Telangana plans incubator, training academy for aerospace

The Telangana government announced on Tuesday it plans to develop an incubation hub in aerospace and defence sector in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad.

The incubator, on the lines of T-Hub recently launched by the state in information technology sector in collaboration with three premier institutions, is one of the various initiatives planned by the state government to make the newly-created state a hub in aerospace and defence.

An aero skills academy in collaboration with Aerocampus Aquitaine, France, expansion of existing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Adibatla and setting ip another aerospace park are the other initiatives proposed to tap the immense potential in the sector.

The Aerocampus Aquitaine aims to offer comprehensive training for professional skills in defence and aerospace industry with EASA certification. Established with an investment of outlay of 26 million Euros, the centre in France is catering to the professional skill training for the pilots and technicians.

Speaking at the second Defence & Aerosupply India global conclave, Industries and Commerce Secretary Arvind Kumar said the government will focus on provision of incentives, ready infrastructure, skill development and necessary policy reforms.

Land, power, ease of doing business and ready infrastructure are the four key areas identified to help the potential investors.

He noted that the state government already entered into a five-year policy agreement with Bordeaux Metropole of France for cooperation in various areas including aeronautics.

Bordeaux's International Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Frederic Woringer said the cooperation will cover policy framework, Make in India, SME focus, ease of doing business, local partners, green aeronautics, MRO and the innovative skills training in collaboration with Aerocampus Aquitaine.

Aerocampus Aquitaine director Jerome Verschave said the aerospace industry will see a huge spurt in business over the next decade with creation of one million pilots and technicians.

He said that there is a need for creation of a training cluster in aeronautical industry to offer trained manpower and hence the central government is partnering with Telangana to set up a similar school in Hyderabad.

Over 500 delegates from 11 countries are attending the three-day conclave concluding on Wednesday.