The Adani Group has announced a major expansion of its aerospace and defence portfolio with the acquisition of Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC), India’s largest pilot-training company. Valued at ₹820 crore, the deal gives Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL) and Horizon Aero Solutions (HAS) a combined 73% stake, with the remaining 27% retained by the original promoters.
ADSTL, along with Prime Aero Services LLP, has completed the purchase of a majority stake in FSTC, a leading provider of flight training and simulation services in India. The acquisition integrates FSTC’s pilot-training, simulator operations, and flying-school infrastructure into Adani’s expanding aviation services ecosystem.
FSTC brings significant assets, including 11 full-flight simulators, 17 training aircraft, and operational flying schools across Gurugram, Hyderabad, Bhiwani, and Narnaul. Its certifications from the DGCA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) give it a strong position to serve both Indian and international airlines.
These regulatory approvals allow FSTC to cater to commercial carriers, global airlines, and defence clients. This broad service capability aligns with Adani’s ambition to build a complete aviation services platform. With this acquisition, Adani aims to expand across the aviation value chain—from maintenance and repair operations (MRO) to simulator-based training and potentially defence simulation and mission-rehearsal services.
India’s aviation boom strengthens the logic behind the deal. The country is expected to add 1,500+ new aircraft, creating huge demand for skilled pilots and advanced training facilities. Defence aviation is also seeking enhanced simulation capacity.
Integrating FSTC will give Adani access to recurring revenue streams such as training fees, simulator rentals, long-term contracts, and flying-school operations. These provide stable cash flows compared to cyclical aviation manufacturing or MRO orders. FSTC’s dual certification under DGCA and EASA gives it an edge in attracting foreign airlines and Indian carriers flying overseas, improving simulator utilisation and profitability.
India’s aviation sector is currently experiencing operational strain due to a shortage of trained pilots and crew—a challenge highlighted recently when IndiGo announced significant crew shortages affecting flight schedules.By scaling FSTC’s infrastructure and expanding training capacity, Adani may play a crucial role in addressing India’s long-term pilot shortage. Integrated training solutions, increased simulator slots, and expanded flying-school capability could directly support airlines struggling to meet rising demand.
