In Delhi, Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) find themselves grappling with a formidable challenge as industry pundits and FTO leaders assert that a severe shortage of Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS) has resulted in the immobilization of numerous aircraft.
Speaking anonymously to ETV Bharat, industry insiders disclosed that approximately 240-250 training aircraft out of a total fleet of 300 nationwide are presently grounded due to this acute deficiency in aviation fuel. This predicament has significantly disrupted the operations of these FTOs, occurring precisely during the peak flying season.
Harsh Vardhan Singh, President of the Association of Flying Training Organizations (AFTO), conveyed to ETV that the crisis is indeed genuine and has persisted for the past three to four weeks. FTOs are feeling the brunt of this fuel shortage, resulting in the grounding of aircraft. Approximately 240-245 out of around 280 aircraft are affected by this issue.
Similarly, attempts by ETV to reach out to FTOs concerning the crisis elucidated that their operations are severely hampered due to the fuel shortage, instigating genuine concern among students and FTOs alike, especially considering the optimal flying period between March and May.
Captain Mamatha, CEO of Flytech Aviation Academy situated in Hyderabad, lamented, “For the past few years, we have been reliant on fuel imports, with Indian Oil also engaging in importation before transitioning to local production in India since November 2022, a move that was warmly welcomed by all. However, despite local production, the cost disparity remains stark. While international procurement fetches fuel at 185-190/litre, Indian Oil, despite local manufacturing, supplies the same fuel at 230-245/litre. This disheartens us deeply. Rumors suggest that Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has been prioritizing exports over supplying the domestic market, exacerbating the issue for National FTOs.”
She emphasized, “Not everything should be perceived solely through a profit-making lens.”
A senior official from Alchemist Aviation in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, disclosed, “This situation has persisted for several weeks now. It’s not just our organization; FTOs across the nation are feeling the impact. Out of our fleet of 5 aircraft, two are currently grounded, and as our fuel reserves dwindle, the remaining three will follow suit.”
Similarly, an official from Ambitions Flying Club in Uttar Pradesh reiterated, “The fuel shortage poses a significant crisis, affecting us for several weeks now. This predicament is not unique to our FTO but has engulfed nearly every flying school in India.”
A top official from IOC, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged, “There are logistical challenges at play, but they will be addressed. This is merely a temporary setback, and resolutions are imminent. There’s no cause for alarm.”
Inquiries directed to DGCA remain outstanding and will be updated promptly upon receipt of a response.
It is noteworthy that in September 2022, IOC commenced the production of AVGAS 100LL to mitigate the issue of unreliable supply to flying schools.
Since 2022, IOC has consistently supplied AVGAS to FTOs, albeit at a higher price than international markets. Nonetheless, its unwavering supply has ensured uninterrupted flying training in India.
