Union Minister for Civil Aviation Inaugurates OFAA’s Kurnool Flying Training Base
Andhra Pradesh’s First Flying Training Organisation Begins Operations at Kurnool Airport
Kurnool | 26 September 2026
Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA), a DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisation (FTO) and an educational unit of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, inaugurated its new flying training base at Kurnool Airport on 26 September 2026, marking a significant milestone as Andhra Pradesh’s first Flying Training Organisation.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Sri. B. C. Janardhan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Roads & Buildings and Infrastructure & Investments, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Sri. T. G. Bharath, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce and Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh, attended as Guests of Honour.
The event was also attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Sri. Bastipati Nagaraju, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Kurnool; Smt. Gowru Charitha Reddy, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Panyam; Dr. A. Siri, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Kurnool; Shri. Madhu Sudana Sankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; along with other distinguished guests and officials.
Flag-Off of the Inaugural Flight
A key highlight of the inauguration was the flag-off of the inaugural flight, formally marking the commencement of flying training operations from OFAA’s new Kurnool base. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the inauguration plaque and addresses by the distinguished dignitaries.
The new Kurnool facility is designed to provide aspiring pilots with a professional, structured and safety-focused training environment, supported by modern learning resources and aviation-oriented infrastructure. The facility will complement OFAA’s established flying training operations at Mysuru Airport, Karnataka.
Strengthening Aviation Training in Andhra Pradesh
The establishment of the Kurnool FTO represents an important expansion of professional pilot-training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing structured flight training closer to aspiring pilots in the region, OFAA aims to contribute to aviation skill development and help nurture confident, disciplined, safety-conscious and industry-ready aviation professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, described the inauguration as an important milestone in OFAA’s journey and in the development of aviation training infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to quality training, modern infrastructure and an uncompromising focus on safety.
Over Three Decades of Aviation Excellence
Established in 1994, Orient Flights Aviation Academy has over 32 years of experience in aviation education and pilot training. With its established flying training base at Mysuru Airport and its newly expanded operations at Kurnool Airport, OFAA continues its commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals through quality flight training, modern infrastructure, safety and operational excellence.
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.
