Infra, skilled manpower needed to sustain aviation sector growth: Sinha

New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) India needs infrastructure and trained manpower to sustain the growth of its civil aviation sector, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said on Tuesday.

"Land for airports development" and skilled manpower are required to sustain the growth being witnessed by the sector, he said at an event here to launch skill development initiative for aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs).

The initiative comes after a report submitted to the Civil Aviation ministry highlighted that 72,900 technicians and AMEs will be required by the industry by 2035.

However, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation's data showed that only 3,644 basic licenses and only 159 type rated AME licenses were issued in the last five years.

On an average, eight AMEs are required for maintenance of an aircraft. This figure assumes significance in the light mega aircraft orders that have been recently placed by domestic airlines.

"With our detailed four-pronged approach to skill development for AMEs, we are significantly upgrading their ability to hone their skills and find employment," said Sinha.

"Our learnings from this initiative will help us in expanding the scope to other trades and skills in aviation sector."

The event also marked the launch of "Standardise AME Apprenticeship" programme, wherein the ministry in partnership with the airlines and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) organisations has launched a one-year programme.

Besides, the partnership between global aircraft manufacturer Boeing and state-run Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL) in developing the AME Accelerated Apprenticeship Programme was also announced.