Archives: Market Intelligences

Successful On-Site Acceptance at Flight Simulator Manufacturer Simnest’s First Airline Customer

Simnest Aviation’s first A320 AATD was purchased by their first airline customer, Carpatair. Both the installation and on-site acceptance were successfully completed in the first days of October, marking another significant milestone for Simnest Aviation.

The Simnest A320 AATD is the simplified version of Simnest’s flagship product, the A320 FNPT II APS MCC simulator. Despite the abbreviation AATD in its name, core instruments are the same as in the A320 FNPT II APS MCC, what is more, the same software ensures its operation as well. Thanks to the mostly unchanged main elements, the cadets can experience the realistic behavior of the Airbus A320 in a high-fidelity environment, while the price of this device is much more affordable than the higher-end A320 FNPT II APS MCC, which enables higher level certified training.

“We were looking for a high-quality flight training device that among others would allow our future pilots to better familiarise and prepare themselves prior to their type rating trainings on A320 FFS. The deployment of the Simnest A320 AATD went seamlessly and beyond our expectations. The device’s platform-deck, installation frame, fully physical hardware together with the excellent Simnest software ensure the A320 AATD a much higher level of simulation than its name suggests.” – expressed his satisfaction Nicolae Petrov, President and CEO of Carpatair.

Simnest’s first AATD is ready for training at Carpatair’s headquarters in Timisoara, Romania, so the first pilots can start to get to know the handling and behavior of the world’s most popular commercial aircraft, the Airbus A320.

Carpatair currently operates;

  • 2 Airbus A320 (A319)
  • 2 Fokker 100

You can find more information about Simnest and its devices on its AFM Simnest Aviation Supplier Profile.

Source: Simnest Aviation
Photo Credit: Simnest Aviation

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South East Asian Low-Cost Carrier Onboards Cadet Pilot Program Graduates

Singapore based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia has shared a video highlighting graduates of its cadet program which are now joining the airlines. See the video below.

Back in September 2023 Jetstar Asia announced that it is planning to hire over 200 pilots and cabin crew members as part of its efforts to rebuild capacity following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline also intends to add two more Airbus A320 aircraft to its existing fleet of seven by the end of 2023. Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Barathan Pasupathi, announced these plans, stating that the airline is entering an exciting phase of sustainable growth. In addition to rehiring some pilots who left during the peak of the pandemic, Jetstar Asia will also recruit new cadet pilots and cabin crew interns. The airline plans to hire graduates from aviation academies through a direct-entry recruitment program. While Jetstar Asia already has the crew needed for the two A320s set to join its fleet in 2023, the recruitment program will address roles required over the next 12 months.

Jetstar Asia currently operates 7 Airbus A320.

AFM team note – Please note that previously L3Harris was a cadet program training partner of Jetstar Asia.

Source: Jetstar Asia

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Airbus Appoints New Chief Representative for Malaysia

Global aircraft manufacturer has appointed Burgan N. Ali as its new Airbus Chief Representative (ACR) for Malaysia. “In this position, Burhan will represent Airbus-wide interests in Malaysia, and support our plans to strengthen our local presence. He succeeds my dear friend and colleague Raymond LIM, who has been promoted to become APAC Head of Customer Services. I am confident that Burhan will build on Raymond’s success and take the Airbus name to even greater heights in Malaysia.” shared Anand Stanley, President, Asia Pacific at Airbus.

Source: Anand Stanley
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer Flightdeck Solutions Unveils Cessna C172 Trainer At Aviation Expo

Ontario, Canada – Canadian flight training device manufacturer Flightdeck Solutions Ltd. (FDS) unveiled its C172 flight training device last month at the University Aviation Association (UAA) Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo in St. Petersburg, FL. The full-scale pre-production prototype was shown with several potential high-tech upgrades, including Mixed Reality visuals. Photos and videos of the device were shared on the company’s social media channels, including this highlight reel.

FDS’s C172 flight training device garnered widespread interest and acclaim among attending aviation educators. “Many conversations about it naturally centered around training, particularly on maximizing positive transfer while controlling costs by offloading some training from real aircraft” said Flightdeck Solutions President, Peter Cos. “Others saw it as an ideal fit for research applications, due in large part to the fidelity of replication and low operating costs.”

Following the footsteps of other Flightdeck Solutions devices the C172 newcomer is seen as well suited for high-volume use in academic settings. “Durability and authenticity are key in every device we build, and the C172 is no different” commented Steven Cos, Vice-President of Technical Services at Flightdeck Solutions. “We have a very clear understanding of the heavy day-to-day use that our trainers receive, and we build them accordingly.”

To further enhance the training experience, Flightdeck Solutions plans to offer the C172 flight training device with a Mixed Reality option in addition to traditional visual display options. This marks a significant step forward in aviation education technology, leveraging both the tactile element of a high-fidelity physical cockpit with the immersive capabilities of Mixed Reality.

While currently in the pre-production prototype stage, the C172 flight training device is slated for release by the end of 2023.

About Flightdeck Solutions
Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) is a global provider to the aerospace and aviation industry for a wide range of flight simulation products and services. Over its 22-year history FDS has gained worldwide trust for producing high quality, immersive and fully tactile FTD trainers, becoming the solution of choice for companies and educational institutions around the world. With devices such as the B737MAX, B737NG, A320, B787, B777, and B747, and trusted by companies like Boeing, Honeywell, and CAE, FDS has built a reputation for providing both custom hardware solutions and turnkey offerings, delivering excellence in quality while maintaining financial responsibility.

Source: FDS
Photo Credit: FDS

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Spartan Education Group Expands Reach with Acquisition of Illinois Aviation Academy

Spartan Education Group, LLC (“Spartan”), a leading provider of aviation education headquartered in Chicago, announced today the acquisition of Illinois Aviation Academy, Inc. (“IAA”), a prominent flight school located west of Chicago at DuPage County Airport (“KDPA”). This acquisition furthers Spartan’s efforts to address the ongoing national pilot shortage in the United States.

According to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023-2042, the aviation industry is facing unprecedented challenges with a shortage of pilots and aviation mechanics. Spartan is committed to distinguishing itself as a source of top talent for employers in the U.S. aviation industry. The acquisition of IAA expands one of Spartan’s core offerings, providing FAA approved Part 141 flight training.

Founded over 30 years ago by Robert Werderich, IAA is a well-established flight school in the Chicagoland area. “We’ve built a great flight school, but now is the time to take IAA to the next level. Spartan brings resources and expertise to accelerate IAA’s growth and enable more students to prepare for an exciting career in aviation,” said Werderich.

IAA’s unwavering dedication to continuous training for students and staff has earned accolades, including the 2018 City Brilliance in Business award from West Chicago. The institution has secured the title of Distinguished and Outstanding Flight School five times, most recently in 2022, and has received five Distinguished Flight Instructor awards, the latest in 2023, from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (“AOPA”). Adding to its impressive list of achievements, IAA is poised for induction into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame in October 2023. These distinctions align with Spartan’s commitment to delivering excellent education and training to its students.

Beyond training, IAA has been deeply committed to community involvement. Werderich highlighted the importance of giving back, stating, “Community involvement has been a backbone of IAA from the beginning.” The school has actively supported aviation youth programs in West Chicago, contributing to organizations like The Ninety-Nines, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Explorer Scouts, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Tuskegee NEXT.

Rob Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, “This marks a pivotal moment for Spartan. With Illinois Aviation joining our family, we are expanding access and strengthening our commitment to shaping the next generation of pilots. Together, we will continue to address the pilot shortage and provide the industry with aviation professionals.” The acquisition is expected to enhance Spartan’s capabilities, broaden its training offerings, and reinforce its position as a leading institution in aviation education.

About Spartan Education Group
Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago IL, acquired Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in 2012. Spartan College, established in 1928, has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians at its four campuses located in the following areas: Tulsa OK, Los Angeles and Riverside CA, and Denver CO. Additionally, SEG owns McAir Aviation flight school in Broomfield CO.

About Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA)
Located in West Chicago IL at DuPage County Airport (KDPA), the Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA) has been training pilots for three decades. Today, IAA’s training facility spans 30,000 square feet, and houses a fleet of over twenty-five aircraft, including the Cessna 172 and the advanced Cirrus SR-22. IAA provides FAA approved Part 141 flight training.

Source: Spartan
Photo Credit: Spartan

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