Purandeswari Lays Stone for Aviation Training Centre near Madhurapudi Airport

Kakinada: Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a world-class aviation training and employment centre near the Madhurapudi Airport in East Godavari district at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore.

The facility, being set up by Jarvis Aviation Academy, will feature advanced training infrastructure. It is expected to become the first Flight Training Organisation (FTO) in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Purandeswari said the project marks an important step in the development of the country's aviation sector. She said the academy is expected to become operational within six months. It will initially provide training to around 30 candidates.

The Rajamahendravaram MP pointed out that the number of airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 over the past decade. Air travel has become more accessible through the UDAN scheme, while the number of airlines has increased from six to nine.

As a result, Purandeswari said, the increased demand for trained pilots has increased, necessitating the establishment of world-class pilot training facilities. The Madhurapudi academy will be equipped with Diamond DA-40 and DA-42 training aircraft and is expected to train at least 100 pilots annually.

The MP disclosed that the aviation training academy is likely to commence operations in the first week of September after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

BJP MLC Somu Veerraju described the project as a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh's aviation sector. Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Bala Ramakrishna said the project would bring national recognition to the Madhurapudi region.

Others who participated in the programme include Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, RUDA chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary, and Airport Authority director K. Preetha.