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Growing Flight Training Infrastructure within India – Chimes Aviation Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Dev Punj – Vice President of Chimes Aviation Academy – one of the largest flight training organisations in India operating over 20 aircraft from 2 bases.

The conversation covers:

  • History: Chimes Aviation Academy was established in 2008 to address India’s shortage of quality pilot training infrastructure. The academy began with 10 aircraft during the global financial crisis, which posed significant challenges. Over the years, the academy has grown significantly and now operates two bases with a fleet of 24 aircraft, training over150 cadets.
  • Fleet Expansion and Future Plans: In 2024, Chimes Aviation Academy expanded its fleet by adding new aircraft, including the Tecnam P2010, Cessna 172, and multi-engine DA42. The academy is also planning to further grow its capacity, with an ambitious goal of adding up to 70 more aircraft in the coming years. To accommodate increasing demand, they are actively scouting locations for a third base in India.
  • Addressing Industry Challenges: The academy has taken proactive measures to address key challenges in the Indian aviation training sector. One key initiative is the Chimes Fight Instructor Retention Program, which ensures a stable pipeline of flight instructors by offering cadets a pathway to join Indigo after serving as instructors for two years.
  • Demand for Pilots in India: The demand for pilots in India continues to grow, with the domestic training infrastructure currently training only 40% of its pilot needs. With record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like Indigo and Air India, the industry is under pressure to meet increasing pilot requirements.
  • Global Collaborations: Chimes Aviation Academy has positioned itself as a global collaborator in the Indian pilot training sector – working with international flight schools to convert foreign pilot licenses for Indian cadets and maintain a reputation for high-quality, efficient training.

For more information:

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Tecnam Announces 2025 Distributor for Sales and Customer Support Service for Germany and Austria

Capua, Italy – Tecnam Aircraft announced the appointment of GM Aviation as its exclusive distributor for sales and customer support service in Germany and Austria. GM Aviation will offer Tecnam’s complete line of Ultralight and Certified Single and Twin-engine aircraft. Germany and Austria are important markets for Tecnam and with GM Aviation new and existing customers can expect the highest level of service.

GM Aviation has built a strong reputation for providing high quality maintenance services for piston engine aircraft and has exceptional expertise in Garmin avionics upgrades among a long list of key capabilities. With Tecnam’s innovative range of aircraft, GM Aviation will offer a complete package of services including tailored aircraft selection advice, ongoing maintenance support and spare parts distribution. This partnership not only strengthens GM Aviation’s capabilities, but also enhances the overall experience and satisfaction of our valued customers.

“GM Aviation is thrilled to take this next step in our history. We are very proud to be representing Tecnam in Germany and Austria and are looking forward to 2025. It will be a year full of opportunities!,” said Jan-Niclas Krahn, Sales Manager, GM Aviation.

“Germany and Austria are key markets for Tecnam. We want to improve our presence because our customers deserve it. With GM Aviation we want to renew the fleets in these countries with modern and sustainable aircraft,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer.

“From the very beginning of our conversations, we were perfectly aligned in our vision to offer an outstanding and comprehensive package of services to our partners and clients,” said Pasquale De Rosa, Sales Manager for Europe. “Beyond private customers, I strongly believe that our school partners will also greatly benefit from GM Aviation’s expertise in aircraft sales, maintenance services, and spare parts distribution. They will receive a top-class level of service that is unmatched in the market.”

GM Aviation will serve all customers from Schools to privates, offering Tecnam aircraft in all models such as the P2006T NG Twin Engine, the two-seater IFR P-Mentor, the P2010 series as well as the Ultralight range as the P92MkII and P2002 Sierra MKII.

The Tecnam fleet is the only one today that offers the best efficiency and the latest certifications.  Efficiency that also means very low CO2 emissions. A recent study shows that flight schools using TECNAM single and twin engine aircraft can reduce emissions by up to 60%: 10 tonnes of CO2 for each student by the time they receive their commercial pilot licence.

About GM Aviation
GM Aviation GmbH, a DE.CAO.0058 certified aviation company, specializes in the maintenance, repair, and modification of piston engine aircraft, as well as advanced avionics services. Located at Koblenz/Winningen Airfield, their state-of-the-art facility focuses on servicing single and twin-engine aircraft of all types up to 5.7 tons.

As an official Garmin Installation Center, GM Aviation is well-versed in avionics upgrades, offering cutting-edge solutions to modernize your aircraft. Their expertise ensures enhanced safety, improved performance, and greater comfort for pilots and passengers alike.

With a commitment to quality and precision, GM Aviation provides comprehensive services that guarantee the safety and reliability of your aircraft.

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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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Piper Aircraft, Announces Fleet Agreement with Spain’s FTEJerez for 20 Piper Archer DX

Vero Beach, Florida, USA – Piper Aircraft announced a new fleet agreement with FTEJerez (Flight Training Europe) for the acquisition of 20 new Piper Archer DX aircraft, delivering the first 10 units in December of 2024. The addition of these aircraft enhances FTE’s training fleet, further solidifying its position as a leader in professional pilot training.

Based in Jerez, Spain, FTEJerez is recognized for its world-class pilot training programs and close partnerships with major airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Etihad, Iberia, Ryanair, and others. Training cadets from around the globe, the academy consistently delivers industry-ready pilots equipped to meet the demands of commercial aviation.

“Our acquisition of these brand-new Piper Archer DX aircraft is a testament to FTE’s commitment to excellence in aviation training,” said Oscar Sordo, CEO of FTEJerez. “Having successfully operated older Piper Warrior aircraft for many years, we have a proven track record with Piper as a reliable aircraft supplier. The Archer DX will enhance our training capabilities and ensure that our students receive the best possible training in a modern, sustainable, and efficient flying environment.”

The Piper Archer DX is renowned for its reliability, advanced safety features, and modern design, making it a trusted choice for flight schools worldwide. With this expansion, FTEJerez continues to lead in delivering the highest standards of aviation training while embracing more sustainable solutions.

“Expanding into the European market with FTEJerez underscores Piper Aircraft’s commitment to supporting top-tier pilot training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support and Quality at Piper Aircraft. “The Archer DX delivers the reliability, performance, and efficiency required to meet the demands of students and airline partners alike.”

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 FTEJerez
With over 30 years at the forefront of flight training and more than 3,000 graduated pilots now flying for the world’s leading airlines, FTEJerez (Flight Training Europe, S.L.) has established itself as one of the most respected and exclusive flight training organization. Specializing in ab initio ATPL and MPL training programs for aspiring pilots and airline cadets, FTEJerez offers a comprehensive range of aviation training services. These include airline pilot training, Air Traffic Control programs, and bespoke solutions tailored to corporate clients, in partnership with some of the most prominent airlines in the world. With a commitment to excellence, FTEJerez ensures that its students receive world-class training in a state-of-the-art environment.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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US Regional Airline’s Management Team and Aircraft to Visit AeroGuard Flight Training Center in January 2025

Phoenix, United States – headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which operates a number of flight training bases in the United States, will welcome SkyWest Senior Management at its headquarters on January 2028. SkyWest will be flying into campus with one of their aircraft, opening it up for Pilot Pathway Cadets to tour, and their Senior Management will be presenting to cadets – including their SVP Flight Operations, Tracy Gallo.

“We look forward to providing a valuable networking opportunity for AeroGuard Pathway Cadets to connect with SkyWest’s Senior Management and Recruitment team directly and support them as they prepare for their commercial airline pilot careers,” said AeroGuard.

Source: AeroGuard
Photo Credit: AeroGuard

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Emirates Recruitment Team to Hold Pilot Roadshows in Belgium and Netherlands in February 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Emirates is hosting a Pilot Roadshow in Brussels and Amsterdam this February, providing an opportunity for interested pilots and their partners to learn about the recruitment process, pilot life at Emirates, and the benefits of joining the airline.

  • The roadshow will cover the recruitment process, from application to assessment, as well as training, rosters, and the Emirates pilot benefits package.
  • Pilots and their partners are encouraged to attend and gain insights into Emirates’ operations and career opportunities.
  • Dates and session times:
    • Brussels, Belgium:
      • February 23: 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
      • February 24: 10:00 AM
    • Amsterdam, The Netherlands:
      • February 25: 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
      • February 26: 10:00 AM
  • Venue details will be announced soon, and pre-registration is required.

Source: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates

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Global Flight Training Group, AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Welcomes 3rd Class of Air India Cadets

Phoenix, United States headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which operates a number of flight training bases in the United States, has welcomed its third class of Cadets from Air India to its Phoenix, Arizona, USA campus.

AeroGuard announced its selection by Air India to be a flight training provider for the airline in early 2024. Since this time, cadets have gone through a carefully structured screening process and have successfully completed the DGCA Ground School portion of their training in India. These Cadets are now at AeroGuard’s Arizona campus where they will complete their practical flight training, earning the certifications and ratings required for their careers with airline.

With its commitment to safety, student success, and its high-quality training curriculum, AeroGuard is providing initial pilot training for additional leading airlines including Cathay Pacific, China Airlines and Air New Zealand. AeroGuard has expanded its training capacity across all three U.S. campuses with 250+ experienced flight instructors and over 110 aircraft in its rapidly expanding fleet.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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