Ashok Gopinath, President and Accountable Manager, GMR Aero Technic, and a key leader behind the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, discusses how India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector is driving demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals. In this interview with ET Education, he explains why human expertise remains irreplaceable in aviation, how DGCA and EASA-aligned training is opening global career pathways for Indian students, and what it will take to build the next generation of aircraft engineers.Q. GMR School of Aviation follows both DGCA and EASA-aligned standards. How does this dual certification improve global employability opportunities for Indian students?
Ashok Gopinath: GMR School of Aviation provides basic training in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME). The programme comprises two years of academic learning followed by two years of on-the-job training at our MRO facility. Students can subsequently pursue aircraft-specific type training on platforms such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 and, after clearing the required examinations, obtain a DGCA licence.
Our training is approved by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as well as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA is among the world’s most recognised aviation regulatory bodies, and qualifications aligned with its standards enjoy global acceptance. As a result, students who complete EASA-recognised training significantly enhance their employability, not just in India but across international aviation markets.
Q. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, why does aviation training still require intensive hands-on experience on live aircraft?
Ashok Gopinath: Aircraft maintenance is fundamentally a hands-on profession. When an aircraft requires maintenance, engineers must physically inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot and replace components. Aviation is built on safety, and while AI and digital technologies can support diagnostics and improve efficiency, they cannot replace human accountability.
Ultimately, every aircraft must be certified fit to fly by a qualified and licensed engineer. Technology may assist in the process, but the final responsibility rests with a human being. That individual must possess the knowledge, skills, confidence and practical experience necessary to make safety-critical decisions. This is why hands-on training on live aircraft remains indispensable.
Q. With India’s aviation sector expanding rapidly, how significant is the demand-supply gap for trained aviation engineers today
Ashok Gopinath: India’s aviation sector is growing at nearly 20 per cent annually, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue over the long term. Airlines are constantly expanding their fleets, airports are growing, manufacturing capabilities are increasing and the MRO sector is developing rapidly.
To support this expansion, the industry requires a large pool of skilled professionals. While India has a strong base of technically qualified talent, many candidates lack aviation-specific training and are therefore not immediately employable. This gap was one of the key reasons behind establishing the school adjacent to our MRO facility.
Our objective is to create a steady pipeline of industry-ready professionals for the aviation ecosystem. Students receive exposure to modern systems, practical training and industry partnerships that make them employable from day one.
Q. What makes aviation education different from traditional technical education when it comes to industry readiness and safety standards?
Ashok Gopinath: Safety is paramount in aviation. Unlike many industries, there is virtually no margin for error. Consequently, training standards are rigorous, and only individuals who demonstrate the required competence and technical understanding can qualify.
The eligibility criteria reflect these standards. Students must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. While aircraft maintenance engineering is a professional qualification rather than a conventional degree programme, we have partnered with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara. Students who complete the required additional modules can also earn a degree qualification alongside their professional certification.
Q. Are international aviation companies and airports increasingly recruiting trained talent from India?
Ashok Gopinath: Absolutely. India is globally recognised for its skilled workforce. Just as Indian professionals have established a strong reputation in information technology, they are also making significant contributions to aviation worldwide.
Across airlines, airports and maintenance organisations globally, one can find a substantial number of aviation professionals of Indian origin. While India’s own aviation sector requires a growing workforce, we also recognise that many trained professionals will pursue international careers. Therefore, our training is aligned with global standards, ensuring graduates are prepared for opportunities both in India and abroad.
This approach also supports national initiatives such as Skill India and the broader goal of building a globally competitive workforce.
Q. What kind of career and growth opportunities can students expect after pursuing globally aligned aviation engineering training?
Ashok Gopinath: Students who complete aircraft maintenance engineering training can pursue careers with airlines, MRO organisations, aircraft manufacturers and other aviation service providers. We also offer aircraft-specific type training, which further strengthens employability.
One of the most critical roles in aviation is that of licensed maintenance personnel. Before every flight, an aircraft must be inspected and certified by a qualified professional who confirms that it is fit to fly. Achieving that level of responsibility requires specialised training and regulatory certification.
There is currently a significant shortage of such highly skilled professionals, and institutions like ours are helping bridge that gap by preparing the next generation of aviation engineers and licensed maintenance experts.
