Archives: Market Intelligences

Air India Appoints Captain Basil Kwauk as New COO Starting January 2025

New Delhi, India – Air India has announced the appointment of Captain Basil Kwauk as its new Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective January 2025. Kwauk, a seasoned pilot and mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience, will take over from Captain Klaus Goersch, who is stepping down at the end of December to assume a senior role in the United States.

  • Incoming COO: Kwauk brings extensive operational expertise from his career with Singapore Airlines and Vistara, where he flew aircraft including Airbus A319s and Boeing 787s. He will relocate to Delhi in the coming weeks to assume his new responsibilities.
  • Leadership Transition: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson praised both leaders, expressing gratitude for Goersch’s invaluable contributions and confidence in Kwauk’s ability to lead the airline into its next phase of transformation.

Source: Air India & Local Media Reporting

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Air India Begins Construction of New Cadet Pilot School in December 2024

Amravati, Maharashtra, India – Air India Training Academy has commenced construction of its new Cadet Pilot School in Amravati. This facility, designed for a fully residential Ab-initio Training Program, will serve as a cornerstone for training the next generation of Air India Group pilots.

  • Purpose-Built Facility: The training school will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for cadet pilots, supporting Air India’s ambitions to enhance its in-house training capabilities.
  • Timeline: The academy is expected to be operational in 2025, pending formal regulatory approvals.

In July 2024 Air India announced plans to establish a flight training organisation at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra with plans for it to become the largest such flight training organisations in South Asia.

  • The DGCA-licensed Flight Training Organisation (FTO) will be the first of its kind by an Indian airline
  • The facility will feature 31 single-engine aircraft and three twin-engine aircraft for training purposes
  • Air India has secured a 30-year tender from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) to establish and operate the FTO
  • The training institute will cover 10 acres and include digitally-enabled classrooms, modern hostels, a digitised operation centre, and a maintenance unit

Source: Air India Training Academy

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43 Air School is Seeking Candidates for Chief Flight Instructor in December 2024

Port Alfred, South Africa – 43 Air School is seeking a Chief Flight Instructor to oversee and manage its flight training programs. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and extensive instructional experience in a structured training environment.

Candidate Requirements

  • Current SACAA ATPL (A)
  • Current SACAA Instrument Rating
  • Current SACAA Grade 2 Instructor rating (Grade 1 preferred)
  • In-depth knowledge of SACAA Air Law (Parts 61, 91, and 141)
  • Minimum 3 years and 2000 hours in structured, full-time primary flight training
  • Instructor Endorsement for relevant Type, Class, or training activity
  • Proven managerial skills
  • South African citizenship

Application Instructions

  • Email CV, references, qualifications, licenses, and logbook to jobs@43airschool.com
  • Applications without a SACAA license will not be considered

Additional Information

  • Closing date for applications: 20/12/2024
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

To learn more about the role and to apply, please email your application as instructed above.

Source: 43 Air School

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Alaska Airlines is Seeking Candidates for Pilot Training Program Director in December 2024

Seattle, Washington – Alaska Airlines is seeking a Pilot Training Program Director to oversee strategic planning and regulatory compliance for its Flight Operations Training programs. The position involves designing long-term strategies for pilot training, managing complex projects, and ensuring alignment with FAA requirements for various fleet types.

Candidate Requirements

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in pilot training and program management
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 1500 hours as Captain and Check Pilot in 121 operations
  • Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and guidance
  • Proficiency in financial analysis, problem-solving, and Microsoft Office
  • Proven ability to influence, build relationships, and manage change
  • U.S. work authorization and minimum age of 18

Preferred

  • Experience in 121 pilot management

Key Duties

  • Lead strategy development for pilot training programs
  • Manage FAA regulatory guidance for fleet training and operations
  • Collaborate with departments to align training initiatives with business goals
  • Conduct Safety Risk Analysis and economic evaluations for training projects
  • Support Airbus and Boeing AQP training programs
  • Coordinate with financial teams on budget and project planning

Salary Range

  • $147,400 – $228,400 / year

To learn more about the role and to apply please go here.

Source: Alaska Airlines

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Indian Pilot Training Group FSTC Welcomes 39th CPL Batch

FSTC, an Indian aviation training group operating both flight schools and full flight simulator training centers, welcomed CPL Batch No. 39 consisting of 9 cadets in November 2024.

FSTC Flying School recently acquired an Immersive Training Device’s (ITD), known as the Virtual Flight Instructor, to enhance their cadets’ flying skills through advanced technology.

In June 2024 FSTC also added a brand new Boeing B737MAX full flight simulator to its Gurugram facility.

In April FSTC shared its 2024 Group Overview Corporate Video.

Source: FSTC
Photo Credit: FSTC

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Vertex Solutions And Archer Aviation Complete Cutting-Edge Mixed Reality Flight Simulator For eVTOL Pilot Training

Niceville, Florida, USA – Vertex Solutions, a renowned developer of cutting-edge training solutions, and Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) announced the completion of a mixed reality flight training device (MR FTD) for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft. Both companies worked together to develop this innovative new flight simulator in support of Archer’s relationship with the Department of Defense under its contracts with the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program. Archer’s Midnight MR FTD simulator will be on display in the Vertex Solutions booth at this year’s I/ITSEC trade show in Orlando, FL on Dec. 2-6.

The companies will now focus on bringing the Midnight MR FTD to an unprecedented level of excellence, targeting an eVTOL equivalent of FAA Level 7 FTD certification—believed to be an industry first in mixed reality flight training.

“Flight simulators and mixed reality devices will play a critical role in the training of our pilots,” said Archer COO of Urban Air Mobility, Tom Anderson. “Partnering with Vertex Solutions allows us to leverage their expertise in mixed reality training to ensure that our pilots are exceptionally prepared to operate Midnight safely and efficiently.”

“Collaborating with Archer on what is poised to become the inaugural FAA-qualified mixed reality eVTOL aircraft flight training device is extremely exciting for us,” expressed Dennis Wikoff, President and COO of Vertex Solutions. “This has the potential to be a game changer for the flight training community.”

The Midnight MR FTD integrates Midnight’s hardware and flight model, RYAN AEROSPACE’s custom simulator platform, Varjo’s XR-4 headsets, and Aechelon Technology’s Nucleus image generator.

This effort leverages Vertex Solutions’ extensive experience as a systems integrator for current Defense Innovation Unit sponsored mixed reality programs such as the USAF’s Multi-Place Mixed Reality rotary-wing simulator and the Virtual Training for the Air Dominance program. Archer’s Midnight MR FTD brings a world-class mixed reality flight simulator to the commercial eVTOL aircraft industry.

About Vertex Solutions
Vertex Solutions delivers mission-critical training solutions that empower people to excel in complex, real-world environments. Specializing in systems integration for XR training technology, Vertex has a proven record of success with U.S. and international military clients, as well as Government, Commercial, and Civil Aviation sectors. Vertex is dedicated to enhancing training quality, reducing costs, and improving safety through innovative integration and expert collaboration.

Source: Vertex Solutions
Photo Credit: Vertex Solutions

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Aircraft Manufacturer Raises Asia-Pacific Aircraft Demand Forecast to 19,500 by 2043

Airbus has increased its 20-year forecast for new aircraft demand in the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets China and India, to 19,500 planes, representing 46% of the 42,430 new aircraft projected globally by 2043. The company also announced surpassing a 50% market share in the region’s widebody aircraft backlog for the first time.

  • Demand Drivers: Airbus increased its previous forecasts by 3%. Around 71% of new deliveries are anticipated to support fleet expansion.
  • Regional Growth: The Asia-Pacific region continues to lead global aviation growth, with China and India as key contributors to rising demand.
  • Widebody Success: Airbus has exceeded 50% market share in the region’s widebody backlog, overtaking Boeing in this segment.

Statement’s

  • “With this surge in demand, the region’s fleet will continue to expand, driven by both growth and replacement needs, with sustainability initiatives becoming more prevalent,” said Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific speaking at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) assembly of presidents in Brunei.

Source: Airbus

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