Since India has just adopted an "open skies" policy, literally speaking, the "sky is the limit"! Like the U.S. in the 1970's when it threw open the civil aviation arena, India is also at the take-off stage. Civil aviation, as a profession for students, is in its infancy and what started as a trickle is fast becoming a flood. The opportunity in this Greenfield area is immeasurable with the diverse lines of business in the civil aviation arena - from Commercial Pilot Training to aircraft maintenance, flight management, ground support, logistical, technical and manpower and other ancillary support professions, the career list is endless. Once the Indian students realize the potential and opportunities, there will be no stopping them. As one can see, the aviation industry in India is restructuring – there has been consolidation among the airlines which invariably leads to growth (Jet buying Sahara, Air India merging with Indian Airlines, many new airline start ups) - the demand for manpower will be huge.  This unprecedented growth is not only domestic, but also, the private Indian airlines that are expanding into the international aviation arena will also present additional opportunities.

From a practical perspective, there are very few if any schools or institutes operating in India which cater to the civil aviation field. Until now, the lack of aircraft and equipment due to lao demand within a controlled economy, has resulted in few if any professions catering to the flight business. Needless to say, the students will go where opportunities for learning are available and right now that is abroad. It is true that over time there will spring up facilities in India as well, but for now, they have to look for such services and training abroad.  Going abroad for studies is not foreign to Indian students. The only difference is that an exciting new channel for learning has opened up pertaining to civil aviation education in all its forms, hence, the likely beeline by students to partake of this education.

For many years, Canada has welcomed international students - in Ontario (Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton), in British Columbia (Vancouver) or Manitoba (Winnipeg) to name a few. Cubex Aviation and Winnipeg Aviation have taken a lead in this area and the students from India are beginning to make a beeline for this place. We have special packages and modules which provide the so called "Take Off To Landing ". We take care of important but what seems to be mundane matters as living, boarding and lodging services which could be difficult for students coming fresh off the plane. If we can take care of such day to day worries, then they can concentrate on their studies and training, thus getting full mileage from the program.  Implicit to say, they will turn out to be better pilots or professionals which will give them a leg up in the civil aviation world.  Taking care of creature comforts by providing them accommodation in an independent house with four bedrooms, full amenities such as kitchen, TV, internet etc, eases them into a great carefree learning environment.

From a professional point of view also, we will be able be give them better and more practical training as the student has more time and can concentrate when his day-to-day worries have been taken care of.  This also gives them an opportunity to get exposure and training in soft matters such as communication, local social and cultural norms, human and business behavior to succeed in the business world. In short, a student graduating from Winnipeg Aviation turns out to be, not only a better professional, but a better human being.

As above mentioned, I cannot speak for other schools as far as modules are concerned. We at Winnipeg Aviation have come up with special programs for Indian students based on their academic and day to day psyche. Apart from providing the support on their social and domestic front as above mentioned, our academic portfolios are akin to what the Indian environment wants and expects. There are ample flying hours on a daily basis.  We make sure that the equipment they need is top notch, the learning tools are modern and up to date and the work load is not too heavy but a balance between a good healthy life and a sound learning environment.  We at Winnipeg Aviation are experienced both in the Canadian and Indian environment and give the best of both worlds to our students. The advantage of studying at a Canadian Institute, which will impart western learning, is that we combine both the Indian and western, thus bringing out a well rounded professional.

We are committed to India.  Our long term goal is to have a flight training institute in India one day. We have so much to do to establish this program on a sound footing. Once we are satisfied that we can move to the next step to open in India, we will. There are many issues first to be resolved, not least of which are the congested skies in India. Other serious issues now include lack of trained manpower (training the trainer)  to teach such a course but other facilities (building, equipment etc.) are lacking.

Contact us
Hemant M Shah
Managing Director
Cubex India Pvt Ltd
Member Board
Canada - India Business Council
Toronto
Mumbai,India
Phone: 22-25906371
Cell: 098 200 53530
Canada: 204 694 5505
Cell: 204 296 6660

Website:
www.cubexindia.net or www.cubexltd.com