New Delhi: Odisha has taken a significant step towards emerging as a hub for aviation and drone technology with the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the ongoing Wings India 2026.
The agreements, signed by the government of Odisha during the civil aviation event, focus on skill development, innovation, and employment generation for the state’s youth.
As part of the initiative, a Flying Training Organisation will be set up at Dandbose Airport in Mayurbhanj. The facility will train 50 commercial pilots every year, creating new career pathways in the rapidly expanding aviation sector.
In another first for the state, Odisha will establish its maiden UAV (drone) Training and Testing Centre at the Rangeilunda Airstrip in Ganjam district. The centre is expected to train more than 100 UAV pilots annually. These skills will support critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, logistics, and disaster management.
Officials said the projects aim to strengthen Odisha’s aviation ecosystem and equip young professionals with future-ready technical skills. The State government believes these initiatives will also boost local employment and attract investment in emerging technologies.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said: “We remain committed to building a skilled, self-reliant, and aspirational Odisha.”
With these developments, Odisha is positioning itself as an important contributor to India’s technology-driven growth, while advancing its goal of building a skilled and self-reliant workforce.
