AVIATION
Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates First DGCA-Approved Flying Training Organisation at Orvakal Airport
Andhra Pradesh inaugurated the State's first DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO), Orient Flights Aviation Academy, at Kurnool Airport on 26 September 2026, with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu and state ministers TG Bharath and others in attendance. Five more FTOs are in the pipeline across Kurnool, Rajahmundry and Kadapa.
| Academy Name | Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA) |
|---|---|
| Location & Airport | Kurnool Airport, Orvakal, Andhra Pradesh (officially Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport) |
| Regulatory Approval | DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation |
| Inauguration Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Key Attendees | Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, AP Ministers TG Bharath (Industries & Commerce, Food Processing), MP Kurnool Nagaraju, MLAs Dastagiri, Gowru Charitha, Shyam Babu |
| Airport Operations Start | 28 March 2021 |
| Pilot Training Aircraft | Fleet includes Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, and Diamond DA42 multi-engine aircraft |
| Training Duration | CPL programme typically 18–24 months, depending on individual progress, DGCA theory exams, and weather conditions |
| Broader Context | Part of Rayalaseema's aerospace opportunity hub alongside Drone City at Orvakal, Combat Aircraft development in Puttaparthi, and Trainer Aircraft Manufacturing in Kuppam |
Historic Milestone for Andhra Pradesh Aviation
On 26 September 2026, Andhra Pradesh inaugurated its first DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO), Orient Flights Aviation Academy, at Kurnool Airport. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, an MP from Srikakulam, joined the event alongside state ministers including TG Bharath, the Industries & Commerce and Food Processing Minister. Five additional FTOs are in development across Kurnool, Rajahmundry and Kadapa, signalling rapid expansion of pilot training capacity in the state.
The academy inauguration forms part of a broader aerospace strategy for Rayalaseema, where the region is being positioned alongside India's first Drone City at Orvakal, Combat Aircraft development in Puttaparthi, and Trainer Aircraft Manufacturing in Kuppam.
Facility Details and Training Offerings
A flight training school operates at Kurnool Airport (officially known as Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport), which began commercial operations on 28 March 2021. The airport covers 1,008 acres and was built at a cost of ₹153 crore as a low-cost regional airport.
Orient Flights Aviation Academy is DGCA-approved with a C+ rating, operating since 2016 with a comprehensive fleet including Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, and Diamond DA42 multi-engine aircraft. The academy offers complete pilot training from Private Pilot License (PPL) to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with IR/SE+ME qualifications, with programs typically lasting 6–18 months. The typical duration of a CPL programme is 18 to 24 months, depending on individual student progress, passing DGCA theory exams, and weather conditions such as monsoons.
Integration with Orvakal Industrial Smart City and Drone City
Orvakal is a smart city developed under the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, spanning a total area of 9,719 acres with phase 1 covering 2,621 acres. It is India's first drone city with 300 acres, designed to house a diverse range of industries including steel-based, light engineering, non-metallic minerals, aerospace and defense hardware, e-waste recycling, gems, logistic hubs and renewable energy.
India's Drone City at Orvakal was virtually launched by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, expected to generate over 40,000 jobs. The 300-acre Drone City is expected to generate over 40,000 jobs and will host the world's largest common drone testing facility. The aviation academy serves as a complementary facility, providing trained pilots and aviation professionals for the broader aerospace ecosystem.
Connectivity and Future Plans
The Orvakal node in Kurnool District, spanning 2,621 acres, is being developed under the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. The site is strategically located with access to NH40, NH44, Kurnool Bypass, ensuring robust road connectivity. Kurnool Airport lies 12 km from the node, giving quick air access to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured steps for a dedicated testing and certification facility in Kurnool following a request by Minister TG Bharath, and also promised efforts to improve flight connectivity and introduce night-landing facilities at Kurnool Airport. The government is exploring support for modern training aircraft, including the indigenous Hansa NG, and will organise a national-level graduation ceremony for pilot trainees every year.
Sources
- Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on X - Historic moment for Andhra Pradesh with the inauguration of the State's 1st FTO
- Kurnool Airport - Wikipedia
- Orient Flights Aviation Academy Contact Information
- Orient Flights Aviation Academy - The Pilots Compass
- Orvakal Andhra Pradesh - NICDC
- Orvakal Industrial Area - APICDC
- Andhra Pradesh Launches India's First Drone City - Silicon India
- Andhra Pradesh Sets Country's First Drone City At Orvakal - KNN India
- Kurnool set to take wings as aviation, drone hub - The Hans India