Government today said, 970 commercial pilot licences have been issued to women during the last three years.

Minister of state in civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said this in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. He said, a total of 11 thousand 775 pilots are working in various airlines, out of which 15 per cent, one thousand 767 are Women.

The Minister said, the government has taken several initiatives for skill development in the civil aviation sector. Mr Mohol informed that in order to augment the supply of trained pilots in the country, the Airport Authority of India has brought out a liberalised Flying Training Organisation policy.

He added, in this, the concept of airport royalty has been abolished and land rentals have been significantly rationalized.

Mr Mohol said, eleven Flying Training Organisation (FTOs) are operational across the country. He said, the increase in the number of FTOs is expected to provide more opportunities to women to enter the aviation sector.