By Staff Correspondent
The aviation sector is witnessing a landmark moment as Skyborne Airline Academy, in partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, celebrates the largest ever intake for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program. A cohort of 40 cadets has been welcomed into this transformative program, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming professional pilots. Following a Letter of Intent (LoI) ceremony in Gurgaon, India, these aspiring aviators are set to begin their intensive training at Skyborne’s state-of-the-art facility in Florida, United States, before transitioning to licensing and type rating in India. This collaboration stands as a testament to Skyborne and IndiGo’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for proficient pilots in India’s thriving aviation industry.
Skyborne’s esteemed Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Rina Basu, emphasized the importance of this continued partnership, which began in 2019. She stated, “Since Skyborne’s partnership with IndiGo began, we’ve supported India’s aviation industry in meeting workforce demand and tackling pilot shortages. Now, with our largest intake ever, we’re proud to continue supplying IndiGo with passionate and bright cadets who are committed to becoming highly skilled commercial pilots.” The significance of this collaboration extends beyond mere numbers; it reinforces both organizations’ dedication to fostering talent and elevating standards in commercial pilot training.
A noteworthy feature of this 2025 intake is its diversity, with 21% of the cadets being women—a figure that considerably surpasses the global average of 6%. This milestone indicates a progressive shift in gender inclusivity within aviation, an industry historically dominated by men. Among these cadets is Karri Dhanashree, a former cabin crew member for IndiGo, who expressed her excitement at achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I began my journey as a cabin attendant with IndiGo, and with hard work and invaluable guidance from colleagues, I’m now able to fly for the only company I ever imagined working for in aviation.” Her story underscores the program’s role in empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations within the aviation industry, regardless of their starting point.
Another future cadet, Prince Verma, echoed similar sentiments, noting the profound opportunity presented by Skyborne and IndiGo. “Joining Skyborne isn’t just about learning to fly; it’s about embracing a culture of discipline, professionalism, and continuous growth,” he remarked. These cadets, coming from diverse backgrounds, are united by a shared vision of excellence and the drive to contribute meaningfully to IndiGo and the broader aviation sector.
Skyborne Airline Academy, headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, and with additional locations in the United Kingdom, has earned a reputation as a premier training institution for airline pilots. The academy’s foundation lies in the vision of its founders, Tom Misner (Chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO), who bring unparalleled expertise in aviation, education, and training. Their commitment to combining tradition with innovation has resulted in an unparalleled learning environment where aspiring pilots are equipped with the skills, resilience, and professionalism necessary to excel in today’s fast-evolving airline industry.
Using cutting-edge technology and rigorous evaluation methods, Skyborne ensures that only the most talented candidates are selected for its programs. This meticulous process reduces failure rates while increasing efficiency, supplying partner airlines—such as IndiGo, British Airways, Delta, and SkyWest—with highly capable pilots ready to meet operational demands. Skyborne’s forward-thinking approach to training has also extended to fostering collaborations with global leaders like DHL Air (UK), offering fully funded training opportunities for employees transitioning to aviation careers.
Skyborne’s commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation has earned it a distinguished place in global aviation training. By working closely with IndiGo, the academy is playing a crucial role in addressing the pilot workforce challenges facing India—a country where air travel is expanding at an unprecedented pace. This partnership is not only supporting thousands of aspiring pilots but is also ensuring the continuous growth of India’s aviation sector.
The largest ever intake by Skyborne and IndiGo marks a significant step forward for the aviation industry, reinforcing a shared vision of nurturing world-class pilots. Through programs like the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, dreams are being realized, boundaries are being broken, and the future of aviation is being redefined. With a strong commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, Skyborne and IndiGo are setting a benchmark for what can be achieved when two industry leaders join forces to invest in talent, drive progress, and inspire greatness in the next generation of aviators.
