DroneAcharya Gets DGCA Nod To Open 5th Remote Pilot Training Centre in Karnataka

Pune-based drone startup DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations has received the approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to open its fifth Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Karnataka’s Dharwad. 

In November last year, the startup bagged an INR 96 Lakh order to provide drone training to 240 officials from the Karnataka forest department. The new centre will be used to train these officials.

“The RPTO will train 240 officials of the Karnataka Forest Department in DGCA-certified drone piloting and the applications of drones in forestry and surveillance. However, this centre will not be limited to only the KFA officers but will also facilitate training for civilians,” the startup said in an exchange filing.  

Founded in 2017, DroneAcharya offers drone solutions like multi-sensor surveys, pilot training, and data processing. The company went public in December 2022, listing on the BSE SME platform at INR 102 per share.

Currently, DroneAcharya runs four training centres in Pune, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar and Jaipur. These facilities offer comprehensive drone pilot training programmes, including DGCA-certified courses, drone building, data processing, aerial cinematography, and application-specific training for sectors like agriculture and disaster management. 

Commenting on the DGCA approval, DroneAcharya founder and MD Prateek Srivastava said,  “This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the department through the use of advanced drone technology enabling forest frontline staff to harness its potential in surveillance, search and rescue operations, and tracking activities related to wildlife conservation and poacher deterrence.” 

DroneAcharya has secured several high-profile contracts this year. In March 2024, it bagged an order from the Adani Group for DGCA-certified drone pilot training. The company also won contracts from the Indian Army for capacity building and advanced drone training, and from the Ministry of Defence to supply IT hardware for a drone lab in Jammu and Kashmir.

The drone startup’s consolidated profit after tax nearly doubled to INR 6.2 Cr in FY24 from INR 3.4 Cr in the previous year. Operating revenue surged 90% year-on-year to INR 35.19 Cr.

Shares of DroneAcharya ended today’s trading session 0.2% lower at INR 139.35 on the BSE.

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