Vero Beach, FL, January 2025 – Piper Aircraft has announced a landmark fleet agreement with the Air India Flight Training Centre, marking a significant milestone in the manufacturer’s global expansion strategy. The deal includes an order for 93 Piper Archer DX aircraft, with 31 firm deliveries scheduled for 2025 and 62 additional options for 2026 and 2027. The first aircraft are set to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.
This agreement is a pivotal step for Air India as it launches its newly established flight training school in Amravati, Maharashtra, which is poised to become the largest aviation training facility in South Asia.
Advancing Pilot Training in India
Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, highlighted the importance of the acquisition:
“It is an honour to collaborate with Piper Aircraft to bring the Piper Archer DX to our new training centre. This investment underscores our commitment to equipping our pilots with cutting-edge training tools. The addition of these aircraft will enable Air India to train hundreds of cadets in our pilot programs.”
The Archer DX, known for its reliability and user-friendly design, is a perfect fit for Air India’s cadet programs, ensuring that aspiring pilots are trained with the latest in aviation technology.
Piper Aircraft’s Global Expansion
For Piper Aircraft, this partnership strengthens its presence in the Asian market, aligning with its strategy of global fleet growth. John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are excited to welcome Air India to the Piper Flight School Alliance. We take pride in supporting institutions like Air India by providing aircraft that are renowned for their reliability and ease of use, ensuring the success of the next generation of airline pilots.”
A Step Forward for South Asia’s Aviation Sector
The establishment of the Amravati training school, complemented by the delivery of Archer DX aircraft, represents a transformative moment for aviation in South Asia. The centre will not only address the region’s growing demand for skilled pilots but also elevate Air India’s position as a leader in aviation training.
This agreement underscores Air India’s commitment to innovation and investment in the future of aviation, while Piper Aircraft solidifies its role as a key player in equipping global flight schools with state-of-the-art training fleets.
SOURCE AND IMAGE CREDIT: PIPER AIRCRAFT

