Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has said Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh is being developed as a key centre for aviation, drones and industry. He spoke while inaugurating an aviation academy at Kurnool Airport on September 26.

The Orient Flights Aviation Academy, promoted by the Hindustan Group, opened with three training aircraft and has been asked to expand its fleet to ten. India currently has about 36 flying training organisations, with 11 more approved, the minister said.

Officials cited Kurnool's operational airport, year-round favourable weather and proximity to Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as reasons for the push. Plans include more pilot training and drone activity in the district.

Separately, a proposed Drone City at the Orvakal industrial node near Kurnool would set aside about 300 acres for drones, with foundation stones laid for the project.

The push aims to make India self-reliant in drone production and keep aviation training and jobs at home.