Minister inaugurates Orient Flights Aviation Academy’s new flying training base at Kurnool airport

Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu inaugurated a new flying training base of Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA) at Kurnool airport. The launch of a new flying training basis marks a significant milestone with the establishment of Andhra Pradesh’s first flying training organisation.

The inauguration event was held at the OFAA Hangar, Kurnool airport. Minister Naidu was the chief guest and BC Janardhan Reddy, minister for roads and buildings and infrastructure and investments, and TG Bharath, minister for industries and commerce and food processing, also took part as the guest of honour.

Anand Jacob Verghese, chairman, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, said: “The inauguration of our Kurnool flying training base is an important milestone in the journey of Orient Flights Aviation Academy and in the development of aviation training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. Our endeavour is to provide aspiring pilots with a structured pathway to a professional aviation career, supported by quality training, modern infrastructure and an uncompromising commitment to safety.”

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Orient Flights Aviation Academy's new flying base

“We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, our distinguished guests and all our stakeholders for their support and encouragement as we begin this new chapter at Kurnool,” Verghese added.

The establishment of the Kurnool’s flying training base represents a significant expansion of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, according to an official statement.

The new flying base will provide aspiring pilots from the state and neighbouring regions with greater access to structured, professional and safety-focused flight training. The event also highlighted the academy’s continued commitment to aviation education and professional pilot training.

Notably, a flag-off of the inaugural flight was the highlight of the event, formally marking the commencement of flying training operations from the Kurnool base.

“The Kurnool facility is designed to provide cadet pilots with a professional training environment supported by modern learning resources and aviation-oriented infrastructure. The new base will complement OFAA’s established flying training operations at Mysuru Airport, Karnataka,” the statement read.

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Minister flags off first flight at new flying base

The facility is expected to support aviation skill development and contribute to the growth of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

Through the newly launched base, OFAA aims to help develop confident, disciplined, safety-conscious and industry-ready aviation professionals.

“The inauguration of the Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality pilot training and contributing to the continued growth of India’s aviation sector,” it added.

The Kurnool FTO marks a new chapter in OFAA’s journey, strengthening its presence in South India and reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals.

Bastipati Nagaraju, member of parliament, Kurnool; Gowru Charitha Reddy, member of Legislative Assembly, Panyam; Vipin Kumar, IAS, chairman AAI; Madhu Sudana Sankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Kona Sasidhar, IAS, Secretary to Government (FAC), Infrastructure and Investment Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Praveen Adithya CV, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Nandyal; A Siri, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Kurnool and Rajakumari Ganiya, IAS, Managing Director, APADCL also took part in the event as special guests and distinguished invitees.

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