Archives: Market Intelligences

U.S. Firm Swift Fuels Gains Global Certification for Unleaded Aviation Fuel – Used By More Than 10 FTO’s Globally

USA – Swift Fuels, a U.S.-based producer of unleaded aviation gasoline, has achieved a major industry milestone with the ASTM International approval of a production specification for its 100-octane unleaded Avgas, 100R.

  • The ASTM Production Specification establishes a global benchmark for fuel quality, safety, and performance, enabling broader international acceptance of Swift Fuels’ 100R.

  • The certification follows over 11 years of R&D, involving collaboration with the FAA, engine OEMs including Lycoming, Continental Aerospace, Rotax, Textron Aviation, and Piper, as well as aviation testing laboratories and parts suppliers.

  • The fuel is approved under FAA and EASA Supplemental Type Certificates for use in aircraft such as the Cessna 172S, powered by the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine.

  • Swift Fuels’ 100R is currently in use at five U.S. flight schools and five European operators across Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

  • The company’s European distributor, Bollinger Aviation, has commenced deliveries to Ganderkesse Airport in Germany, where resident AAG Flight Academy became the first European flight school to operate the fuel in training and charter activities.

  • 100R is dyed green to distinguish it from traditional 100LL and is priced comparably.

Statements

  • “The passion for flying and the desire for innovative solutions are part of our company’s DNA. This is especially true for investments in environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation,” said Ralf Sauer, Managing Director of AAG Flight Academy. “When Bollinger Aviation offered us the opportunity to become the first European user of unleaded AVGAS in training and charter operations, we immediately responded with a ‘yes’ – after all, our AAG Flight Academy has a C172S with a suitable engine.”

Source: Swift Fuels
Photo Credit: Bollinger Aviation

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Lee Collins of National Flight Training Alliance to Address NAFI Summit on Advocacy in Flight Training in September 2025

USA – The National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) is set to underscore its influence in industry advocacy as Lee Collins, CEO of NFTA, delivers the opening keynote at the upcoming NAFI Summit 2025.

  • Lee Collins will present on “The Value of Advocacy Groups in Flight Training” on September 22, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM in Room 1 at the MAPS Air Museum in Akron, Ohio, as part of the NAFI Summit 2025.

  • The Summit spans September 21–23, 2025 and is hosted by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) at the MAPS Air Museum, featuring over 30 presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities for CFIs and industry professionals.

  • Collins’ keynote emphasizes NFTA’s collaborative role with the FAA, flight schools, and industry partners to modernize regulations, elevate instructor standards, and enhance training accessibility—a strategic extension of NFTA’s leadership in national flight training advocacy.

Source: National Flight Training Alliance

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US Flight Training Group Thrust Flight Introduces New Programs Offering Transfer Students a Quick Runway to Pilot Certification

USA – Thrust Flight, a leading U.S. aviation training provider and home of the Zero Time to Airline® (ZTA) program, launched two new programs designed for student pilots paused or delayed in other training environments. The company’s Finish Line and Capstone programs provide streamlined, accelerated paths to FAA certification, enabling participants to leverage existing experience, reduce overall curriculum costs and enter the workforce faster.

“Too many aspiring pilots hit roadblocks at schools that lack crucial structure or support needed to succeed,” said Patrick Arnzen, CEO and Founder of Thrust Flight. “At Thrust Flight, we’ve built a system that meets students where they are and helps them move forward with purpose, confidence and efficiency. Our Finish Line and Capstone programs are testaments to that, offering prospective pilots a smarter way to complete training and get back on track.”

Tailored for Transfer Students Ready to Soar

The Finish Line and Capstone programs are specifically tailored for pilot candidates who have already begun training but have experienced setbacks or dissatisfaction at other institutions. By assessing each participant’s existing flight hours, checkrides and ratings, Thrust Flight builds a personalized transfer plan that minimizes duplicated efforts and maximizes investment.

Both programs allow students to join the career track at Thrust Flight regardless of where they might be in their training elsewhere. The Finish Line program allows students to join the ZTA program while they are in the middle of their early ratings, ideal for students struggling through Private or Instrument at their current flight school. The Capstone program allows students to join ZTA at the end of their career training, either at the Commercial or CFI level.

These new programs present a clear and focused pathway to completing FAA requirements and getting career-ready, often months ahead of schedule compared to other programs.

Accelerated Completion, Without Compromise

As part of Thrust Flight’s Zero Time to Airline® curriculum, an expedited FAA-approved Part 141 training program, Finish Line and Capstone participants are able to benefit from Examining Authority, avoiding lengthy wait times and granting checkride completions on more reliable timelines. First attempt exam and checkride fees are included in Thrust Flight’s services, and financing options are available to help students manage remaining coursework investments.

Those transferring into these programs will also gain access to Thrust Flight’s fleet of modern aircraft, professional mentorship and proven curriculum, all designed to deliver quality outcomes without unnecessary interruptions.

“Our team has helped countless students go from feeling stuck to certified professionals by providing the structure and clarity other schools are lacking,” said Arnzen. “These new programs were created for aspiring pilots who are ready to finish what they started, and we’re here to help them cross the finish line.”

A Growing Network With Students at the Center

The launch of Finish Line and Capstone courses complements Thrust Flight’s growing suite of pilot training programs, including recent expansions of two new programs: an Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic School in Conroe and FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher courses in both Addison and Denison.

With campuses in Addison, Denison and Conroe, Texas, and the latest location in Mesa, Arizona, Thrust Flight continues to grow its national footprint, providing aspiring aviation professionals with flexible, high-quality certification options at every phase of their career journey.

“We’re rethinking what pilot training can and should look like at Thrust Flight,” said Arnzen. “The Finish Line and Capstone programs reflect our commitment to designing solutions for today’s aviation students, not yesterday’s system. We’re creating opportunities that are faster, smarter and more responsive, because the industry needs pilots and pilots need schools that are built to get them there.”

Source: Thrust Flight

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Flight Options Introduces Its New Airbus A320 Simulator Elevating Aviation Training in the Pacific Region

Australia – Flight Options, a leading Flight Simulator and Advanced Training Centre based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, has reached a major milestone in aviation training with the launch of its Mechtronix Ascent Airbus A320 Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD).

Now fully operational and available for bookings, this state-of-the-art simulator enhances Flight Options’ advanced pilot and flight instructor training programs. It plays a vital role in supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to address ongoing workforce deficiencies in training aircrew.

The introduction of refreshed, future-ready Professional Pilot Training Programs, including the region’s best Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course available, further strengthens Flight Options’ commitment to training excellence.

In aviation for over half a century and with over 15 years of delivering high-quality, industry-recognised training, Flight Options has built a strong reputation for launching graduates into successful airline careers.

Originally established through a relationship with Singapore Flying College (a division of Singapore Airlines), the Flight Options Training Centre has grown into one of the largest privately-owned advanced simulation facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

The centre offers comprehensive training across multiple aircraft types including the Beechcraft King Air and serves a diverse clientele throughout Australasia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Steve Padgett OAM, Founder and Managing Director of Flight Options, commented on the expansion: “This launch marks an exciting new chapter for Flight Options. By investing in additional simulators and expanding our training complex, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional pilot training that meets the highest standards.”

The new simulator will allow Flight Options to continue to meet the demand for specialised training and with this expansion is positioned to set a new benchmark, delivering unparalleled expertise and standards to pilots and airlines throughout the regions.

Source: Flight Options

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Blue Angels Air Partners With IndiGo to Provide A320 Pilot Training Simulators

India – Blue Angels Air announced its partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading and preferred airline, to deliver Airbus A320 pilot training at the Blue Angels Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Training is scheduled to commence in 2026 at the Blue Angels Training Centre in Mumbai. The collaboration will support IndiGo’s growing pilot training needs while strengthening India’s home-grown flight training ecosystem.

Under this partnership, Blue Angels Air will exclusively provide IndiGo a dedicated Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator at its state-of-the-art training centre designed to meet the highest safety and quality standards. The centre has been purpose-built to enhance training efficiency, pilot experience, and operational reliability.

“India is entering a decisive decade for aviation, and pilot training capacity must scale with uncompromising quality,” said Althea Paul, Founder & CEO, Blue Angels Air. “Our partnership with IndiGo brings together operational excellence and a shared commitment to safety, standardisation, and continuous improvement. We’re proud that this collaboration will develop talent locally and help future-proof India’s pilot pipeline.”

“IndiGo is pleased to partner with Blue Angels Air for the A320 training in Mumbai,” said Isidre Porqueras, Chief Operating Officer, IndiGo. “Given our growth trajectory and the increasing need to develop a healthy pipeline of trained pilots while maintaining our strong focus on safety, we are happy to collaborate with a trusted homegrown organisation.”

Source: Blue Angels Air

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