IndiGo mulling evidence-based training programs for pilots: What are they?
What's the story
IndiGo, the largest airline in India, is planning to launch evidence-based training programs for its pilots. The initiative is part of the airline's ongoing efforts to improve their skills and situational awareness. Currently, IndiGo has over 5,300 pilots and operates more than 2,300 flights daily. The company is also expanding its fleet with new wide-body planes.
Training evolution
What is EBT?
Currently, IndiGo employs Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA). A senior airline official told PTI that once an airline becomes CBTA-compliant, it eventually matures into EBT-compliance. EBT stands for Evidence-Based Training. The official said they are currently baselining the CBTA and looking at how to reach the EBT stage using data and global best practices with consultants on board.
Training focus
Use of data analytics and AI in training programs
The key components of competency-based training programs include various skills, enhanced situational awareness, decision-making, and corporate resource management. The airline plans to use its vast amount of data for evidence-based training, with the help of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). "We will first collect all the data, validate all the data...then base the training program on the data," said a senior official at IndiGo.
Growth strategy
Pilot strength expected to double by 2030
IndiGo currently has a fleet of over 400 planes with more than 900 aircraft on order. The airline's pilot strength is expected to double from the current level of over 5,300 by 2030. The official said that while they want to implement EBT as soon as possible, it will take about a year or year-and-a-half to do so.