IGRUA's Flight Path: From Accidents to Sustainable Aviation

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) has seen its fleet of trainer aircraft reduced due to accidents and service retirement. Recent initiatives aim to rebuild this fleet with a budget of Rs 25 crore for new aircraft and a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel to meet future demand and environmental standards.

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) has experienced significant changes in its fleet over the past eight years, highlighted by the loss of four trainer aircraft to accidents. Currently, the Akademi operates with 13 planes, down from 24 in 2017, largely due to some aircraft reaching their service life.

The Indian government has allocated a budget of Rs 25 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 to aid IGRUA in acquiring new trainers. To bolster pilot training, IGRUA has expanded its operations, conducting seven-day-a-week flight training and establishing additional bases for year-round flying.

Furthermore, India is taking steps toward sustainability in aviation with efforts to incorporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Despite challenges like high production costs and limited supply chains, India is committed to ICAO initiatives and setting blending targets for SAF, aiming for a greener future in aviation.

(With inputs from agencies.)