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Paris, France: CAE, a global leader in aviation training, has released its latest Aviation Talent Forecast during the Paris Air Show 2025. The comprehensive report projects an urgent and growing need for over 1.465 million aviation professionals worldwide within the next ten years, highlighting critical workforce gaps across multiple segments including commercial and business aviation. 1.5 Million Roles Needed Globally According to CAE's 2025 outlook, the aviation industry will require: 299,000 new pilots (267,000 in commercial aviation and 33,000 in business aviation) 485,000 new maintenance technicians (416,000 in commercial aviation and 69,000 in business aviation) 678,000 new cabin crew members 71,000 new air traffic controllers, marking the first time this segment has been included in CAE’s forecast The sharp growth in personnel demand is being driven by a combination of factors, including projected aircraft fleet expansion, strong passenger traffic recovery, global fleet modernization, and an aging aviation workforce set to retire over the next decade. Asia-Pacific Leads Demand The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead in workforce demand, accounting for more than one-third of the projected personnel needs. Countries such as India and China are identified as high-growth markets, supported by rising middle-class populations, increasing air connectivity, and ongoing airline expansion. North America, the Middle East, and Europe also represent significant demand centers, particularly for replacement of retiring professionals. Retirement and Attrition Contribute to Shortfall The forecast attributes a large portion of the anticipated shortfall to retirements and career attrition. For example, the commercial aviation sector alone is expected to see over 129,000 pilots retiring, while the business aviation segment may lose nearly 69,000 pilots over the same period. Similarly, a substantial number of maintenance engineers and cabin crew are expected to leave the workforce due to age or changing career preferences. Additionally, CAE’s report highlights high dropout and washout rates in certain sectors, including air traffic control, where trainee attrition in the U.S. is reported to be above 30%. The industry is being urged to take note of these structural barriers and implement more resilient and supportive training programs. Training Innovation and Industry Coordination Required To meet these challenges, CAE is calling for the aviation ecosystem including airlines, training organizations, and regulatory authorities to adopt innovative training technologies and adaptable learning models. The report specifically points to the importance of modernized simulator technology, AI-driven adaptive learning, and the integration of extended reality (XR) training tools. CAE also emphasized the need for industry-wide collaboration to attract and retain talent, including improved mentorship programs, career path visibility for younger demographics, and global partnerships to scale training capacity across geographies.

CAE Forecasts Need for 1.5 Million Aviation Professionals Including 300,000 Pilots by 2034

Aviation Today News Desk / June 17, 2025

Picture Credits: CAE Paris, France: CAE, a global leader in aviation training, has released its latest Aviation Talent Forecast during […]

Uttarakhand, India: A Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in a remote forested area near Garudchatti shortly after departing from Kedarnath, killing all seven people on board. The helicopter, which took off at around 5:30 a.m., was en route to Guptkashi when it reportedly encountered dense fog and poor visibility, leading to loss of control and a fatal impact into a hillside near Trijuginarayan. The victims included five pilgrims: Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan - Pilot Rajkumar Jaiswal, Shraddha Jaiswal and their two-year-old daughter Kashi - Uttar Pradesh Tushti Singh - Uttar Pradesh Vikram Singh Rawat - Uttarakhand Vinod Neg - Temple Committee Staff member A retired Indian Army officer, Captain Chauhan had over 2,000 hours of flying experience. The impact caused the helicopter to catch fire, leaving all seven occupants charred beyond recognition. Their remains were taken to Rudraprayag District Hospital for identification and medical procedures. Eyewitnesses in nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion minutes after the helicopter disappeared from sight. Local police and emergency responders reached the crash site swiftly, though the difficult terrain hampered access. Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation into the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the inquiry. Sonprayag Police have filed a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and under Section 10 of the Aircraft Act, holding Aryan Aviation and its executives accountable for operating flights despite reported poor weather conditions in the area. In immediate response, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the suspension of all helicopter operations in the Char Dham circuit until further notice. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has also been directed to audit all existing helicopter operators and enforce stricter compliance with aviation safety standards. This is not the first fatal crash in the region. The Kedarnath route has seen several aviation accidents in the past decade: On May 8, 2025, another Bell helicopter (VT-OXF) crashed into a deep gorge near Gangnani, Uttarkashi, during a Yamunotri pilgrimage flight. Six people died, and one passenger survived with critical injuries. On October 18, 2022, a Kestrel Aviation Bell 407 helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath, killing all seven occupants. The deadliest incident occurred on June 25, 2013, during the Uttarakhand floods, when an Indian Air Force Mi-17 V5 helicopter carrying rescue personnel crashed north of Gaurikund, killing 20 onboard, including IAF crew and NDRF members. These incidents, along with non-fatal emergency landings in recent months, have raised concerns over helicopter operations in high-altitude pilgrimage zones. Factors like sudden weather changes, difficult topography, and pressure to maintain tight flight schedules have been repeatedly cited in previous DGCA reports. According to official records and media reports, at least 40 people have died in helicopter accidents linked to Uttarakhand’s Char Dham region since 2013, making it one of the most hazardous civilian helicopter corridors in the country. Safety recommendations such as mandating twin-engine helicopters, advanced weather monitoring systems, and restricting operations to highly experienced pilots have been discussed but not uniformly implemented. Aviation regulators are now expected to fast-track new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to pilgrimage routes. These may include real-time weather surveillance at helipads, coordination with local authorities before takeoff, and stricter penalties for violating operational norms during marginal conditions. Families of the deceased are expected to receive compensation from both the operator and the state government, pending the outcome of the inquiry. Further announcements are likely following the submission of the preliminary AAIB report.

Helicopter Crash

7 Killed in Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash, Over 40 Dead in Uttarakhand Since 2013

Aviation Today News Desk / June 16, 2025

Picture Credits: uksdrf (X) Uttarakhand, India: A Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in a remote forested area

Airbus

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

Aviation Today News Desk / June 16, 2025

Picture Credits: Airbus Toulouse, France: Airbus has significantly revised its long-term aircraft demand outlook projecting a global need for 43,420

Gujarat, India: A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on the morning of June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight, which was en route to London Gatwick, carried 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 241 individuals have been confirmed dead, making it one of the deadliest air crashes in Indian civil aviation history. The only confirmed survivor is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British National who was seated in the rear cabin section. He is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, and is said to be in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that at least five people on the ground, all believed to be medical students and staff at the nearby BJ Medical College, also lost their lives when the aircraft struck parts of the college complex, including a hostel and a mess building. Airline and Government Response Air India, now a part of the Tata Group, confirmed the crash and has extended its condolences. CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the media later that day, stating that "no speculation will be entertained at this stage" and affirming full cooperation with investigators. He also announced that all affected families will be supported financially and medically, as per international and domestic aviation laws. The airline is reportedly working closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international partners including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Gujarat at the time, visited the crash site in the afternoon and later met with the survivor and local rescue personnel. In a brief statement, he called the crash “a national tragedy” and assured the public that “no detail will be overlooked” in the forthcoming investigation. Initial Findings and Speculative Theories Preliminary data retrieved from ADS-B trackers indicates that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before it began a sharp descent. A brief MAYDAY call was made by the pilots shortly before radio contact was lost. The aircraft came down within 49 seconds of liftoff, indicating what experts describe as a catastrophic systems or performance failure. Authorities have since recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the crash site. Both are being sent to a secure laboratory for analysis under supervision from Indian and international safety investigators. A formal report from the DGCA is expected to be released only after all data is decoded and verified. While the official cause remains unknown, some early speculation has emerged within aviation circles. Multiple former pilots and aircraft engineers, including Alastair Rosenschein and Prof. Ahmed Busnaina, suggest that video footage and eyewitness reports hint at a potential flap or slat misconfiguration. In several verified clips, the aircraft's landing gear remained extended far longer than standard procedures typically allow, and the aircraft appeared to struggle with lift. This has led to the theory that either the flaps failed to deploy correctly or were improperly set for takeoff, both of which can severely impair the 787’s ability to generate adequate lift at low speeds. Others have pointed to the possibility of an engine thrust asymmetry or compressor stall, though this remains speculative. A source close to GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, confirmed they have dispatched technical experts to support the investigation but declined to offer comments pending formal findings. Safety Record, Financial Impact and Fleet Review The DGCA has not ruled out any cause, including potential pilot error, though Air India confirmed both pilots had over 8,000 hours of combined flying experience and were recently re-certified on the 787 platform. The aircraft itself had been inducted in 2017 and reportedly underwent scheduled maintenance just 18 days prior to the incident. No outstanding technical complaints were reported in the days leading up to the crash. This marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, a type that has logged over a million flight hours globally since its entry into service in 2011. The accident has already triggered scrutiny of Air India’s operational safety standards and the DGCA’s oversight mechanisms. According to industry sources cited by The Guardian, a temporary suspension or audit of all 787 operations in India is under “active consideration,” although no formal announcement has been made. Financially, the accident could become one of the costliest single-aircraft losses in history, with combined insurance claims expected to exceed $1.5 billion, factoring in hull loss, liability coverage, and third-party claims. Ongoing Investigation and Support Efforts As of now, rescue and recovery operations at the site have concluded, and forensic identification of the deceased is ongoing. Compensation procedures are being initiated under the Montreal Convention, and special assistance desks have been established by Air India at both Ahmedabad and London Gatwick. A conclusive statement on the cause of the crash will likely take weeks, if not months. Until then, the focus remains on supporting affected families, securing flight operations, and ensuring a transparent and data-driven investigation.

Airplane Crashes

241 Confirmed Dead in Fatal Air India Flight Crash, British National Only Survivor

Aviation Today News Desk / June 13, 2025

Picture Credits: X Gujarat, India: A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on the morning of June 12, 2025, when Air India

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: An Air India passenger aircraft crashed earlier today near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft reportedly had over 200 people on board when the incident occurred. While the cause of the crash remains unknown, the incident took place either during landing or shortly after takeoff, according to early eyewitness accounts. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site in the Ghoda Camp area of Meghani Nagar, not far from the airport perimeter. Emergency teams, including fire brigade units and medical responders, were immediately deployed to the scene. Police quickly sealed off the surrounding roads to allow unhindered access for rescue operations. Firefighters worked to control the blaze and secure the wreckage while medical staff prepared to transport any injured individuals. At the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation regarding injuries or fatalities. Authorities have yet to release details about the specific flight route, aircraft model, or flight number involved. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India are expected to conduct a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise before seeing smoke rising from the area. Videos circulating online show flames and a plume of smoke coming from the crash site, with rescue workers moving swiftly through debris and damaged surroundings. This is a developing story, and further details are expected as officials complete their initial assessment of the crash. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from sharing unverified information online.

Airplane Crashes

Air India Flight With 242 Onboard Crashes After Takeoff From Ahmedabad Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2025

Picture Credits: X Gujarat, India: An Air India passenger aircraft, operating as Flight AI 171, crashed earlier today near Sardar

Airlines

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2025

Picture Credits: Jetstar Asia Singapore: Jetstar Asia, the Singapore-based low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group,

Khajuraho, India: A training aircraft operated by the Indian Flying Academy made an emergency landing at Khajuraho Airport on Tuesday after experiencing a serious technical snag involving the landing gear. The incident occurred during a routine flight training sortie and has since triggered a regulatory probe by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to airport authorities and official sources, the training aircraft encountered a malfunction in its rear right landing gear shortly after takeoff. In response, the crew chose to remain airborne for nearly two hours in a holding pattern. This decision was made to reduce the onboard fuel load and minimize the risk of fire during the emergency landing. As part of standard emergency protocol, foam was sprayed on the runway to further enhance safety conditions for the returning aircraft. The aircraft landed on two functional wheels at around 3:40 PM. Upon touchdown, the aircraft skidded off the runway due to the failed gear, but both the flight instructor and trainee pilot on board escaped unharmed. The situation was promptly brought under control by the airport's emergency response teams. No fire was reported, and there was no disruption to commercial operations at the airport following the incident. Authorities from the DGCA have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the landing gear failure. Preliminary reports suggest that the crew followed all necessary safety protocols and managed the situation with composure and professionalism, thereby avoiding a major accident. This incident brings renewed focus to safety practices at Indian flying schools, which have been under increased scrutiny. The DGCA has recently emphasized the importance of standardizing training operations across flight academies and ensuring that infrastructure, aircraft maintenance, and instructor qualifications meet rigorous aviation standards. Additionally, new transparency directives now require flying schools to publicly disclose their fleet details, student-instructor ratios, and CPL training timelines, allowing students and parents to make informed decisions. While no injuries were reported in the Khajuraho emergency, the event serves as a reminder of the real-time challenges faced in flight training environments and the critical importance of emergency preparedness. The Indian Flying Academy has not yet released a detailed statement but is said to be cooperating fully with regulatory officials in the ongoing inquiry. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Aircraft Crashes

Trainer Aircraft Skids During Emergency Landing in Khajuraho, DGCA Launches Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / June 11, 2025

Picture Credits: X Khajuraho, India: A training aircraft operated by the Indian Flying Academy made an emergency landing at Khajuraho

San Diego, United States: A tragic small plane crash off the coast of San Diego has claimed the lives of all six people on board, including the pilot and five passengers. The aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna 414, went down in the Pacific Ocean just minutes after taking off from San Diego International Airport on Sunday afternoon. According to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft had departed from San Diego shortly after 12:30 p.m. and was reportedly en route back to Phoenix, Arizona. Moments into the flight, air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to climb to an altitude of 4,000 feet. However, flight tracking data revealed that the plane was struggling to gain altitude and remained around 1,000 feet before it rapidly disappeared from radar. Distress calls from the pilot included repeated “Mayday” alerts before the aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately three to five miles off the coast of Point Loma. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the calls over radio transmissions, and authorities confirmed that an emergency was declared shortly before the plane vanished. The U.S. Coast Guard, San Diego Harbor Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and San Diego lifeguards responded immediately to the incident, launching a large-scale search and recovery operation. A debris field was located in waters estimated to be around 200 feet deep. The Coast Guard later confirmed that all six individuals on board were found deceased. The Cessna 414 involved in the crash had previously been registered to Optimal Health Systems, a company based in Arizona. However, the company has stated publicly that it sold the aircraft in 2023 and is no longer associated with its ownership or operation. As of now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA, and Coast Guard are jointly investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators are reviewing flight data, air traffic control communications, and maintenance records to determine what led to the fatal incident. Recovery of wreckage and any flight recording devices will also play a key role in the ongoing probe. Officials have not yet released the identities of those on board, pending notification of next of kin. This incident adds to a growing number of general aviation accidents reported in recent months across the United States. Aviation safety authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict compliance with flight planning, maintenance standards, and pilot qualifications, especially in small aircraft operations. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. Aviation Today will continue to provide verified updates as they are made available by federal and local authorities.

Aircraft Crashes

Six Dead After Cessna 414 Crashes Into Pacific Minutes After Takeoff from San Diego

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2025

Picture Credits: U.S. Coast Guard San Diego San Diego, United States: A tragic small plane crash off the coast of

Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its 29th aircraft into its growing fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, bearing the registration VT-YBG, landed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday. Akasa Air, which began operations in August 2022, has now reached 29 aircraft in less than three years of commercial service. This addition underscores the airline’s accelerated fleet expansion plan, which aims to double its current capacity in the next two years. The latest aircraft is part of Akasa’s large order book of over 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including both the MAX 8 and the high-density MAX 8-200 variants. The MAX 8-200 aircraft offer increased seating and fuel efficiency, enabling the airline to improve operating economics while maintaining passenger comfort. The airline’s operations team and ground staff welcomed the aircraft with customary water cannon salutes and internal handover protocols. Akasa officials stated that this induction not only marks a numeric achievement but also aligns with the airline’s strategy to increase route frequency and add new destinations across India and abroad. The fleet expansion is crucial to accommodate the rising passenger demand, particularly as the aviation sector sees strong recovery and growth across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Alongside its growing fleet, Akasa is actively preparing for operations out of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline’s leadership, including CEO Vinay Dube, confirmed that Akasa plans to operate up to 50 daily departures from the new airport once it becomes operational. Initial schedules are expected to include around 15 domestic and international flights. This move is seen as part of Akasa’s long-term strategy to diversify airport bases and serve emerging passenger corridors beyond existing metros. With consistent aircraft deliveries and a focused route network strategy, Akasa Air continues to position itself as a major player in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its

Airlines

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / June 6, 2025

Picture Credits: SriLankan Airlines Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a significant step toward reviving its long-haul capabilities, SriLankan Airlines has taken

aviation news

CAE Forecasts Need for 1.5 Million Aviation Professionals Including 300,000 Pilots by 2034

7 Killed in Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash, Over 40 Dead in Uttarakhand Since 2013

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

241 Confirmed Dead in Fatal Air India Flight Crash, British National Only Survivor

Air India Flight With 242 Onboard Crashes After Takeoff From Ahmedabad Airport

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Trainer Aircraft Skids During Emergency Landing in Khajuraho, DGCA Launches Probe

Six Dead After Cessna 414 Crashes Into Pacific Minutes After Takeoff from San Diego

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

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