Archives: Market Intelligences

Intercontinental Aviation Group Scales Global Training Bases and Operations in 2025

Global – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) and its flight training arm Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA) have closed 2025 with strong operational and strategic growth, marking a transition from early-scale academy to a multi-region aviation training and investment platform.

  • FlyIAA reported 35% year-on-year growth in 2025 compared with 2024, supported by expansion across training delivery, infrastructure, and brand presence.

  • Operational activity increased by 18%, while the most significant metric was a 78% increase in licensed graduates, underlining accelerated training throughput and airline-readiness outcomes.

  • As a direct result of performance across the group, IAE’s valuation increased by 35%, reflecting strengthened investor confidence and asset-backed growth.

  • The group’s brand visibility expanded substantially, with FlyIAA represented at 18+ local and international aviation events, including a high-profile presence at the Dubai Airshow.

  • Launch of a strategic cadet programme with Solitair, directly linking FlyIAA students to airline career pathways and signalling the start of multiple airline-backed cadet initiatives.

  • Share acquisition and merger with Cyprus Airways Flying Academy, deepening collaboration with a national airline and strengthening airline-culture training integration.

  • Launch of The Aviator Fund, positioning IAE to expand into aircraft ownership, leasing, and asset-backed aviation investments.

  • Confirmation of Western Europe expansion with the Ponte de Sor academy in Portugal, supported by an investment of up to Euro 4 million

  • Signing with Diamond Aircraft for 10 new training aircraft, complemented by additional DA40 acquisitions on the secondary market, with deliveries beginning January 2026.

  • Collaboration with Flyou to introduce a student wellness and performance monitoring system, integrating human performance and wellbeing into training oversight.

  • Announcement of FlyIAA’s UAE expansion, including a new base in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Source: IAA

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Türkiye: HAVELSAN Commissioned for Embedded Training System for Hürjet

Turkiye – headquartered flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN, has confirmed through its General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, that it will commissioning an Embedded Training System (ETS) for the Hürjet advanced jet trainer as well as working on the systems for the new KAAN jet.

Source: Mehmet Akif Nacar (Havelsan)

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Italy: Professional Aviation Expands 2026 Fleet with 2 New Tecnam

Italy – Professional Aviation, one of the largest flight training organisations in the country, has continued its fleet expansion momentum with the delivery of two additional brand-new Tecnam aircraft.

  • The academy confirmed the delivery of two new Tecnam aircraft, registered I-OZZY and I-PDVD, bringing the number of brand-new aircraft added in 2025 to more than ten.
  • The expansion builds on AFM’s October 2025 reporting, when Professional Aviation took delivery of Italy’s first Tecnam P2006T NG operated by a flight academy, alongside two Tecnam P2008JC aircraft.
  • The growing fleet allowed Professional Aviation to conduct around 18,000 hours in 2025.
  • Nearly 60 new Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders graduated in 2025, contributing directly to European and international airline pilot pipelines.
  • Professional Aviation currently operates one of the most modern Tecnam-based fleets in Europe, supporting more than 350 international students across integrated ATPL and airline-aligned training pathways.

Curious to hear more about Professional Aviation – check out the interview with AFM here: Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Italy – Professional Aviation Academy – AFM.aero

Source: Professional Aviation

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Italy: Professional Aviation Builds on 2024 Momentum with 18,000 Flight Hours in 2025

Italy – Professional Aviation, one of the largest flight training organisations in the country, has further grown its annual flight hours to 18,000 in 2025 up from 16,000 flight hours in 2024.

  • Nearly 60 new Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders graduated in 2025, contributing directly to European and international airline pilot pipelines.

  • To support increased demand, 10 additional training aircraft were added to the fleet during the year.

  • Organisational development included the introduction of a new training management programme and the appointment of an Academy Director.

Curious to hear more about Professional Aviation – check out the interview with AFM here: Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Italy – Professional Aviation Academy – AFM.aero

Source: Professional Aviation

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Malta: European Pilot Academy Appoints Matthew Rota as Managing Director

Malta – European Pilot Academy (EPA), a Malta-based flight training organisation, has announced the appointment of Matthew Rota as Managing Director.

  • Matthew Rota steps into the Managing Director role after 13 years leading business development within the organisation

  • Over recent years, European Pilot Academy has expanded its training fleet with the addition of Piper PA-28 Archer DX aircraft and Diamond DA42 multi-engine aircraft, strengthening capacity for CPL and MEP training.

  • The academy operates a diverse single-engine fleet, including:

    • Tecnam P92-JS

    • Tecnam P2002-JF

    • Pipistrel Virus SW 121

  • Simulator-based training is supported by an Entrol EN-1000X FNPT II

Statements

  • “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Managing Director at European Pilot Academy!” said Matthew Rota.

Source: European Pilot Academy Malta

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UAE’s GCAA Announces “Promising Future” Aviation Career Fair to Take Place in January 2026 in Dubai

United Arab Emirates – The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the launch of the country’s first Civil Aviation Career Fair, a major industry-wide event scheduled for 21–22 January 2026 at the Etihad Museum in Dubai under the theme “Promising Future”—designed to unify stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem and drive workforce development as the sector expands.

  • The two-day fair brings together 18 federal and local government authorities and aviation organisations, including regulators, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, MROs, and aerospace companies, to showcase career opportunities across the sector.

  • Organised by the GCAA, the event aims to attract and develop Emirati and UAE-based talent, aligning with national workforce-localisation (Emiratisation) objectives and supporting long-term industry growth amid emerging technologies and expanding airline operations.

  • Employers participating include major carriers and aviation stakeholders such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Airbus, Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai Airports, SANAD, and others, offering roles ranging from pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers to engineers, safety specialists, ground operations, and airfield services.

  • The fair will feature interactive exhibition stands, talks, and panel discussions designed to help students, graduates, and jobseekers understand career pathways, skill requirements, and sector needs, while enabling direct engagement with recruiters and industry leaders.

  • In announcing the fair, GCAA Director General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi emphasised the strategic importance of enhancing Emiratisation within the aviation sector, noting that the industry currently supports more than 990,000 jobs in the UAE and is expected to grow as technology and operational complexity increase.

Source: GCAA

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Airbus–Air India Training Centre Secures DGCA and EASA Approvals, Prepares to Scale in 2026

India – Airbus India Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. (AITC), the Airbus–Air India joint venture pilot training organisation, has reflected on its first operational milestone following the successful launch of its state-of-the-art pilot training centre, as the organisation prepares to scale capacity and capability in 2026.

  • The Airbus India Training Centre secured dual approvals from DGCA India and EASA, positioning the facility to deliver pilot training aligned with global regulatory and airline standards.

  • AFM previously reported that the centre officially commenced operations on 30 September 2025, marking a significant expansion of India’s domestic airline-grade simulator training infrastructure.

  • AITC is structured as a 50:50 joint venture between Airbus and Air India, with a long-term objective to train more than 5,000 pilots over the next decade, supporting India’s fast-growing airline fleets.

  • The facility spans approximately 12,000 square metres and is designed to house up to 10 full flight simulators at maturity.

  • The initial phase includes two Airbus A320neo full flight simulators, with plans to add six additional A320 simulators and two Airbus A350 simulators in subsequent phases.

Statement

  • “As the year draws to a close, I look back with a deep sense of pride and gratitude on an exceptional journey – the successful launch of the Airbus India Training Centre. Securing the DGCA India & EASA approvals, AITC stands as a testament to strong governance, disciplined execution and a shared commitment to safety and quality towards pilot training in the region. As we step into 2026, the focus shifts from establishment to scaling capacity and capability, enhancing training delivery excellence and setting new standards.” said Sabarish Balachandran, General Manager, Airbus India Training Centre Pvt. Ltd.

Source: Sabarish Balachandran (Airbus India Training Centre)

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