Archives: Market Intelligences

India’s National Flying Training Institute Welcomes Minister in February 2025

Gondia, India – CAE Gondia – National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), welcomed Minister Shri Piyush Goyal (Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and MP, North Mumbai Lok Sabha), along with Hon. MP Rajya Sabha Shri Praful Patel and other dignitaries, to showcase its world-class pilot training facilities and recognize student achievements.

The visit highlighted NFTI’s role in shaping India’s aviation sector through state-of-the-art training facilities and global-standard pilot education. NFTI is a joint venture between CAE and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and has been a key player in India’s flight training industry for over a decade.

Source: Piyush Goyal (CAE)
Photo Credit: Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer Simnest Aviation’s CEO Visits Istanbul in February 2025

Istanbul, Türkiye – Simnest Aviation CEO Balázs Herendi has arrived in Istanbul for a series of high-level meetings, reinforcing the company’s growing presence in Türkiye’s pilot training market. The visit focusses on:

  • Engagement with ATOs and airlines to introduce Simnest flight simulators for integration into training programs.
  • Strategic discussions with KEYVAN to explore database solutions for Simnest simulators.

Accompanied by Emre Cihad Sönmez, Country Director of Türkiye at HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency, a key partner in Simnest’s expansion efforts. This visit underscores Simnest Aviation’s commitment to enhancing pilot training quality in Türkiye, following two years of continuous growth in the region.

Source: Simnest Aviation
Photo Credit: Simnest Aviation

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Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Delivered 36 Aircraft in 2024 – Grow’s Orderbook to Over 150

France – headquartered ATR, the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer, announced its 2024 full-year results, with a growth trajectory driven by successful partnerships with existing and new customers.

Orders of 56 aircraft represent a 40% rise from 2023, with a mix of renewed commitments from existing operators and new customers, both airlines and lessors, exemplifying strong market demand for ATR aircraft. 51 ATR 72 and 5 ATR 42 aircraft were ordered, which brings the backlog to over 150. In 2024, Asian carriers showed significant engagement, while ATR saw new interest from Canadian operators. Additionally, the year witnessed the initial phase of the -600 series renewal.

Deliveries were in line with the level of 2023, with 35 aircraft delivered, plus one ready to deliver, meeting the guidance provided at the beginning of the year. Looking ahead, ATR expects 2025 to be another year of stabilisation, as tensions in the supply chain will remain at least during the first half of the year.

ATR delivered $1.2bn in revenues and confirmed a book-to-bill well above 1. The manufacturer also recorded almost 100 transactions on the second-hand market, demonstrating the robust demand for ATR’s cost-effective and low-emission turboprops.

Customer support and services rose by 15%, at $480m, building on a record level from 2023. This demonstrates the added benefits of ATR’s services offering, to increase cost predictability over time and offer access to mutualised resources.

“We worked through a challenging year in 2024 and I want to thank everyone, from our customers to my colleagues, who contributed to these results,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “In 2024 we doubled down on our core proposition of efficient, affordable connections. Our results show how relevant our aircraft are to our operators, and to people across the world who want to connect, sustainably.”

“In 2024, we delivered what we said we would. We maintained delivery rates, in tough conditions, while welcoming 16 new operators, selling 56 aircraft, offering value-added services and streamlining operations to enhance the competitiveness of our products and the profitability of our customers. This continues to give ATR solid foundations for the future, and shows that the regional market is eager to buy highly-efficient aircraft with the right economics, the right capacity, and the right performance.”

About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.

Source: ATR

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US LCC Southwest Airlines Strengthens 2025 Leadership with New CFO

USA – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced that Tom Doxey has been named Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer effective March 10, bringing extensive experience in aviation finance, operations, and strategic transformation.“Tom’s expertise in financial planning, fleet management, and operational leadership makes him a tremendous asset to our Executive Team as we drive progress on our transformational plan,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. “We are confident that his experience in strategic transformation will be an asset as he builds upon our financial strength, operational excellence, and our deep commitment to our Employees, the investment community, and our Shareholders.”

Doxey most recently served as President of Breeze Airways, where he led the airline through a successful transformation from a startup to profitability in under two years. Under his leadership, Breeze developed a strong guest-focused brand, launched a loyalty program and co-branded credit card, optimized its fleet and network, and became the largest NCAA basketball charter operator in the country.

Prior to Breeze, Doxey held several leadership roles at United Airlines, including Senior Vice President of Technical Operations and CFO of Operations. At United, he oversaw global maintenance, supply chain, and engineering teams, managing a $5 billion budget and leading strategic initiatives, including a complex aircraft storage program during the global pandemic. He also led United’s fleet transactions and planning teams and had financial oversight for United’s $18 billion operations budget.

Doxey’s aviation career began in financial planning and fleet management roles at Allegiant Air and US Airways, where he gained deep expertise in aircraft transactions, cost optimization, and corporate finance.

Doxey holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. He serves on the Advisory Board for BYU’s Marriott School of Business and is a board member of the Aviation Maintenance Council. A former collegiate baseball player, he was recognized as an Academic All-Conference athlete.

Source: Southwest Airlines
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines (shown as meta image)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Piper, Delivered Nearly 300 Aircraft in 2024 – 20% Increase Over 2023

Vero Beach, Florida, USA – Piper Aircraft closed 2024 with a strong performance, delivering 291 aircraft, a nearly 20% increase over 2023, with 46 more aircraft delivered year-over-year.

A key contributor to this growth is the M700 FURY, Piper’s new 300-knot flagship aircraft, which launched in March 2024. In its first year, 46 M700 FURY aircraft were delivered, further strengthening Piper’s position in the high-performance turboprop market.

U.S. domestic deliveries totaled 217 aircraft, up 7.0% when compared to 2023. International deliveries grew by 76%, with 74 aircraft delivered, underscoring Piper’s growing global presence.

“Our continued growth, both domestically and internationally, is a testament to the strength of our product lineup and the trust our customers place in Piper. The increase in international deliveries highlights Piper’s expanding global footprint and the growing appeal of our aircraft worldwide,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. “With the successful introduction of the M700 FURY and tremendous growth in Archer DX trainer sales, 2024 was a milestone year for our company, with the highest delivery count in well over two decades.”

As Piper Aircraft moves into 2025, the company remains committed to delivering innovative, high-performance aircraft while expanding its reach to meet the evolving needs of owner pilots and training fleet operators worldwide.

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

About the Piper M700 FURY

The Piper M700 FURYTM certified in March of 2024 and comes standard with the HALO Safety System, featuring Garmin Emergency Autoland. This revolutionary system includes digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. Additionally, the M700 FURY G3000® avionics suite includes; Autothrottle, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability Protection (ESP™), SurfaceWatch™, SafeTaxi®, and Garmin

PlaneSync™, all of which are designed to enhance safe operation of the aircraft. Beyond the flight deck, the six-seat M700 FURY is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 700 SHP engine. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 301ktas/557 km/hr, a max range of 1852 nm/3,430 km, and a standard useful load of 2,320 lbs/1,052 kg.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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USA’s Aviation Focussed PR Firm JulietBravoFox Media Celebrates a Milestone Year With a Broad Portfolio of Clients and Outlook for 2025

Hagerstown, Maryland, USA — JulietBravoFox Media, a U.S.-based limited company, celebrated a milestone by closing its first year as a revisioned enterprise focusing on creative content development, media relations, and strategic consulting for the aviation industry.

The company, originally founded in 2014 by aviation strategist and media leader Julie Boatman, secured a wide-ranging portfolio of clients following its relaunch in February 2024. “As my fellow entrepreneurs know, you need a lot of sweat equity to turn your passion into reality,” said Boatman. “Our deep connections in the general aviation industry combined with robust knowledge have intersected with the ability to deliver on time and exceed expectations. That’s a powerful formula for success that we’ll continue as we grow. We’re honored and humbled by the response we’ve received—and it compels us to push forward.”

Throughout the past 12 months, JulietBravoFox Media has been engaged by several major OEMs in the general aviation space for projects including marketing consultation, video production, air-to-air photography, social media strategy, and editorial development. The company has also assisted four aerospace start-ups with their media relations and business development thus far, as well as providing select services to multiple aviation associations.

Creative Director Stephen Yeates has delivered his unique approach to aerial photography and videography—as well as extensive experience in business development and aviation training consulting—to the fore with various commercial project commissions in 2024, and editorial publication in AOPA Pilot, Aviation International News, TBM Magazine, and Robb Report digital. His photography has also been featured by the Recreational Aviation Foundation in its 2024 awards.

Start-Up Support

From Todd Davis and Nick Tsang, Co-Founders, Skyfarer Academy: “JulietBravoFox Media has been a trusted partner in helping aviation startups like Skyfarer Academy refine their PR and communication strategies. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable in amplifying our message and reaching the right audience.”

Deep Industry Knowledge

From Jim Rhoads, President, Flight1 Aviation Technologies: “In the aviation consulting and marketing world there are many uncertainties. Not with JulietBravoFox Media. Julie has not only focused on our mission, but delivered on it. Timely, personal, and reliable—the best in the biz.”

Association Understanding

From Paul Preidecker, President of the National Association of Flight Instructors: “Julie is a true friend and colleague in this industry. She is well known and well respected for the support she offers her clients. From all of us at NAFI, congratulations and thanks for all you have done to support our industry.”

JulietBravoFox Media pushes forward into 2025 tapping into its network of creative minds, with deep expertise in aerial photography, with story development, mission planning and execution, and video and print production. With collaborative partners in the U.S. and Europe, and access to a wide range of aerial platforms, the company offers capabilities globally to execute on client needs.

“What’s the passion you want to share with the world? What’s the product you’ve created to fill a need or aid a cause? Where do you begin? We’d love to help you find a solution to your needs,” says Boatman, “For more information on how our successful projects may inform your current needs, please reach out to us, and we’ll strategize those answers with you.”

Source: JulietBravoFox Media
Photo Credit: JulietBravoFox Media

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider L3Harris Signs 3 Year Type Rating Agreement with Skyborne for Airline Cadet Program

Global – L3Harris has recently secured a significant three-year training agreement with Skyborne to provide Type Rating training to Skyborne graduates from the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, before starting their pilot careers with India’s largest passenger airline. The new long-term partnership follows the success of an initial agreement between the two Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) in Q4 2024.

The strategic collaboration will deliver comprehensive Type Rating training on the A320 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) device at L3Harris’ London Training Center (LTC) – a purpose-built pilot training facility next door to London Gatwick airport. The agreement to utilize L3Harris’ state-of-the-art facilities highlights Skyborne’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in aviation training.

“This partnership offers a seamless transition for Skyborne graduates, providing real-world, relevant training, tailored to their airline’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” said David Coward, GM & VP Training Services at L3Harris. “Our joint mission is to create skilled professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in their chosen careers.”

“We are excited to combine our expertise and resources with L3Harris,” added Lee Woodward, CEO of Skyborne. “The quality of their facilities and instructors, coupled with a proven track record and their ability to provide long-term training solutions, make this a great strategic fit for Skyborne.”

The first cadre of Skyborne graduates will begin their Type Rating training in Q4 2025 with both companies committed to a three-year exclusive contract.

L3Harris has a proven track record of delivering effective and customized training solutions to airlines and leasing companies worldwide. Its FFS provide pilots with realistic and immersive training scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in the cockpit.

Source: L3Harris

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

Montreal, Canada – CAE Inc. (“CAE” or “the Company”) announced the appointment of four new directors to its Board of Directors, including Calin Rovinescu as Chair of the Board. The other three appointments are Peter Lee, Katherine A. Lehman and Louis Têtu.

These changes, which will take effect on February 14, followed consultations with the Company’s stakeholders that focused on the Board’s ongoing review of its composition, and a transition towards renewed Board leadership.

Said Mr. Rovinescu, “As a longstanding airline customer and partner of CAE, I am excited to take on the role as Chair to help guide this exceptional global champion through its next chapter of growth and value creation. The other newly appointed Board members and I are energized by CAE’s innovative technology, strong market position in aerospace and defence, and outstanding people.”

In connection with these changes, the Board invited Mr. Rovinescu to join as a director and Chair and Ms. Lehman to join as a director. The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), one of the Company’s largest shareholders, nominated Mr. Têtu to the Board pursuant to a customary nomination rights agreement with the Company. Browning West, LP nominated Mr. Lee to the Board pursuant to a customary cooperation and standstill agreement with the Company. Mr. Lee and Mary Lou Maher will co-chair the CEO Search Committee, working closely with Mr. Rovinescu as Chair of the Board, to continue the recruitment process previously overseen by the Board’s Human Resources Committee.

The size of the Board remains unchanged at 13 as the four appointments are being made in conjunction with the retirement of four directors: Alan N. MacGibbon, who has served as Chair of the Board since 2022 and as a director since 2015; Margaret S. (Peg) Billson, who has served on the Board since 2015; François Olivier, who has served on the Board since 2017; and David G. Perkins, who has served on the Board since 2020. These directors have overseen a period of significant growth and change for CAE as it has moved from primarily an industrial products company to a world leader in aviation training solutions. The Company wishes to thank them for their exceptional service and valuable contributions during their tenure.

Said Mr. MacGibbon, “During my time on the Board, I have seen the Company become a global leader in training for civil aviation and defence and security forces, furthering its mission to make the world a safer place. I am honoured to have been involved in CAE’s story and I thank CAE’s employees, management and my Board colleagues for their dedication to the Company. With a dynamic and engaged Board that is fully aligned on the process and transition to CAE’s next CEO, there is no better time for me to transition the Chair role to Calin. I am confident Calin’s proven track record in value creation and exemplary leadership skills will allow the Company to continue to be a leader in the sector and deliver value to its broad group of stakeholders.”

Added Mr. Rovinescu, “I would like to acknowledge and thank Alan for the tremendous leadership he has shown during his time at CAE. Even as he prepared to retire from the Company, Alan remained committed to ensuring that the CEO succession process proceed smoothly and effectively, as evident in his decision to make way for a new Chair who will work hand in hand with the incoming CEO. His guidance during this critical transition period is a testament to his enduring commitment to CAE and its future. Alan has set a high standard, and we are profoundly grateful for his board service and the legacy he leaves behind. I would also like to acknowledge and thank each of Peg, François and David for their service and contributions during their tenure.”

Mr. MacGibbon concluded, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank CDPQ and Browning West, as well as our other shareholders, who worked constructively with us throughout this process with the shared goal of creating sustainable and substantial shareholder value at CAE.”

About the Incoming Directors:

Mr. Rovinescu is a corporate director, venture capital investor and senior advisor to several corporations. He is currently a member of the board of directors of some of Canada’s largest corporations. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada from 2009 until his retirement in 2021, leading Air Canada’s transformation into one of the world’s leading airlines and a Canadian global champion, expanding its network worldwide and producing record financial results and record stock market performance. From June 2014 to June 2015, while leading Air Canada, he served as Chair of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association that currently represents 340 airlines comprising more than 80 per cent of global air traffic. From 2012 to 2016 he also served as Chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board, the controlling body of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, currently with 25 members. From 2004 to 2009, he was a co-founder and principal of Genuity Capital Markets, an independent investment bank. Prior to 2000, he was the Managing Partner of the law firm Stikeman Elliott in Montréal, where he practised corporate law for over 20 years. Mr. Rovinescu holds Bachelor of Law degrees from Université de Montréal and the University of Ottawa. He was recognized as Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year by Financial Post Magazine in 2016 and as CEO of the Year and Strategist of the Year by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine in 2019. Mr. Rovinescu is a member of the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2021.

Mr. Lee, in addition to being a Co-Founder and Partner of Browning West, LP, plays a leading role in that firm’s investment research and capital allocation. Before co-founding Browning West in 2019, he was an investment associate at Criterion Capital Management, where he was responsible for identifying and researching investment opportunities across multiple sectors. Mr. Lee also held roles at Grey Mountain Partners and Lazard. Additionally, he is currently a director on the board of Gildan Activewear Inc. where he serves as Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee. He has also served on the board of Countryside Properties plc. Mr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Ms. Lehman is the current Chair of Stella Jones Inc. (TSX:SJ), a Montréal based, ~ C$6 billion enterprise value industrial business, and has been a Partner at the New York-based private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners, LLC since 2022. She leads the Palladium Heritage strategy, which invests in industrial and business services companies. Prior to Palladium, she was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Hilltop Private Capital, LLC. She has garnered more than 20 years of experience in private equity executive roles and Board memberships, including at more than 20 public and private, profit and not-for-profit entities. Included in Ms. Lehman’s prior Board roles are serving on the Board of a private company in a niche education and training area and serving on the Board of Navient (NASDAQ: NAVI) from 2014 to 2022, with roles as Chair of the Risk Committee and service on the Compensation and Personnel Committee and the Governance Committee.

Mr. Têtu has been Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal-based technology company Coveo Solutions Inc. since 2012. Prior to Coveo, Mr. Têtu co-founded Taleo Corporation, a leading international provider of cloud software for talent and human capital management, listed on NASDAQ in 2005 and subsequently acquired by Oracle for US$1.9 billion in 2012. Mr. Têtu was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors from the company’s inception in 1999 through 2007. Prior to Taleo, Mr. Têtu was President of Baan SCS, the supply-chain management solutions group of Baan, a global enterprise software company. This followed Baan’s acquisition of Berclain Group inc., which he co-founded in 1989 and where he served as President until 1996. Mr. Têtu currently serves on the board and human resources and corporate governance committees of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (CircleK). He previously served on the board of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services inc. Mr. Têtu is an Engineering graduate from Université Laval in Québec City and a commercially licensed helicopter pilot.

About CAE
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Irish Pilot Training Organization AFTA Partners with State Agency in 2025

Cork, Ireland – Ireland-based Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) has announced a new partnership with Tailte Éireann, the national agency responsible for property registration, valuation, and mapping services. Under this agreement, AFTA will provide all aerial survey services for the agency.

Source: Jenna Eustace (AFTA)
Photo Credit: Jenna Eustace (AFTA)

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