New Delhi, March 12 -- India will need approximately 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years as airlines expand their fleets, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said on Tuesday.

He noted that domestic airlines have already ordered over 1,700 aircraft, which will add to the existing fleet of more than 800 planes.

Speaking at an event for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 200 trainer aircraft, the minister stressed the importance of strengthening pilot training in the country.

"There are currently 6,000 to 7,000 working pilots, and with the growing demand, India should aim to become a hub for pilot training," the Minister stated.

To support this goal, the government is reviewing 38 Flying Training Organisat...