Archives: Market Intelligences

AELO Swiss Academy Places Order for Up to 18 Diamond DA20 Aircraft and Expands Locarno Campus

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy has placed an order for up to 18 new Diamond DA20 aircraft, marking one of the largest fleet expansion commitments by a Swiss flight training organisation in recent years. The order coincides with the reopening of DA20 production in Europe by Diamond Aircraft after a 10-year hiatus, a move initiated in direct response to AELO’s request to meet rising pilot training demand.

  • The purchase agreement, signed between AELO Swiss Academy Owner and Head of Training Stefano Buratti and Jane Wang, Diamond Aircraft’s Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Flight Operations, was finalised during AELO’s recent campus inauguration event in Locarno.

  • The 18 new DA20s will significantly enhance the academy’s ab initio training capacity, allowing AELO to support a growing intake of both domestic and international cadets.

  • The investment follows AELO’s EUR 5 million investment into a new campus, which also includes the launch of its new 2,000 square-meter training complex at Locarno Airport.

  • The new facility features an expansive hangar capable of housing aircraft and simulators, alongside modern briefing rooms, classrooms, administrative areas, and on-site student accommodation — all designed to streamline the student training experience.

Source: AELO Swiss Academy

Related Posts

AELO Swiss Academy Inaugurates New Facilities at Locarno Airport

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy inaugurated its state-of-the-art facilities 2000 square meter facilities at Locarno Airport, the Euro 5 million investment represents AELO’s commitment to redefining pilot education, combining Swiss precision, advanced technology, and an uncompromising focus on quality and efficiency. The new campus includes an expansive hangar capable of housing advanced simulators, modern briefing rooms, and fully equipped classrooms, all designed to create a seamless and professional training environment. Complementing these are new administrative spaces and on-site dormitories, offering an immersive learning experience for students.

The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Captain Joe (Joe Diebolder), renowned airline pilot, aviation YouTuber, and motivational speaker, who also serves as AELO’s Pilot Recruitment Mentor. Captain Joe brings to AELO his exceptional experience as a Cargolux Boeing 747 Senior First Officer, aviation educator with over 1.7 million YouTube followers, and a coach with deep insights into airline recruitment processes.

Distinguished Speakers

The event gathered key figures from across the aviation sector:

  • Stefano Buratti, Owner and Head of Training at AELO Swiss Academy, delivered the opening speech. A mechanical and aerospace engineer with an extensive career across maintenance, operations, and airline training (Neos, Darwin, VistaJet), Stefano has personally flown with every AELO student, embodying the academy’s hands-on, mentorship-driven philosophy.
  • David Bieli, Head of Swiss Flight Schools at FOCA, shared his long-standing connection with AELO, having been Stefano’s first instructor in 2007. His continued support and collaboration highlight AELO’s strong integration within the Swiss aviation education ecosystem.
  • Eric Duijkers, representing EPST (European Pilot Selection & Training), AELO’s first major institutional partner, reflected on a partnership that began with the successful placement of students from a closed Portuguese school — including his own son, who trained at AELO and went on to become an instructor.
  • Jane Wang, Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Flight Operations at Diamond Aircraft, emphasized the strength of AELO’s industry partnerships. During the ceremony, Jane and Stefano signed a purchase order for up to 18 new Diamond DA20 aircraft, a moment of historic significance as Diamond Aircraft officially restarted DA20 production after 10 years at AELO’s request.

A Day of Mentorship and Career Guidance

Earlier that morning, AELO students participated in a coaching and recruitment workshop led by distinguished guests from the industry:

  • Valerio Deda, former AELO student and now instructor, airline pilot at Air Dolomiti, and member of their pilot selection team, shared invaluable insights on what recruiters look for during airline interviews.
  • Paolo Pizzacchera, Type Rating Instructor on Boeing 767 and 777 at Challenge Airlines, provided guidance on professional standards in commercial aviation. Two AELO graduates were recently hired by Challenge Airlines thanks to his mentorship.
  • Nicholas Burren, Head of Training at SWISS International Air Lines, delivered a powerful session on professionalism and airline readiness. As the person who first supported AELO in becoming the first non-Lufthansa Group school to train Swiss pilots, his presence reaffirmed the trust placed in AELO’s training excellence.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration marked not only the unveiling of new facilities but also AELO’s ongoing mission to bridge training and employment through partnerships, mentoring, and innovation. With Captain Joe now serving as AELO’s official Pilot Recruitment Mentor, students benefit from first-hand guidance from one of the most respected and relatable voices in modern aviation.

“Our goal is to take students from zero experience to the right-hand seat of an airliner as seamlessly as possible,” said Buratti. “These new facilities, and the strong network of professionals supporting our students, are key to achieving that vision.”

Source: AELO Swiss Academy

Related Posts

Acron Aviation Reaches Agreement to Acquire Critical Vision Technologies Provider, Trakka Systems

USA –  Acron Aviation (‘Acron’) announced that it has purchased Trakka Systems (‘Trakka’). Trakka is a pioneer in the design and manufacture of mission-critical video transmission and compression technologies for military, law enforcement, public safety and commercial applications across air, sea, and land domains.

Following the acquisition, Trakka will continue to operate under its existing brand name and will leverage Acron’s global customer base to create opportunities to scale its operation and bring the benefits of its product portfolio to a wider OEM audience and end-user customer base.

This strategic acquisition – a second since Acron’s inception as a privately owned company, under the TJC LP umbrella, on 31 March 2025 – expands the company’s aviation footprint and line-fit capabilities on OEM platforms.

Alan Crawford, Chief Executive, Acron Aviation said: “Trakka shares many synergies with Acron’s mission and values, not least its foundation for relentless innovation.” Crawford continued, “Trakka’s integrated portfolio of aircraft mission equipment complements Acron’s current portfolio and aligns with our vision to become the top-tier partner of choice to customers in the aviation industry.”

Established in 2009, Trakka operates engineering, manufacturing and service facilities in Australia, Sweden and the United States. Trakka is a leader in integrated electro-optical and infrared imaging systems, including airborne cameras, searchlights and mapping technologies, which are typically integrated into helicopter, fixed wing, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles and maritime platforms.

Peter Rudaizky, CEO of Trakka Systems, added: “This is a significant step forward in the Trakka Systems journey, and we are excited by the opportunities the acquisition by Acron brings.” Rudaizky continued, “the combined knowledge and expertise of both companies provide Trakka with access to new markets, greatly expanding our reach, which will enable more customers to benefit from our mission-critical solutions.”

Source: Acron Aviation

Related Posts

AELO Swiss Academy Partners with Captain Joe as Pilot Recruitment Mentor

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy – Powered by AeroLocarno has announced a long-term partnership with Captain Joe, the renowned Boeing 747 pilot and aviation content creator, who joins the academy as Pilot Recruitment Mentor. The collaboration aims to strengthen AELO’s career development support for student pilots, bridging the gap between flight training and airline employment through targeted mentorship and recruitment preparation.

  • As part of the partnership, Captain Joe—currently a pilot with Cargolux Airlines—will provide mentorship and coaching sessions to AELO students, focusing on airline assessment preparation, interview performance, and application strategy.

  • Before joining Cargolux, Captain Joe undertook an extensive personal research project, applying to 15 airlines to gain first-hand insight into recruitment standards—receiving offers from 14, a reflection of his deep understanding of what airlines seek in pilot candidates.

  • Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, he will now share that knowledge directly with AELO cadets, offering practical, industry-aligned guidance that complements the academy’s training programs.

  • In addition to his professional flying career, Captain Joe is one of the world’s most recognizable aviation communicators, with a YouTube channel followed by millions of aspiring pilots worldwide, as well as a career as an international aviation speaker and educator.

Statement

“The beginning of a long collaboration with Captain Joe. This weekend marked the start of a long-term partnership between AELO Swiss Academy – Powered by AeroLocarno and Captain Joe, who joins us as our Pilot Recruitment Mentor,” said Jaime Ordovás Ainscough, AELO Swiss Academy. “With mentors like Captain Joe, who combine operational experience, teaching passion, and communication excellence, we’re building a stronger bridge between flight training and airline employment.”

Source: AELO

Related Posts