Archives: Market Intelligences

New Texas FTO Acquisition Rebranded to Spartan Flight Academy

Texas, USA – Spartan Education Group (SEG) has formally rebranded Aviator Air Flight School as Spartan Flight Academy, following its acquisition of the long-standing Texas-based flight training provider. This move reinforces SEG’s strategic expansion into the U.S. Southwest and aligns the location with its growing nationwide network of aviation training institutions.

  • The rebranding of Aviator Air to Spartan Flight Academy reflects the integration of the Grand Prairie-based flight school into the SEG portfolio, which now includes over 160 training aircraft across multiple states.

  • The acquisition was completed on October 15, 2025, with SEG assuming full operational control of the FAA Part 61 training facility located at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM).

  • The academy will retain its experienced team and student-focused approach, while gaining access to SEG’s network, industry partnerships, and training infrastructure.

  • The location offers training towards five FAA certificates and ratings: Private Pilot (ASEL), Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

  • SEG’s expansion into Texas complements its existing schools in Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, and California, furthering its mission to address growing global pilot demand.

  • Rob Polston, CEO of SEG, noted that with the addition of Spartan Flight Academy, SEG’s training network now operates one of the largest U.S. flight training fleets.

Statements

  • “We are thrilled to welcome Aviator Air to Spartan Education Group… Spartan’s aviation training network now includes more than 160 aircraft… making it one of the nation’s larger flight training networks,” said Rob Polston, CEO of SEG.

Source: Spartan Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Spartan Flight Academy

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Airbus Updates 2025 Aircraft Delivery Forecast to 790

Global – Airbus has revised its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery target due to a recent quality issue from a supplier affecting the fuselage panels of its A320 Family aircraft.

  • The updated 2025 delivery target is approximately 790 commercial aircraft, down from previous target of 820

  • In 2024 Airbus delivered 766 aircraft

  • Despite the delivery adjustment, Airbus reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance:

    • EBIT Adjusted remains at around Euro 7.0 billion.

    • Free Cash Flow before Customer Financing remains targeted at approximately €4.5 billion.

  • The company plans to publish its November 2025 aircraft orders and deliveries on 5 December 2025.

Source: Airbus

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Orbit Groundschool Appoints Franck de Groot as New Head of Training

Netherlands — Orbit Groundschool is proud to announce the appointment of Franck de Groot as its new Head of Training, strengthening the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality aviation education and professional pilot development.

Franck de Groot brings an exceptional aviation background to Orbit Groundschool. A Retired Captain of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), he served as an AH-64 Apache pilot with three deployments and relevant combat experience before transitioning to commercial aviation. His extensive airline experience includes flying the Boeing 737, Boeing 787, and currently serving as Commander on the Boeing 777. In addition, Franck is an experienced Type Rating Instructor (TRI), known for his high training standards and dedication to operational excellence.

“We are delighted to welcome Franck to our leadership team,” said Niko Gerrits, Accountable Manager, Orbit Groundschool. “His operational expertise, instructional experience, and passion for aviation training make him an invaluable addition to Orbit Groundschool. He will play a key role in further expanding the quality and scope of our training programs.”

As Head of Training, Franck will oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Orbit Groundschool ’s curriculum, ensuring that both aspiring and experienced pilots receive top-tier instruction aligned with current industry standards.

“I am honoured to join Orbit Groundschool,” said Franck de Groot. “Training the next generation of pilots is a responsibility I take to heart, and I look forward to contributing to the school’s mission with my operational background and instructional focus.”

About Orbit Groundschool
Founded in 2003, Orbit Groundschool has built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s premier pilot training providers. Fully certified as an EASA FSTD Operator as well Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (certificate number NL ATO 25), Orbit is renowned for its personalized approach and tailor-made training solutions, helping aspiring pilots take flight towards their professional careers. Orbit Groundschool provides high-quality aviation training for pilots and aviation professionals, offering advanced ground school programs as well simulator training taught by industry experts. With a focus on safety, operational competence, and modern instructional methods, Orbit Groundschool prepares students for success in all phases of their pilot career.

Source: Orbit Groundschool
Photo Credit: Orbit Groundschool

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Lufthansa Aviation Training Appoints Michael Hofbauer as Head of Business Development

Germany – airline owned pilot training group Lufthansa Aviation Training has appointed Michael Hofbauer as Head of Business Development.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training
With its competencies in training flight and cabin crews at ten training locations worldwide, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is among the world leaders in the field of aviation training. The company is headquartered at Munich Airport and employs around 800 people at all its locations. Its client portfolio encompasses more than 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, among them the Lufthansa Group airlines. LAT operates close to 200 training devices. These include training aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators for all common aircraft types for pilot training, as well as emergency and service mock-ups for cabin crews. The flight schools of the Lufthansa Group are joined under LAT’s brand European Flight Academy (EFA). 

Source: Michael Hofbauer (Lufthansa Aviation Training)
Photo Credit: European Flight Academy (shown as meta image)

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Philippines Flag Carrier Sends Multiple Students for Flight Training to Airways Aviation Australia in 2025

Philippines & Australia – The PAL Aviation School, relaunched in early 2025 through a partnership with Australia-based Airways Aviation, has sent 14 pilot trainees from its AO Class 2025 Alpha to Australia for advanced flight training as part of the school’s new international training pathway.

  • The 14 cadets will complete advanced theoretical and practical flight training at Airways Aviation’s Gold Coast campus, following their initial ground training phases in the Philippines.

  • A send-off ceremony was held in September 2025 at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center, attended by Philippine Airlines (PAL) officials and family members.

  • The PAL Aviation School, established in the early 1960s, has produced more than a thousand pilots and continues to play a major role in supplying flight crew to the national carrier.

  • PAL is preparing for significant pilot demand growth as it expects to receive nine new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled in early 2026.

Source: PAL Aviation School

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US Aviation and Flight Training Group Epic Flight Academy to Expand to Connecticut in 2026

Connecticut, USA – Epic Flight Academy, one of the largest FAA Part 141 flight training organizations in the United States, will open a new training campus at Danbury Municipal Airport’s Business Aircraft Center, marking its first entry into the state of Connecticut and expanding its national footprint as demand for pilots continues to rise.

  • Epic Flight Academy will initially occupy approximately 2,000 sq ft of instructional and office space, with plans to hire 10 employees and welcome a first cohort of 30 students training toward professional pilot careers.

  • The Danbury Municipal Airport location offers an air traffic control tower and proximity to complex airspace in Hartford, New Haven, and New York, supporting diverse operational exposure for training pilots.

  • The new campus is scheduled to open between April and June 2026.

  • Epic Flight Academy continues a period of rapid expansion, having opened five new pilot training campuses in 2025 across Addison (TX), Englewood (CO), St. George (UT), Tuscaloosa (AL), and Provo (UT). The organization also operates pilot schools in New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Tucson, as well as aircraft mechanic schools in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Erlanger, KY.

Statements

  • “We’re very excited about opening our newest campus at the Danbury Municipal Airport,” said Danny Perna, Founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy.

  • “It’s an excellent facility for pilot training because it offers air traffic control and close proximity to all types of airspace, including Hartford, New Haven and New York. We appreciate the warm reception we’ve received. Danbury is business-friendly, and we look forward to establishing a school in the state of Connecticut.”

  • Mayor Roberto Alves said: “This is exactly the type of investment that builds the future of Danbury’s workforce. Epic Flight Academy is creating real opportunities for people in our community to train for high-growth, high-paying aviation careers, right here at home.”

  • Airport Administrator Michael Safranek added: “They bring a strong training program, experienced instructors and a clear commitment to developing skilled local aviators. Their presence adds energy to the airport, supports future pilots and creates new opportunities for people in the region who want a solid path into aviation.”

Source: City of Danbury / Epic Flight Academy

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Bye Aerospace Selects Composite Approach to Build All-Electric Composite Aircraft

United States – Bye Aerospace, developer of the eFlyer family of all-electric aircraft, has selected Composite Approach, a U.S.-based specialist in advanced composite manufacturing, to build the fuselage for its new-design, all-electric composite aircraft. The partnership marks a key industrial milestone as Bye Aerospace progresses toward production of its next-generation electric training platform.

  • The selection ensures the aircraft’s structural design can transition from prototype to scalable, certifiable production, supporting the durability and efficiency targets required for training operations.

  • Bye Aerospace stated that the companies will also collaborate on tooling, assembly processes, and quality systems to support FAA certification and production readiness for the all-electric training aircraft.

Statements

  • Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace, said, “This collaboration represents a turning point for electric aviation. By combining our all-electric, aerodynamically efficient design with Composite Approach’s mastery of lightweight composite structures, we can demonstrate the first commercially viable all-electric aircraft to address the high costs of pilot training.“
  • Brian Harris, CEO of Composite Approach, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bye Aerospace on this historic project. Our team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of composite technology, and this aircraft will showcase how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to transform aviation.”

Source: Bye Aerospace

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FlightSafety International Appoints Eric Hinson as Chief Executive Officer

United States – FlightSafety International, one of the world’s largest providers of pilot training and full-flight simulators, has appointed Eric Hinson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds former president Barbara Telek, who recently announced her retirement.

  • Hinson previously served as Executive Vice President at FlightSafety from 2009–2012 before moving on to lead Simcom International as President & CEO.

  • A former U.S. Naval aviator, Hinson has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours and holds an ATP rating, bringing operational experience directly aligned with FlightSafety’s training mission.

  • His industry leadership includes senior roles at Honeywell, Gulfstream, and Piaggio Aerospace, as well as more than a decade on the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) board, where he served as Chairman in 2023.

Statement

  • “I am thrilled to return to FlightSafety International at a transformative time for the business and the aviation industry,” said Hinson. “Together, we will continue driving innovation, enhancing operational excellence, and delivering world-class safety experiences for our customers.”

Source: FlightSafety International

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