Philippines-based Airline Signs Purchase Agreement for up to 152 Aircraft Order

Manila, Philippines – Cebu Pacific is proud to announce the signing of a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines.

The agreement with Airbus covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights.

This acquisition — which has a minimum commitment of 70 aircraft — is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at approximately USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices for the entire 152 aircraft order. This purchase agreement reflects CEB’s unwavering optimism for the future of air travel and steadfast commitment to meeting the evolving needs of passengers.

“The selection of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said Michael Szucs, chief executive officer at Cebu Pacific. “This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippines’ broader economic growth and connectivity goals.”

Airbus said the purchase agreement is a testament to the airline’s confidence in its products and a positive signal for the aviation industry’s recovery.

“The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades. We’re grateful to the airline for its continued endorsement of our bestselling single-aisle product line. The A321neo is highly regarded for its unparalleled economics, performance and fuel efficiency. We’re confident that these additional A321neo will contribute strongly to the all-Airbus operator’s next phase of expansion as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading low-cost carriers,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president, sales of commercial aircraft business at Airbus.

“This latest order demonstrates the growing opportunities for aviation in the Philippines and the larger Asia Pacific region. The GTF engine will enable Cebu Pacific to continue to expand the number of routes it offers to passengers, while delivering industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits,” said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney.

CEB was advised by Blue Skies Consultants on the new transactions with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.

Source: Cebu Pacific
Photo Credit: Cebu Pacific

Related Posts

Final Call for Tickets: Flight Simulation Conference Returns to London in just Two Weeks

We’re two weeks away from the much-anticipated Flight Simulation Conference, making its return to London after a three-year break. The event, taking place on October 22 and 23 at the prestigious Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), promises to deliver cutting-edge insights into the future of flight simulation.

The two-day event will focus on the most pressing issues in flight simulation, with key topics such as AI integration, digital twins, and the latest regulatory changes shaping the industry’s future. With an impressive lineup of over 30 speakers from leading organizations like Leonardo, Thales, TRU Simulation and ASTi, attendees can expect thought-provoking presentations and invaluable networking opportunities.

A conference highlight will be the keynote session on the newly released EASA Certification Specification for Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD) and the updated Part ORA/ARA. These pivotal regulations will impact the qualification process for flight simulators used in pilot training and are partially based on ICAO 9625, originally developed by the RAeS Flight Simulation Specialist Group. This is your chance to hear directly from the experts who shaped these regulatory changes.

In addition to the technical sessions, the conference will also see the return of the Edwin A. Link Named Lecture, which will close the first day of the event. Named after the visionary who pioneered the use of flight simulators, the lecture will offer an inspiring look at the history and future of simulation technology.

For the full agenda and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.aerosociety.com/events-calendar/raes-flight-simulation-conference-2024/.

About the Royal Aeronautical Society
As the only professional body dedicated to aerospace, aviation and space communities, the Royal Aeronautical Society exists to advance aeronautical art, science and engineering worldwide. Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge.

About the Flight Simulation Group
The Flight Simulation Group (FSG) is a specialist division of the Royal Aeronautical Society focused on designing, manufacturing, installing, and operating simulation equipment and synthetic environments. They address the economic and human factors impacting the use of simulators for research, development, and training of civil and military flight crews.

The FSG has a significant international presence and keeps up to date with global flight simulation requirements, including those set by national and multinational civil regulatory authorities. They support the flight simulation industry and its workforce through a comprehensive program of activities to educate, inform, inspire, and promote flight simulation.

Source: Flight Simulation Group
Photo Credit: Flight Simulation Group

Related Posts

Indian Pilot Training Facilitator Aero Flight Aviation Trains 317 Pilots for B737 Type Ratings in 2023, Showcases Presence at APATS

New Delhi, India – Aero Flight Aviation Pvt. Ltd announced that its CEO & Director, Ms. Neha Gujral, had an incredible experience attending the (APATS) Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium on behalf of the organization. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with global aviation professionals, explore emerging technologies, and discuss the latest advancements in the Aviation sector.

Aero Flight Aviation is also proud to announce that in 2023, it successfully trained over 317 Pilots for Boeing 737 Type Ratings through its esteemed partners. This achievement underscores the flight school’s commitment to excellence in Pilot Training and its vital role in advancing the Aviation Sector for the past 13+ Years.

Source: Aero Flight Aviation
Photo Credit: Aero Flight Aviation

Related Posts

US Airlines’ Pilot Training and Pathway Program Celebrates 5 Years of Success with New Milestones

USA – United Airlines’ Aviate program, which provides a direct pathway to the airline’s flight deck, has officially marked its fifth anniversary. Launched on October 3, 2018, the Aviate program continues to grow, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring pilots with the support of over 2,800 participants and more than 30 partner organizations.

Since last year, Aviate:

  • Introduced a new look, feel and style to Aviate’s brand
  • Enhanced unitedaviate.com with new features including our Career Selector Tool, eligibility chart and FAQ page
  • Launched Aviate success stories series, spotlighting over 25 participants who have landed at United through the Aviate program
  • Hosted its annual State of Aviate virtual event with 525+ attendees
  • Added 4 new partners to Aviate’s partner ecosystem:
    • Lewis University
    • Texas Southern University
    • UND Aerospace Foundation
    • University of Oklahoma
  • Attended 6 industry conferences and hosted 12 exclusive Aviate participant events and orientations across the country Hosted 122 on-campus recruitment events across the U.S.
  • Created a new eLearning Coaching training and added several new Coaches
  • Opened the first-ever limited-time Aviate pop-up shop, a one-stop destination to purchase the latest Aviate apparel and accessories
  • Deployed My Aviate in-app notifications to remind Aviate participants of important updates
  • Announced a new Aviation Professional Organization entry point (partner announcements coming soon)
  • + Aviate participants, 30+ Aviate partners, and a passionate community of aviation enthusiasts,” remarked the airline.

About United Airlines Aviate
Aviate® is United’s industry-leading pilot career development program offering aspiring and established pilots the most secure path to a United flight deck.

Source: Aviate
Photo Credit: Aviate

Related Posts

Regional Air School Partners with Private-Radar for Enhanced Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking

Private-Radar, an industry leader in flight school management and aircraft tracking solutions, is excited to announce a new partnership with Regional Air School, a renowned aviation training organization based in Romania.

Through this collaboration, Regional Air School will implement Private-Radar’s cutting-edge Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking Systems to further streamline its operations and enhance training efficiency.

Regional Air School, part of the prestigious Regional Air Services group, is a national leader in flight training, offering a wide range of pilot courses, including ATPL, PPL, CPL, and IR certifications. Known for its high standards, the school boasts an impressive record, with over 90% of its graduate’s securing positions in major airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and TAROM. This partnership reflects the school’s continued commitment to incorporating state-of-the-art technology to offer superior training and maintain its position as a top-flight academy in Romania and internationally.

Private-Radar’s comprehensive Flight School Management Solution will empower Regional Air School to manage its daily operations more effectively. The fully featured system provides a centralized platform for scheduling, course management, student records, and instructor coordination. By digitizing these processes, the school can optimize resources, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure continued compliance with EASA regulations.

Additionally, the implementation of Private-Radar’s Aircraft Tracking System will significantly improve flight safety and monitoring. This technology allows real-time tracking of training aircraft, giving instructors and ground teams enhanced situational awareness. Instructors will be able to monitor flights live, review flight tracks, and improve risk management by receiving automatic alerts of any in-flight issues.

Roy Ritter, Head of Training at Regional Air Services, says: “Partnering with Private-Radar is a valuable addition to our school’s operations. Their system provides powerful tools that allow us to operate at a higher level of efficiency by streamlining key processes like scheduling and student progress tracking. This partnership enables us to simplify our workflow, giving our instructors more time to focus on training while continuing to deliver the high standards Regional Air School is known for.”

Prisque Lemble, Founder and CEO of Private-Radar, says: “We are excited to partner with Regional Air School and support their mission to deliver the highest standards of flight training. Regional Air School’s dedication to providing quality education and training aligns well with our goals of using technology to make flight school operations more efficient and effective. By integrating our solutions, we look forward to contributing to an even better training environment for Regional Air School’s students and staff.”

About Regional Air School
Located at Tuzla Airport on Romania’s Black Sea coast, Regional Air School is the first private flight school in Romania, operating under EASA regulations. It offers a wide range of flight training programs, from private pilot licenses to airline transport pilot courses. With modern facilities and a team of experienced instructors, the school is committed to shaping the future of aviation.

About Private-Radar
A leading provider of flight school management software solutions since 2014, Private-Radar has transformed how flight schools and aero clubs manage and monitor their operations. Over the past decade, Private-Radar has evolved into a trusted and essential partner for aviation institutions around the world, including industry leaders such as CAE and Lufthansa Aviation Training. Today, Private Radar’s state-of-the-art solutions drive automation, enhance safety, and improve efficiency for over 100 partners across more than 30 countries.

Source: Private-Radar
Photo Credit: Private-Radar

Related Posts

Pilot Training Ground School Materials Provider Padpilot Partners with Middle East Pilot Training Organisation for MPL Program

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates based Etihad Aviation Training, a global leader in aviation training solutions, has partnered with Padpilot, a leading digital aviation theory training resource provider.

Padpilot’s innovative ATPL theory course materials will be integrated into Etihad Aviation Training’s Multi Pilot Licence (MPL) training programs, enhancing the academic phase of airline pilot training.

The partnership reflects Etihad Aviation Training’s commitment to delivering world-class training and creating a dynamic, effective learning environment for its trainee pilots.

“We strongly believe that theory training has to be engaging and interesting for our students to be successful in their flying career,” said Michael Boulton CTKI at Etihad Aviation Training. “Padpilot provides the most up to date, interactive and relevant courseware available, helping us achieve this goal.”

Etihad Aviation Training is the first training organisation in the UAE to adopt Padpilot ATPL(A) theory resources, which have recently been fully updated for the latest EASA ATPL(A) syllabus, including the new ECQB 2024 Amendment 5. Etihad MPL students will benefit from studying for their theoretical knowledge exams using the most current materials available.

“We share Etihad’s commitment to providing an exemplary theory education for their next generation of airline pilots. Gaining a strong foundation of knowledge during initial training sets the stage for lifelong learning throughout a pilot’s career, resulting in enhanced skills and safer operations,” said Nathan Gray, Padpilot CEO.

About Etihad Aviation Training
A leading Aviation Training Organisation based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, delivering premium training solutions that empower organisations to elevate the skills and expertise of their employees, facilitating growth and success in their aviation journey. With a proud legacy in Pilot and Cabin Crew Training, Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) has expanded its horizons in 2023 to include comprehensive Airport Training solutions.

About Padpilot
UK-based aviation publisher Padpilot harnesses advanced educational technology to create innovative teaching and learning resources that enable pilot training providers worldwide to deliver a smarter education during the theory phase of initial pilot training.

Source: Padpilot
Photo Credit: Padpilot

Related Posts

Indian Airline IndiGo Announces New Cadet Pilot Program Partner in October 2024

Delhi, India – In a new development for India’s aviation sector – IndiGo, India’s leading airline, announces the newest addition to its Cadet Pilot Program: Marigold Aviation.

Marigold Aviation is a world-class provider of best-of-breed commercial airline flight training facilities, backed by a management and advisory team of experts in aviation flight training and aviation regulation. This expertise and experience enable the organisation to provide a uniquely tailored Cadet Pilot Program that sets high standards of quality and safety. From preparation for the DGCA exams to Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL – MEIR) acquisition and Airbus A320 type rating, the program charts out a comprehensive path to becoming a Junior First Officer with IndiGo.

Talking about this partnership, Capt. Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President – Flight Operations at IndiGo, said, “India is home to the third largest and fastest-growing aviation market in the world. As we continue to scale up our operations and work towards doubling our strength, the need for skilled pilots will be pivotal in achieving this vision. Our partnership with Marigold Aviation is a key milestone in that journey, providing access to world-class training with emphasis on safety, quality, and excellence, while nurturing the aspirations of New India’s future pilots. We are delighted to welcome Marigold Aviation to our Cadet Pilot Program and look forward to shaping the future of Indian aviation together.”

Mr. Gautam Chitnis, MD, Marigold Aviation, said,  IndiGo’s leadership in aviation is unparalleled, and we’re proud to share their vision of exceptional aviation standards. We are excited to partner with IndiGo in this groundbreaking initiative to nurture the next generation of pilots. At Marigold Aviation, we are committed to providing a world-class training experience to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s dynamic aviation landscape. This partnership not only enhances our training offerings but also underscores our shared vision of making pilot training more accessible to talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

Information seminars and financing news

Marigold Aviation and IndiGo will be hosting a series of informational seminars in key cities across India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, this coming November. These roadshows are open to all aspiring pilots and their families and will provide them with detailed information about the programand the career options available through IndiGo’s Cadet Pilot Program. An exciting new financing scheme is expected to be introduced at these seminars – a first-of-its-kind for aspirants to the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program.

For many aspiring pilots, the financial commitment of pilot training can be a significant barrier; this scheme aims to remove that. With these new financing options in place, more students than ever before will be able to pursue their passion for aviation without the financial burden often associated with it.

Source: Marigold Aviation

Related Posts

Flight Simulator Manufacturer Simnest to Display A320 FNPT II MCC Device at European Airline Training Symposium 2024

Exhibitors and participants of this year’s European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) are invited to experience the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator firsthand. This unique opportunity will be hosted by the renowned International Flight Academy (IFA), one of Portugal’s leading aviation training institutions, located just 10 minutes from the exhibition venue.

As the saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”and this couldn’t be more true for flight simulators. While many Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) may appear similar on paper, the real test lies in the experience of flying one. Subtle differences in realism, handling, system operations, responsiveness, and overall performance can make a world of difference.

“After ten years of experience, I can confidently say that once you fly a Simnest simulator, you’ll leave with a smile of satisfaction. Our simulators consistently impress, and more often than not, a test session concludes with an order. That’s why we’re thrilled, in collaboration with our long-standing partner IFA, to offer this exclusive opportunity for selected EATS attendees to experience the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator firsthand,” said Balázs Herendi, CEO of Simnest Aviation.

The test flights will be held at the IFA training facility, located at Cascais Airport. Complimentary transport will be provided from the Estoril Congress Center to the academy. Each flight session will last approximately 90 minutes. Registration is open until October 25, 2024, and interested participants can secure their spot by emailing sales@simnest.com.

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your experience at EATS 2024 with a hands-on demonstration of one of the most advanced flight simulators on the market.

About Simnest Aviation
Simnest Aviation is a major player in the market for fixed-base FSTD manufacturers. The company has 21 A320-based simulators operating across 8 European countries, and their FMGS software is also used in North America and Asia. Their products, the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC, its simplified version, the Simnest A320 AATD and the Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC simulators are designed to be nearly identical to the real aircraft, replicating every intricate detail. This perfected to the limit realism of their type-representative flight simulators has helped many ATOs worldwide to expand their training portfolios with one of the most sought-after training, the MPL, and the most preferred pre-airline training, the APS MCC (EASA).

About IFA
IFA is the flight school with the widest variety of aviation courses in Portugal. As aviation specialists, the school has trained thousands of pilots and cabin crews in the past 25 years, which are presently flying in several airlines around Europe, Asia and Africa. IFA continues to focus on innovation improvement of solutions and resources to their students.

Source: Simnest Aviation
Photo Credit: Simnest Aviation

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – FlightLogger

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Kenneth Jeppesen – President and Former CEO of FlightLogger – a leading provider of Flight Training Management software, which provides an all-in-one digital platform for managing the daily operations of a flight school in a standardized framework that fully supports each school’s unique approach to creating new pilots.

The conversation covers:

  • Kenneth Jeppesen’s Background and FlightLogger’s Growth: Kenneth started his aviation journey in the Royal Danish Air Force and later became a flight instructor. He founded FlightLogger in 2011, which has grown rapidly to become a global leader in flight training management software, supporting clients in 50 countries.
  • Global Expansion and Clientele: FlightLogger has experienced substantial growth, onboarding five to six new flight academies monthly. Recent clients include flight schools from the Philippines, Lebanon, Canada, and the U.S. The company’s software is widely used across the globe.
  • Investment from Arcadea Group: The company recently secured a growth investment from Arcadea Group, which also holds stakes in other aviation businesses. This partnership has enabled FlightLogger to expand its AI capabilities and improve its offerings, ensuring that flight schools remain at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency.
  • Leadership Transition: Kenneth Jeppesen has stepped down as CEO to pursue a personal dream of circumnavigation, with Mads Larsen taking over the CEO role. Kenneth remains involved in product management and strategic decisions.
  • Flight Training Industry Challenges and FlightLogger’s Role: Kenneth highlights the growing demand for pilots and the importance of bridging the gap between flight schools and airlines to ensure the highest quality of pilot training. FlightLogger is focused on providing advanced features such as AI-powered scheduling and business insights to enable flight schools to manage scheduling and operational KPIs more efficiently. This helps optimize aircraft usage, instructor-student ratios, and overall training quality.
  • Commitment to Safety: FlightLogger offers a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS), which is one of its most popular modules. The system allows users to easily track and report safety incidents and risks, contributing to a safer training environment.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts