlines to continue relying on foreign facilities.

The DGCA–GSV collaboration is expected to directly support this segment by aligning training programmes with industry requirements, ensuring that graduates are ready to contribute from day one.

The government has been actively working to develop a complete aviation ecosystem in India, including manufacturing, maintenance, and training. According to Naidu, creating such an ecosystem is key to long-term self-reliance.

Echoing this vision, Minister Vaishnaw noted that GSV has already built a strong reputation and is working with more than 60 industry partners. He also called for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in precision manufacturing engineering at the university, which could further strengthen India’s capabilities in aviation and related sectors.

The MoU is being seen as part of the broader vision of building a “Viksit Bharat,” or a developed India. By investing in skill development and education, the government aims to ensure that the aviation sector can sustain its growth without being held back by workforce shortages.

As India continues to add new aircraft and expand connectivity, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that the industry has the skilled professionals it needs, not just for today, but for the future.