Archives: Market Intelligences

Global Flight Training Group, Skyborne, Set for Growth with Second UK Training Facility

United Kingdom – Skyborne Airline Academy is announcing the addition of a second UK training centre at Bournemouth Airport (BOH), adding to the academy’s current bases at Gloucestershire Airport and Vero Beach, Florida, in the United States.

The expansion will enhance the academy’s ability to meet the growing demand for world-class airline pilots in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Since Skyborne’s inception, we have steadily grown trainee enrolment numbers and airline partnerships. This expansion has led Skyborne to develop and launch its second UK base.

Bournemouth Airport’s bustling commercial environment will give our trainees invaluable experience, developing them into well-rounded, highly skilled pilots ready for today’s airline industry. Supporting local economic growth, we will also be creating ground and flight instructor career opportunities, as well as maintenance and administrative roles in the South West.”

Carla Booth, UK Commercial Director, Skyborne, adds: “Our decision to invest in a new training centre reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality pilot training globally. With Bournemouth Airport home to airlines including TUI, Ryanair and Jet2.com, it will serve as a stable and strategic base for our airline programmes and future growth.

Having worked with Lee at Bournemouth Airport before I joined Skyborne, I know our trainees and staff will thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle and experience this location has to offer.”

Initially, the 14,000 sq ft Bournemouth facility will focus on ATPL ground school and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), with further training modules and programmes to follow. As Skyborne continues to expand, it remains dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to secure careers with the world’s leading airlines.

About Skyborne  
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training.

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimise additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew. 

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Cyprus Airways Flying Academy Places 2025 Order for 2 Tecnam Aircraft

Cyprus – Tecnam and Cyprus Airways Flying Academy (CAFA) announced at Pilot Expo 2025 the purchase agreement for two (2) Tecnam P2008JC single engine two-seater aircraft. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio training.

This new acquisition will innovate CAFA’s fleet, standardize the fleet, and increase ATO capacity. This new and significant investment is part of CAFA’s commitment to ensure that future commercial pilots are trained on modern aircraft such as the wide range of Tecnam models.

CAFA, based at Larnaka International Airport, already has a P2006T in its fleet and the ATO has trained hundreds of airline pilots serving the world’s leading carriers. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the Tecnams the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

Christos Limnatitis, Accountable Manager at CAFA, said: “This order marks a turning point in CAFA’s vision to strengthen its position among the leading Aviation Training Organizations within the EASA ecosystem. In addition to their undisputed flying qualities, the Tecnam aircraft are state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft that underscore CAFA’s commitment to quality and sustainability in aviation training.”

“Cyprus Airways Flying Academy’s choice of Tecnam is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation in flight training. We are delighted they’ve selected our aircraft for this expansion, recognizing that today’s students deserve a modern, technologically advanced platform to prepare them for the complexities of today’s airline environment. Tecnam aircraft provide that critical bridge, enabling a seamless transition into the professional cockpit,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence – a 60% reduction compared to a fleet using 100LL fuel across 155 flight hours, including 30 hours in a twin.

About Cyprus Airways Flying Academy
CAFA’s Mission is to provide exceptional aviation training through unwavering commitment to excellence, state of the art facilities and equipment, carefully chosen suppliers and a dedicated team of aviation professionals. Aiming to elevate students’ knowledge, skills and attitude to the highest standards.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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UK Flight Training Group Places Order for 14 New Aircraft During Pilot Expo 2025

United Kingdom – Tecnam together with their local (UK) dealer Oriens Aviation, and Aeros announced at Pilot Expo Brussels the purchase agreement for fourteen (14) Tecnam P-Mentor IFR single engine two-seater aircraft. The first six (6) aircraft will be delivered during 2025. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio and modular training for both PPL (Private Pilot Licence) and MPL (Multi Pilot Licence) courses. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the P-Mentor the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

The P-Mentor is a two-seat single engine piston aircraft fully IFR – is compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA & FAA requirements, allowing PBN/RNAV/AFCS capabilities. The modern flight school have today one platform to train students from their first flight up to CPL- IR, including Variable Pitch Propeller, Simulated Retractable Landing Gear and UPRT.

The P-Mentor has been designed to provide the best human-machine interface, resulting in the most effective VFR/IFR training, while the generous fuel tank allows flight schools to fly all day without refueling, improving operational value.

The lowest maintenance costs, lowest fuel consumption and the best value for money make this aircraft a unique profit opportunity for any flight school.

Nick Dunn, CEO at AEROS, said: “We set up a steering group of five senior engineers, managers and instructors to evaluate the three leading two-seater trainers currently available in the market. Tecnam came out on top in terms of quality, cost and after sales service.”

“We are very pleased that after much research Aeros has chosen the Tecnam P-Mentor as the training platform to conduct flight training. This decision underscores their commitment to providing student pilots with the most advanced, safe, and efficient training aircraft available today. As the global leader in flight training solutions,  and together with the Oriens Aviation,  Tecnam Dealer for the UK and Ireland, we look forward to working together with Aeros to ensure that it is a great success,” said Pasquale De Rosa, Tecnam’s Sales Manager Europe.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence.

About Aeros
Aeros ATO was founded in 1986 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. The academy has 600 students at four bases in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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Exail and Fosen High School Empower Tomorrow’s Aviation Technicians with Innovative Simulation Training Solutions

Fosen, Norway – Fosen High School (Fosen Videregående Skole) has expanded its partnership with Exail to enhance aviation maintenance training through advanced simulation technology. Following the successful integration of Exail’s Maintenance Training Device (MTD) in 2023, the school has now commissioned a second simulator, further strengthening its commitment to high-quality, hands-on education for future aviation technicians.

  • Fosen High School first adopted Exail’s MTD in August 2023 to provide students with a realistic training environment for aircraft maintenance procedures.
  • The simulator allows trainees to practice troubleshooting, diagnosing technical issues, and performing simulated maintenance tasks in a risk-free setting.
  • In 2024, the school has expanded its investment by acquiring a second Exail simulator, offering an immersive B737 flight and maintenance training experience.
  • Exail’s Flight and Maintenance Training Device is designed for Part 147 training centers, featuring a cockpit-like setup that enables students to perform routine inspections, complex repairs, and emergency procedures without requiring an actual aircraft.
  • The technology provides a full-system view of aircraft operations, training students to understand not just isolated maintenance tasks but also their broader impact on aircraft systems and operational safety.

Statement’s

  • “Exail is proud to have been chosen by Fosen High School to help train the future generation of maintenance crew. We use an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional methods, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience that improves retention and boosts efficiency during operations,” said Charles Le Bot, Head of Simulation Activities at Exail.
  • “At Fosen High School, we recognize that preparing students for the aviation industry requires a training approach that goes beyond textbooks. Exail’s simulation training solutions enable our students to experience the intricacies of aircraft maintenance in a safe, simulated environment, giving them a real-world understanding of complex systems and procedures,” said Per Inge Rønsberg, Head of the Electrical and Aviation Department at Fosen High School.

About Exail
Exail is a leading high-tech industrial group specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Exail delivers unrivaled performance, reliability and safety to its civil and defense clients operating in severe environments. From the deep sea to outer space, Exail expands their capabilities with a full range of robust in-house manufactured components, products and systems. Employing a workforce of 1500 people worldwide, the company benefits from a global footprint and conducts its business in over 80 countries. Exail was formed by ECA Group and iXblue joining forces in 2022. It is a subsidiary of Exail Technologies, a family-owned company specialized in high-technology.

Source: Exail
Photo Credit: Exail

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