CM Bhagwant Mann Unveils Vision to Make Punjab a Major Aviation Hub

Patiala, Dec 2025 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday presented a forward-looking roadmap to transform the state into a leading centre for aviation. While interacting with aircraft engineers and trainees at the Patiala Flying Club, the Chief Minister said that his government is committed to creating a strong aviation ecosystem by offering high-quality, affordable, and industry-aligned training. He noted that these efforts will open doors to careers that were once financially out of reach for many students.

Highlighting the government’s mission to nurture job creators instead of just job seekers, Chief Minister Mann said the upcoming Aviation Museum in Patiala will not only preserve the nation’s flying legacy but also ignite ambition among young minds. He expressed pleasure in meeting trainees at the institute, which currently has 32 trainee pilots and 72 students enrolled in the Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College.

The Chief Minister pointed out that most of the 32 trainee pilots come from families entering the aviation sector for the first time. He noted that commercial pilot training at private institutions typically costs between ₹40-45 lakh, while the Patiala Flying Club offers a 50 percent subsidy, reducing the expense to around ₹22-25 lakh. Mann said the fee reduction of nearly ₹20 lakh has made it possible for students from middle-class families, including those of shopkeepers, teachers, farmers, and clerks, to pursue aviation careers with confidence.

Detailing new infrastructure developments, the Chief Minister said that an aviation museum is being developed at the Patiala Aviation Complex at a cost of ₹7 crore. The museum will feature MiG aircraft, second-generation helicopters, flight simulators, and exhibits showcasing India’s aviation heritage. He said the facility will provide valuable learning opportunities for students, academicians, and the general public.

Chief Minister Mann added that the goal of the museum is to inspire schoolchildren and young people to consider aviation as a promising career path. On the occasion, the state government also launched the Civil Aviation Department’s new website, dca.punjab.gov.in, designed to expand accessibility and enhance public engagement.

With these initiatives, Punjab aims to position itself as a major destination for aviation training, innovation, and employment in the years ahead.

Team Maverick.