Archives: Market Intelligences

Flight Training Group IAA Appoints New Non-Executive Chairman for the Middle Eastern Operations

United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA), the flagship training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), announced the appointment of renowned aviation expert Issam Sultan to its Global Executive Board as Non-Executive Chairman for the Middle Eastern operations. This strategic appointment aligns with IAE’s ambitious Vision 2030 for Training initiative, positioning FlyIAA as one of the world’s leading multi-country pilot training networks.

Sultan brings over 25 years of aviation expertise to the role, having established himself as a trusted authority in global aviation development since beginning his career in 1998. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as FlyIAA accelerates its international expansion across six countries with planned additions in Portugal and expanded operations throughout 2025-2026.

Expanding Global Training Footprint

FlyIAA currently operates an extensive network of EASA, ICAO, and GCAA-approved training facilities across strategic locations. FlyIAA, owned by Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), is a leading pilot training academy with a growing international footprint. Its flight training bases are currently located in the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, with Portugal set to join soon. Complementing its flight training capabilities, the academy also operates ground training bases in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, offering students a full spectrum of aviation education and training programs.

Industry Leadership and Educational Innovation

As author of Aviation Awareness 101, Sultan has directly influenced the educational journey of thousands of aspiring pilots. The book serves as a foundational resource for all FlyIAA students, who receive a complimentary copy before beginning their training programs. This educational commitment reflects FlyIAA’s comprehensive approach to developing airline-ready professionals from zero experience to commercial certification.

“Issam’s appointment represents more than adding expertise to our board – it signifies our commitment to excellence in aviation education worldwide,” said Captain Wissam Mehyou, Founder and CEO of IAE and Chairman of FlyIAA Global. “His extensive global experience and respected voice in the aviation industry have been instrumental in guiding our strategic growth. As a trusted partner and visionary leader, Issam brings clarity, strength, and strategic foresight that are invaluable as we pursue our Vision 2030 goals.”

Championing Diversity in Aviation

Beyond his operational expertise, Sultan serves as a prominent advocate for gender equality in aviation. His active support of Women in Aviation Middle East – an organization backed by both IAE and FlyIAA – demonstrates the academy’s commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities across all sectors of the aviation industry.

Meeting Global Aviation Demand

The appointment comes amid unprecedented growth in the aviation sector. According to industry projections, the Middle East region alone will require over 28,000 aviation professionals in the next decade. FlyIAA’s expansion strategy directly addresses this demand through fleet modernization with 21 new aircraft on order for delivery between 2025-2026, including Diamond DA40/DA42 and Elixir Aircraft.

Advisory Excellence

Throughout his distinguished career, Sultan has served as a consultant to numerous international commercial airlines, guiding operational expansions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise in flight operations and training development has established him as a trusted advisor in global aviation circles.

“The aviation industry stands at a transformative moment,” noted Sultan. “FlyIAA’s integrated approach to training, combining traditional excellence with innovative methodologies, positions us to meet the evolving demands of global aviation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”

Looking Ahead

With Sultan’s strategic guidance, FlyIAA is positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives, including:

  • Establishing unified training standards across all international bases
  • Developing integrated pilot pathways from ab initio to airline placement
  • Expanding capacity to train over 500 pilots annually by 2027
  • Creating seamless transitions between ground and flight training across multiple jurisdictions

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy

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South Carolina, US Flight Training Group Achieves FAA Part 141 Certification in 2025

South Carolina, USA – High Tide Aviation, a regional flight training group with more than 25,000 flight hours of instructional experience, has achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 certification, strengthening its position as a professional pilot training pathway in the U.S. Southeast.

  • FAA Part 141 certification validates High Tide Aviation’s structured programs, standardized syllabi, instructor qualifications, and oversight, offering students a more efficient training progression than Part 61.

  • Certification unlocks new opportunities including:

    • Accelerated training programs with reduced minimum flight hours

    • International student enrollment support and licensing recognition

    • Expanded eligibility for VA education benefits

    • Stronger foundation for future airline pathway partnerships

  • High Tide Aviation operates training bases at:

    • Cape Fear Regional Jetport (Southport, NC)

    • Wilmington International Airport (Wilmington, NC)

    • McKinnon–St. Simons Island Airport (St. Simons Island, GA)

  • Fleet: 17 aircraft including Cessna 172s, Beechcraft Barons, a Bonanza V35B with advanced Garmin avionics, Robinson R44 helicopters, and a Redbird FMX simulator.

  • Founded in 2013, the company has expanded from helicopter-only operations to a comprehensive flight school with thousands of graduates.

  • Training programs start at around USD 10,500 for Private Pilot certification, with discovery flights, ground school, and financing options available.

Statements

  • “This certification validates what we’ve built over the past decade – a comprehensive training environment that prepares students not just to pass checkrides, but to become exceptional pilots,” said Jessica Ward, Operations Manager at High Tide Aviation. “Our Part 141 approval means students can now access more structured pathways to professional aviation careers while benefiting from our proven personalized approach.“

Source: High Tide Aviation

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New ALSIM Simulator Certification Expands Training Capacity at French Pilot Academy in 2025

France – Cannes Aviation Academy has received certification for an ALSIM AL42 simulator at its newly established base in Agen, marking an expansion of its training capacity with an advanced multi-engine training platform.

  • The ALSIM AL42, a replica of the Diamond DA42, has been certified to EASA FNPT II standards, supporting CPL, IR/ME, and PPL training.

  • The device is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, advanced visual systems, and a force feedback yoke, providing students with a high-fidelity training environment.

  • The installation at Agen strengthens Cannes Aviation Academy’s ability to serve growing pilot demand while maintaining its operations at Cannes.

  • For ALSIM, the certification reflects continued global uptake of its FNPT II-certified training devices, which are now in operation at more than 400 flight schools and training centres worldwide.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. ALSIM is widely acknowledged for its know-how, built on over 30 years of experience in flight simulation. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. Innovation is at the heart of ALSIM’s mission. By continuously anticipating the evolving needs of flight schools and training centers, the company remains at the forefront of pilot training technology. To date, over 450 ALSIM simulators are installed and certified in more than 60 countries, serving a network of more than 400 clients worldwide.

Source: ALSIM

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Irish Flight Training Organization National Flight Centre Welcomes 21st Class

Ireland – National Flight Centre (NFC), a leading flight training provider, has welcomed its newest cohort—Class 21—comprising 20 integrated ATPL(A) students. The intake reflects continued strong demand for commercial pilot training in Ireland amid the industry’s rapid post-pandemic recovery and growth.

About National Flight Centre
Based in Dublin, Ireland, National Flight Centre (NFC) is a leading flight training organization offering a wide range of programs, from private pilot training to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) courses. NFC is committed to producing skilled and industry-ready pilots for global aviation needs.

Source: Darragh Owens (National Flight Centre)
Photo Credit: Darragh Owens (National Flight Centre)

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Miami, US Flight Training Organization Welcomes September 2025 Intake of Over 30 Aspiring Pilots

Florida, USA – Wayman College of Aeronautics has welcomed 39 new students this September 2025 to its Miami operations. Last year Wayman Aviation Academy, a 37 year institution in aviation education, rebranded to Wayman College of Aeronautics and received F-1 Visa authorization. The new status allows Wayman College of Aeronautics to welcome international students into its college program, where they can pursue their passion for aviation while also gaining valuable educational and work experience in the United States.

Source: Wayman College of Aeronautics

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