AAI ATC Exam: Expectations and Prospects for 2019 Recruitment

In anticipation of the upcoming AAI ATC (Air Traffic Controller) exam, many candidates are eager to know when and how they can secure positions in this prestigious field. As the aviation industry surges forward, the demand for skilled air traffic controllers is on the rise, making it important to stay informed about the recruitment process. This article will delve into the recent trends, expectations, and possibilities for the upcoming AAI ATC recruitment in 2019.

Recent Recruitment Trends

Over the past few years, the Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services (ATC ANS) division under AAI has seen significant recruitment activity. Since 2011 and 2012, there has been a consistent pattern of annual recruitment, with the number of vacancies fluctuating. Let's take a closer look at the recent recruitments:

2015 and 2016

2015: AAI announced 200 vacancies, with an additional 200 converted in the same year as part of an advertisement (ADVT. 15/02). 2016: Initially, 400 vacancies were announced, which were later increased to 400 in another advertisement (ADVT. 15/07) of the same year. The later batch joined in June 2017.

2018

A total of 200 vacancies were announced in 2018, with a departmental recruitment process ongoing for the final selection. Around 60 candidates were selected in this batch. For the 2019 recruitment, no specific number of posts is guaranteed, but given the rapid growth in the aviation sector, fresh recruitments are highly anticipated.

Reasons for Continuous Recruitment

The continuous recruitment in the ATC cadre is driven by a combination of factors:

Surge in Aviation Industry

The aviation industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the last decade, with traffic volumes multiplying. As a service provider, AAI is committed to maintaining international standards and rules, which necessitates a robust workforce. This demand is further accentuated by the recent ambitious scheme of the Government of India, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naveen), which aims to connect 100 underdeveloped or underutilized airports.

Airline Order and Future Traffic Projections

In one year, the airlines have placed orders of around 1,000 aircrafts, which are expected to be delivered over the next five years. This surge in traffic demands a corresponding increase in the number of air traffic controllers. Therefore, the recruitment of ATC officers is likely to continue in the upcoming years.

Projections for 2019 Recruitment

Based on the previous trends, there is a strong likelihood of new vacancies being announced in 2019. However, the number of posts may be fewer due to the extensive recruitment already conducted over the past three years. Here are some key points to consider:

Training Delay: The current batch of ATCOs undergoing training will need approximately six months to complete their induction training. This means the next recruitment can only happen after this period. Extension Possibilities: The possibility of extending the current vacancy to 400 is considered unlikely, unless there are significant delays in the process. Training centers are slated to be available from February 2019, reducing the likelihood of an extension. Timeframe: If everything goes according to plan, the recruitment process for 2019 is expected to start early next year, with results and joining processes following shortly after.

Given the current scenario and the ongoing demand for skilled ATC officers, it is anticipated that fresh vacancies will be announced in the current year as well. Stay tuned for updates and prepare yourself by reviewing past question papers and staying informed about the latest developments in the AAI recruitment process.

Final Thoughts

While no one can guarantee certainty, the ongoing growth in the aviation sector and the government's commitment to expanding air connectivity make the recruitment of ATC officers both crucial and foreseeable. If you are eager to join this prestigious field, continue preparation and stay vigilant for any announcements from AAI.