India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, has expressed his concern over a perceived shortage of manpower in the aviation sector - and has urged stakeholders to address the problem.
In a speech, he called on stakeholders to unite and pool ideas for the development of skills, taking into consideration the requirements and employment opportunities available in all segments of the sector, such as MRO, ground handling and freight.
Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had hired a consultancy firm to undertake an analysis of the skill gap within the civil aviation sector and to suggest a road map for future skills development.
A draft report has recommended the setting up of a robust training and skill building ecosystem and has gone on to suggest the establishment of a National Civil Aviation Training Authority and Cargo and Ground Handling Sector Skill Council.
