Air India has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Indian Army to strengthen training, employability and livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries from the armed forces community.
The collaboration will focus on employment generation for Veer Naris (war widows) and their children, while also supporting vocational infrastructure development at Indian Army-backed ASHA Schools for specially abled children.
Employment opportunities for Veer Naris
As part of the initiative, Air India has committed targeted employment opportunities through Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS).
The programme aims to recruit up to 20 Veer Naris and up to 40 children of Veer Naris for roles across airport operations, including customer services, load and control, and ramp operations.
The initiative will also provide structured vocational training aligned with industry requirements to create a job-ready talent pipeline and support long-term socio-economic empowerment.
Air India, Group Head Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, P Balaji, said, “Air India’s collaboration with the Indian Army reflects a shared purpose – to contribute to a broader nation-building effort. At its core, both the initiatives are centred around strengthening skills, enabling dignity through opportunity, and fostering empowerment.”
Vocational labs planned at ASHA Schools
The partnership also includes the development of vocational training infrastructure at ASHA (Army Special Help and Association) Schools, which support the education and welfare of specially abled children of serving soldiers, veterans and civilians residing in cantonment areas.
Under the programme, vocational laboratories will be established in 25 ASHA Schools. Ten schools are already part of the pilot phase, while 15 more schools will be added during the expansion stage.
The facilities will support experiential learning across disciplines such as photography, music, sports, painting, beauty and wellness, cooking and hospitality, electrical skills, tailoring and creative arts.
Inclusive growth and nation-building
Air India said the collaboration aligns with broader priorities around inclusive growth, workforce participation and skill development while contributing to nation-building through engagement with the armed forces community.
The initiative is also aimed at strengthening community resilience and enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries.