Archives: Market Intelligences

Hamburg Commercial Bank Expands Business Activities to Include Aviation Finance

Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) is continuing its successful diversification strategy by expanding its business model to include a new Aviation Finance division. The new business will complement the Bank’s existing financing activities in the asset classes of real estate, shipping, project finance and corporate business.

Richard Moody, an industry specialist with extensive structured finance and capital markets experience, has been recruited as Managing Director and Global Head Aviation to establish and build the new business. He joins HCOB from Cranfield Aerospace Solutions where he was Chief Investment Officer. Prior to this, Richard was at Deutsche Bank for 15 years where he held a number of senior leadership roles in transportation and infrastructure financing, most recently as Global Head of Transportation Finance and Chair of the Global Transportation Finance Investment Committee. He joined Deutsche Bank from RBC Capital Markets where he was Head of Transportation Infrastructure financing.

“Global aviation finance is an excellent addition to our diversified business strategy and in Richard we have an extremely experienced professional, with strong leadership and deep industry knowledge who will successfully and prudently build this business,” said Christopher Brody, Chief Investment Officer of Hamburg Commercial Bank. “HCOB is a commercial bank focused on niches and broadly positioned in terms of asset classes and regions. We have a long history of providing financing in the commercial real estate, shipping, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors which gives us a high level of competence and experience in asset-based finance.”

“I very much look forward to my new role at HCOB and building a best-in-class aviation finance business. As the industry continues its post COVID recovery and with global decarbonization also a major investment theme, there is a need to support the broader aviation industry with thoughtful and committed capital,” said Richard Moody.

HCOB will provide financing to support lessors and airlines with structured asset backed solutions and will also finance the broader aviation eco-system including flight training, slots, gates,maintenance facilities, and aviation supply chains. The bank will also selectively invest in capital market products. The new aviation business will be considered within the bank’s overall sustainability approach.

About Hamburg Commercial Bank

Hamburg Commercial Bank AG (HCOB) is a private commercial bank headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. HCOB offers its clients a high level of structuring expertise in real estate financing and has a strong market position in international shipping. The bank is one of the pioneers in the pan-European project financing of renewable energies and digital infrastructure. HCOB offers individual solutions for the global aviation sector as well as for German and international corporate clients. Reliable and timely payment products as well as other trade finance solutions also support the need of the bank’s customers. HCOB is aligning its activities with established ESG criteria.

Source: Hamburg Commercial Bank
Photo Credit: Hamburg Commercial Bank

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One of Europe’s Largest Flight School’s, Sevenair Academy, Announces Partnership with Flight School Forecasting Solution Provider Aeroplanned

Sevenair Academy is thrilled to announce their latest partnership with Aeroplanned, an innovative cloud-based platform created for the flight training industry.

As one of the leading flight training schools in Europe, Sevenair is committed to meeting the growing demand for skilled pilots, and with all the complexities that come with running a large operation Sevenair has turned to Aeroplanned to provide the planning answers that are so difficult to generate manually.

For Jen (Founder and CEO) and Jacquie (Co-Founder), this partnership is a happy reunion with the Ponte de Sor base. They previously managed the planning for this base during its time under L3Harris ownership. Their familiarity with the operation has made this reconnection a particularly enjoyable experience.

“Here at Aeroplanned, we are delighted and proud to be teaming up with Sevenair Academy as we grow our global customer base. Being a part of their journey is a real honour, and we’re super excited to make a positive impact in the aviation industry together,” said Aeroplanned.

COO, Cpt Salvador Costa Pereira, shared his thoughts, saying, “Aeroplanned’s outstanding software is a game-changer for our flight school. It gives us answers and solutions like never before. There’s nothing else like it on the market, and I’m excited to see how it will improve our operations.”

Salvador also expressed his gratitude for the invaluable insights provided by the Aeroplanned team, saying, “Working with Jenand Jacquie is a pleasure. Their wealth of knowledge in flight training planning is evident, and it’s fantastic to have allies as we continue to strive towards optimal efficiency and excellence.”

Source: Sevenair Academy
Photo Credit: Sevenair Academy

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Global Pilot Training Group, BAA Training, Unveils EUR 30 Million Pilot Training Center near Paris

On September 28th, 2023 global pilot training group BAA Training held the opening ceremony of its brand-new pilot training facility in France, located close to Paris-Orly Airport. This expansion project was primarily inspired by collaboration with Transavia France and required a 30 million EUR investment. The full flight simulator training center, offering simulator WET and DRY lease services, is projected to train at least 2000 pilots annually on average.

Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training, stated: “Today marks a milestone in the BAA Training journey as we proudly open our new, already fourth simulator training center. Amidst the aviation industry facing the challenges of a pilot shortage, the timing couldn’t be better for us to establish this facility. We remain confident in our commitment to meet and exceed industry needs, shaping the future of aviation.”

Being near Paris-Orly Airport, the second-largest airport serving Paris after Charles de Gaulle Airport, as well as the 11th busiest airport in Europe, will provide BAA Training with networking opportunities with airlines and other aviation-related businesses, leading to potential partnerships and clients. In addition to catering to Transavia’s needs.

Olivier Mazzucchelli, CEO of Transavia France, said by way of compliment: “BAA Training and Transavia France share the same DNA: safety first and efficient operations with a fast-growing, entrepreneurial and agile mindset. BAA Training demonstrated its understanding of our needs from day one to support our growing and challenging training plan on B737NG and from Q3 2023 – on A320neo.”

Currently, the facility accommodates three full-flight simulators (B747-400 and two B737 NGs), and the fourth – A320neo – will be ready for training at the beginning of November. In 2024-2025, two more full-flight simulators will be added. Other equipment to enhance pilot training includes the A320/321 and B737 Door Trainers, A320/321 Cabin Crew Emergency Evacuation Trainer, A320/B737 Slide, Real Fire Fighting Trainer, and B737 FTD. Moreover, A320 FTD Level 1 and B737 NG Level 2 are on their way and will be installed by the end of the year.

BAA Training is open to onboarding more customers to train at BAA Training France, along with offering its partners worldwide a broader range of training locations from now on. Vytautas Ledakas, Managing Director of BAA Training France, offered praise of the cooperation: “I want to thank Transavia France for the trust placed in us as an organization and for recognizing our dedication to excellence in training. This partnership underscores our shared values and commitment to setting new benchmarks. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and lead in this dynamic industry.”

BAA Training also has training facilities in Lithuania, Spain, and Vietnam and is actively expanding with ambitious projects on a global scale. The BAA Training consultancy center in India, New Delhi, is already operational, with a dedicated team in place and operations underway. Additional locations are also being considered for future expansion.

BAA Training is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 192 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and various associated services. Supported by 11,500 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates in 68 countries worldwide.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

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US Based Airline United Launches Industry-Leading Military Pilot Placement Program

United announced the launch of the United Military Pilot Program, an industry-leading program giving full-time, active-duty U.S. military pilots access to conditional job offers as a First Officer with the airline. The program is unique in that it provides a secure landing place for program participants while they complete their service to the nation and work toward meeting all United hiring requirements.

Under the terms of the new program, successful candidates must first take part in an interview and then complete all required flight training and certification prior to joining the airline. An important element of United’s program is that candidates don’t need to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) at the time of application. Instead, they can obtain their ATP before joining United – providing flexibility for service members, including starting at United when the time is right for them and their families.

“At United we are committed to investing in individuals who have served and are serving our country – whose military skills and background are invaluable to our airline,” said Scott Kirby, United CEO. “Launching this program is a win-win: our airline gets direct access to some of the best, most talented aviators in the world, and military pilots – and their families – get the time they need to plan their civilian career while still serving.”

Interested active-duty military pilots can learn more about the United Military Pilot Program and apply for the program here. Current or former military pilots who already meet United’s mainline hiring requirements and are less than six months from availability, or already available, or are flying in the reserve component are encouraged to apply as a First Officer today.

Currently, United has over 16,000 pilots, including over 3,000 who have served or currently serve in the United States Armed Forces. United employs nearly 7,700 military veterans and 1,500 actively serving personnel across various departments and functions, including many serving in leadership and executive positions.

“As a former military pilot, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to transition to a civilian commercial pilot, but through this new program we’re providing the necessary tools, resources, and support system to ensure a direct path to the United flight deck,” said United Captain Michael Bonner, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Strategy and a former U.S. Air Force and Navy pilot. “Whether you are an active-duty pilot or approaching retirement, I encourage you to join the largest widebody fleet in the U.S.”

Other defined paths to the United flight deck

On top of the United Military Pilot Program, there are multiple paths to becoming a pilot at United depending on flight experience:

  • First Officer Hiring: This path is for experienced pilots who meet mainline hiring requirements, who are ready to fly for United now and do not need an alternate path or program.
  • United Aviate program: United’s pilot career development program designed for pilots with their Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) who are either learning to fly or are building experience with an Aviate-participating university, flight school, Part 135 operator or United Express carrier.
  • United Aviate Academy: United’s wholly-owned flight school in Goodyear, Arizona for aspiring aviators who want to learn to fly with little to no flight experience – with the goal of at least half of the students being women or people of color.

Unprecedented Growth  

As part of the carrier’s ambitious United Next plan, last December, United ordered more widebody aircraft than any U.S. carrier in commercial aviation history: 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options to purchase 100 more. Combined with already announced orders, the airline expects to take delivery of about 700 new aircraft by 2032.

With this historic purchase comes unprecedented growth, including adding 50,000 new team members by 2026. Hiring well-qualified and talented pilots is a priority at United. Over the last 24 months, United has hired over 4,000 new pilots and expects to hire over 10,000 pilots this decade.

About United  

At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles.

Source: United Airlines

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Celebrates Significant Regulatory Milestone

United States of America headquartered Bye Aerospace, a global innovator in cutting edge sustainable electric aviation, celebrates a significant milestone as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepts its “Functional Hazard Analysis.” This groundbreaking purposefully-designed electric eFlyer 2 aircraft has achieved another general aviation industry “first” under Amendment 64 of FAA Part 23, reinforcing Bye Aerospace’s global industry design lead, significantly ahead of any competition.

Rod Zastrow, President of Bye Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This FAA milestone substantiates our eFlyer design, providing unwavering support for our market and business case. The result is a clean, capable, electric aircraft with a remarkable 80% reduction in operating costs as compared to conventional aircraft. Bye Aerospace and the eFlyer 2 are poised to revolutionize aviation pilot training economics.”

The FAA certification basis for the eFlyer 2 (Project No. TC09549CH-A) was established earlier, confirming its eligibility for a type certificate. The FAA has affirmed that the type design complies with the U.S. type certification basis and that the aircraft is safe for the requested certification category.

Mr. Zastrow emphasized, “Our sustainable aircraft technology represents a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. Our groundbreaking eFlyer design offers an unprecedented opportunity for aerospace, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) institutional investors to invest in a cleaner and more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation.”

As the global aviation industry faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, Bye Aerospace is leading the charge toward a greener future. The Bye Aerospace team of dedicated engineers and researchers are developing innovative solutions that address the most pressing environmental challenges facing the broad aerospace industry.

About Bye Aerospace
Bye Aerospace, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, stands at the forefront of electric Aviation innovation. The eFlyer series of fixed-wing aircraft has been meticulously designed to disrupt general aviation, beginning with the important Aviation Training sector, with an FAA-certified, zero-emission, highly cost-effective, low-drag, low-noise, intelligent, and safety-enhanced aircraft.

Source: Bye Aerospace
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace

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Four Pilots Join Alpha Aviation Group’s Flight Instructor Course

Four (4) pilots were inducted to the Alpha Aviation Group’s Flight Instructor Course (FIC) on 21 September 2023, bringing the total number of FIs trained to more than 40 since the course was rolled out in 2020. Joining this latest intake are two alumni of AAG’s Airline Pilot Program (APP) and two from other flight schools.

In his welcome remarks, Capt. Gimby Cervania (AAG International Center for Aviation Training [AICAT] Head of Training) expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the pilots for embarking on this program. He also reaffirmed AAG’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-of-class training solutions, with the goal of nurturing world-class pilots and future aviation leaders.

“This training will equip you with the essential skills and expertise needed to excel as flight instructors, enabling you to not only impart knowledge but also to instill the passion and dedication necessary for success in the aviation industry,” shared Capt. Gaudencio Maniano (AICAT Accountable Manager).

The FIC is designed to enable trainees to qualify for an FI License issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the different concepts and systems in aviation. Simulated sessions for the program are delivered using the Alsim AL172 MKII FNPT II, which represents a Cessna 172SP Skyhawk NAV III aircraft equipped with the Germin G1000® NXi avionics suite. It provides a highly realistic experience, simulating conditions and scenarios that surpass the capabilities of most simulators in its class.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group Philippines
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group Philippines

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