Karnataka to set up Flight Training Organisation at Shivamogga airport

Shivamogga airport

Karnataka government plans to set up a Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at Shivamogga airport to boost pilot training and aviation infrastructure in the state.

Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSIIDC), which operates Shivamogga airport since its commercial launch in August 2023, has invited bids for the project. The selected agency will design, build, operate, and maintain the FTO at its own cost for 20 years, with no financial support from the state.

Also, read: Karnataka: Shivamogga airport begins commercial operations; state govt to provide Rs 500 subsidy per ticket

“This will be the first FTO set up by KSIIDC, which will strengthen Karnataka’s aviation training capacity, develop skilled professionals, and support the wider aviation ecosystem in the region,” a senior official told Moneycontrol.

KSIIDC will lease about 3,500 square meters of land—1,500 sqm on the airside for hangars and 2,000 sqm on the city side for classrooms and offices. The agency will have to build essential infrastructure including classrooms, flight simulators, a library, radio telephony training and testing rooms, briefing rooms, instructor offices, student lounges, and internet and telecom facilities. The hangar will also include lighting, alarms, CCTV surveillance, parking bays, and office space for engineering staff.

While KSIIDC will provide support infrastructure such as basic fire safety, ambulance services, air traffic control (ATC), meteorological support, and airstrip maintenance, the selected agency will bear the recurring costs for electricity, security, and housekeeping. The facility will have to follow norms laid down by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

Also, read: Shivamogga will be the first airport to be operated, maintained by Karnataka government: MB Patil

“FTO aims to train 100 cadets annually, starting with 50 cadets in the first year and scaling to 100 by year three. At least three airworthy aircraft must be deployed within three months of operations, with more added as per DGCA norms within a year”, states the tender document.

Conditions apply

It also mandates reservation of 25 percent of seats for Karnataka domiciles and women candidates, who will also receive concessional fees. While the agency will handle admissions, the final list must be submitted to KSIIDC for oversight.

An annual lease rental of Rs 650 per square meter will apply, escalating by 15 percent every three years. The selected agency must obtain all required approvals and submit a Detailed Project Report before beginning construction.

"FTO must become operational within nine months of signing the agreement, after which the lease and concession fees will commence. Bids will be evaluated based on the annual concession fee per flying hour, with a minimum rate of Rs 800 and a mandatory minimum of 2,500 flying hours per year," the tender document states.

The agency must comply with DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements for infrastructure, staffing, and procedures. It will also be responsible for obtaining all regulatory clearances and maintaining insurance for cadets, staff, and facilities.

“Operations will be on a non-exclusive basis, meaning KSIIDC can permit other agencies to establish similar facilities. The agency must comply with safety protocols, maintain facilities, and submit periodic reports to KSIIDC and relevant regulators”, it said.

Concession fees will follow a sliding scale—full rate for the first 2,500 flying hours, a 50 percent discount for hours between 2,501 and 6,000, and a 75 percent discount beyond 6,000 hours. Payments must be made annually in advance, with penalties for delays.

“FTO must ensure safe operations with third-party insurance and qualified personnel. Use of the airport and airstrip will be coordinated with KSIIDC, with priority for government and VVIP flights. Upon contract expiry or termination, all assets will revert to KSIIDC at no cost. Delays or non-compliance may lead to penalties or termination”, it said.

The initiative supports the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision to build world-class aviation training capacity domestically. “Only bidders with prior aviation experience and strong financial credentials will be considered. KSIIDC will regulate, audit, and oversee the FTO’s operations for compliance”, it adds.

Across the country, there are 38 DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations, including the Government Flying Training School at Jakkur aerodrome in Bengaluru, which has remained non-operational since December 2023. In Karnataka, several others are run by private firms at airports in Kalaburagi, Mysuru, and Belagavi, all of which are currently operational.

Also, read: Karnataka's Shivamogga airport to be operational from Aug 31, six months after inauguration by PM Modi