"The Indian Institute of Aerospace Engineering and Management will start its first academic programme –– an MBA specialising in aeronautics management -- from September 25," former chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Krishnadas Nair told reporters here today.

The academy would offer both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in various branches of aeronautics, aerospace and civil aviation with the intention of bridging the skilled manpower gap, he said.

"The centre will be first of its kind in the country... China has six dedicated universities for aerospace and India has none," Nair said.

He said IIAEM is being launched by collaborative efforts of all leading aerospace organisations, airports and airlines in the city. "The centre will meet human resources requirements," he added.

"The centre will be inaugurated by former ISRO chairman and Planning Commission member Dr K Kasturirangan on September 25," Nair said.