Archives: Market Intelligences

ATR Projects Demand for 300 Turboprops in U.S. Amid RJ50 Retirements

USA – New research unveiled at the ATR Regional Air Connectivity Summit (RACS) forecasts a potential demand for up to 300 turboprop aircraft in the United States over the next two decades. With over 300 aging 50-seat regional jets (RJ50s) expected to retire, manufacturers like ATR are positioning their aircraft as efficient and modern solutions to close the growing connectivity gap in underserved U.S. regions.

  • Studies from Georgia Tech and Seabury Airline Strategy Group indicate a pressing need to replace retiring RJ50s, which currently serve critical regional routes.

    • Georgia Tech projects that 1 in 10 U.S. regional airports could lose scheduled air service due to RJ50 retirement.

    • Seabury’s analysis identifies over 130 underserved routes where demand remains strong but the right aircraft is missing.

  • An additional 100 aircraft worth of demand is attributed to mode-shift potential, where short-haul ground travel could be replaced by new air routes under 400 nautical miles.

  • ATR’s own market assessment found that 12 million additional passengers annually could benefit from improved regional air access.

  • JSX, a U.S.-based public charter carrier, has signed a Letter of Intent for up to 25 ATRs. The airline plans to launch ATR operations with a premium-configured cabin product.

  • Aleutian Airways will induct ATR aircraft to restore air service across remote areas in Alaska, where turboprops are often the only viable solution.

  • In consultation with U.S. stakeholders, ATR is finalizing a 50-seat turboprop variant tailored for American operators. Key features include:

    • Triple-class cabin comparable to single-aisle jet interiors

    • Forward passenger door compatible with airbridges

    • High-speed onboard connectivity

    • Increased overhead baggage space

    • Modern avionics and cockpit technologies for advanced navigation

  • ATR aircraft offer up to 30% lower fuel and operating costs than regional jets

  • Estimated $2 million annual savings per aircraft for operators

  • The manufacturer is also actively advancing sustainable aviation technology, including:

    • A hybrid-electric ATR 72-600 demonstrator planned by 2030 under the EU’s Clean Aviation program

    • Its EVO concept, a future platform that will offer 100% SAF compatibility, hybrid propulsion, and eco-designed systems by the mid-2030s

Statements

  • “The U.S. regional market is at a crossroad… this is about offering a proven, efficient solution to reconnect communities and grant them quick access to economic opportunities.” – Alexis Vidal, SVP Commercial, ATR

  • “Without a viable replacement, entire communities risk being cut off from the air transport network.” – Dr. Cedric Justin, Georgia Tech

  • “Our analysis confirms that a modern, efficient 50-seater like ATR’s can unlock significant value for U.S. airlines and communities alike.” – Rich Scheff, Seabury Airline Strategy Group

About ATR
ATR is the world’s leading manufacturer of regional turboprop aircraft. Based in Toulouse, France, ATR has delivered over 1,600 aircraft and continues to lead in the development of efficient and sustainable regional aviation solutions worldwide.

Source: ATR

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Airways Aviation and Portuguese University Atlântica Launch Integrated Degree and ATPL Programme

Portugal – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has announced a strategic partnership with Atlântica – Instituto Universitário, to create an innovative programme that combines a Bachelor’s Degree in Air Transport Management with an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

This “Integrated Pilot and Air Transport Management Course” responds to the current needs of the aviation sector, allowing students from around the world to gain management skills and the professional pilot qualification at the same time. The programme combines Atlântica’s strong academic teaching with Airways Aviation’s internationally recognised practical training, certified by leading aviation authorities including EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority).

“This partnership represents a decisive step in aligning academic training with the real-world demands of the aviation sector,” said Alexandre Alves, CEO of Airways Aviation Portugal and Group CCO of the Airways Aviation Group. “By integrating the Bachelor’s Degree in Air Transport Management with the ATPL, we are creating well-rounded professionals, prepared not only to fly but also to lead and transform the future of aviation. It is a privilege for Airways Aviation to partner with Atlântica in this unique project, which strengthens our mission to train pilots and managers of international standing.”

More Opportunities, Greater Employability

The training plan foresees that students will begin with the ATPL theoretical component, which is subsequently credited towards the Atlântica degree, followed by subjects in management, economics, marketing, and aviation regulation. Over the course of the programme, students will develop both technical and strategic skills, preparing them for work both in the cockpit and in leadership roles within the aviation sector.

According to Natália Espírito Santo, General Director of Atlântica, “by uniting Atlântica’s academic quality with the global experience of Airways Aviation Academy, we are offering a direct and distinctive pathway, designed to support the recognition and career progression of our students.”

Through this partnership, Atlântica and Airways Aviation are launching an international, innovative, and highly employable programme that meets the growing demands of the global aviation market.

About Airways Aviation
Airways Aviation is a globally recognised flight training academy with a strong presence across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, with over 45years of experience. With state-of-the-art facilities, industry-aligned curriculum, and a fleet of over 100 modern training aircraft, the academy delivers world-class pilot and aviation training solutions to aspiring professionals worldwide. Airways Aviation has trained thousands of cadets through its EASA and CASA approved programmes and partners with major airlines and aviation organisations to bridge the gap between education and industry. Committed to innovation, safety, and excellence, Airways Aviation continues to shape the future of aviation training on a global scale. Airways Aviation Group is one of the largest operators of Diamond aircraft in the world. It’s also an official Gold Service Centre for the brand in France, Italy and Australia. 

About Atlântica – Instituto Universitário
Atlântica – Instituto Universitário, based in Oeiras, in the Lisbon region of Portugal, is a private higher education institution offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields including engineering, health sciences, management, and technology. Known for its applied research and close collaboration with industry, Atlântica prepares students for successful careers by combining academic rigour with practical learning.

Source: Airways Aviation

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Australia’s Learn to Fly Flight Training Group Partners with Digital Learning Platform Solution Provider Evionica

Australia – Learn To Fly Flight Training Group has become the first Australian flight school to implement Evionica’s digital learning platform, marking a significant step in modernising theory training delivery for student pilots. The partnership blends Learn To Fly’s student-focused instruction with Evionica’s CASA-compliant, mobile-accessible e-learning system.

  • Learn To Fly is now using Evionica’s platform for its Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training programs.

  • The platform offers immersive content, real-time instructor support, and structured e-learning modules tailored to CASA standards.

  • Evionica’s solution allows mobile access and is designed to integrate seamlessly into flight school operations.

Source: Learn to Fly Flight Training Group

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Brazilian Pilot Training Organization EPA Training Center Highlights Partnership with FlightSafety International

Brazil – EPA Training Center, a leading regional full-flight simulator training center in Latin America, has highlighted its 15-year partnership with FlightSafety International, which began in 2010 with the installation and operation of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the Embraer ERJ-145/Legacy 600.

  • FlightSafety International has supported EPA Training Center since 2010 with:

    • Installation and operation of the ERJ-145/Legacy 600 FFS

    • Annual audits of simulator maintenance processes

    • Provision of institutional training materials

To provide an overview of the EPA Training Center:

  • The current facility spans 2,500 square meters.

  • EPA Training Center operates four full-flight simulators:

    • Embraer ERJ-145/Legacy 600

    • Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia

    • Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante

    • ATR 42/72

Source: EPA Training Center

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Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Adds Another DA42 to Fleet in September 2025

Türkiye – Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), the ab initio pilot training arm of Turkish Airlines, has expanded its 2025 fleet with the induction of another Diamond Aircraft DA42 multiengine aircraft.

This follows the induction of seven new aircraft in August 2025.

  • TAFA currently operates over 60 aircraft, with 7 new Cessna 172 aircraft delivered in August 2025.

  • The academy conducts flight training at six different airports across Türkiye.

  • The training center employs over 100 flight instructors and more than 200 total aviation professionals.

  • Nearly 500 cadet pilots are currently enrolled in training.

  • The academy plans to expand its training fleet to 107 aircraft by Q1 2027

  • TAFA has trained and graduated over 900 pilots in the past five years, with 220,000 total flight hours logged as of December 2024.

Source: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy

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Global Pilot Training Group Simaero Introduces Full A350 Training Portfolio at Paris Facility

France – Global operator of full flight simulator training centers Simaero has introduced an expanded portfolio of Airbus A350 pilot training programs at its Paris CDG Training Center, addressing increasing global demand for A350-qualified flight crew and instructors.

  • The A350 program includes:

    • A350 Initial Type Rating, Refresher, and Renewal courses

    • A330 to A350 Common Type Rating (CTR)

    • TRI (Type Rating Instructor) and TRE (Type Rating Examiner) training programs

  • All courses are EASA-compliant and designed to align with current regulatory standards.

  • The A350 type rating course spans approximately 45 days, combining theoretical instruction and full-flight simulator (FFS) sessions.

About Simaero
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. With five training centres strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.

Source: Simaero

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Simaero India Brings Pilot Training Perspective to Regional Air Connectivity Panel

India – At the ET Infra Air Summit 2025, industry leaders convened to discuss the future of India’s regional air connectivity. Among the panelists was Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, who shared insights from the perspective of a global simulator training provider.

The panel, titled “Airline Perspective for Regional Hub Development”, brought together senior figures from across India’s aviation ecosystem, including IndiGo, Federation of Indian Pilots, Vman Aero, and Simaero India.

Jattana emphasized the critical role of pilot training infrastructure in enabling sustainable growth of regional hubs, noting that without expanded simulator and training capacity, the sector will struggle to meet rising demand.

Source: Simaero India

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