PATIALA: Declaring an end to aviation being a sector reserved only for the wealthy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday outlined an ambitious roadmap to position the state as a major hub of the aviation industry. Interacting with aircraft engineers and trainees at the Patiala Flying Club, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is building a robust aviation ecosystem by providing world-class, affordable training aligned with industry needs, enabling children of farmers, shopkeepers, and teachers to pursue careers once considered out of reach.
Emphasizing his government’s focus on creating job givers rather than job seekers, CM Mann said the upcoming Aviation Museum at Patiala will preserve India’s flying heritage while inspiring the next generation to aim higher. The museum, being established at a cost of ₹7 crore, will feature MiG aircraft, second-generation helicopters, simulators, and other aviation exhibits to educate students and the public.
Highlighting the affordability of pilot training, the Chief Minister noted that while private institutes charge ₹40–45 lakh for commercial pilot courses, the Patiala Flying Club provides nearly a 50% subsidy, reducing fees to ₹22–25 lakh. This allows students from ordinary households to pursue aviation careers, with the Flying Club ranking seventh nationally and operating seven training aircraft, including single-engine and multi-engine planes, along with a newly acquired Tecnam P2006T.
For those seeking aviation careers beyond piloting, the Punjab Government offers affordable technical education at the Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) College. The 3-year B.Sc (Hons.) + 3-year DGCA-approved AME program costs only ₹3 lakh, compared to ₹5–8 lakh elsewhere, with 33% of seats reserved for SC and BC students. CM Mann highlighted that over 4,000 trained professionals from the Patiala Flying Club and College are now employed with major airlines and aviation firms, earning an average starting salary of ₹1.5 lakh per month.
CM Mann urged the youth to stay grounded, work hard, and carve out their own identity, reminding them that “the sky is the limit.” He expressed hope that students will leverage the government’s initiatives to create opportunities, become leaders in aviation, and contribute proactively to a progressive and prosperous Punjab.
