Archives: Market Intelligences

New Texas FTO Acquisition Rebranded to Spartan Flight Academy

Texas, USA – Spartan Education Group (SEG) has formally rebranded Aviator Air Flight School as Spartan Flight Academy, following its acquisition of the long-standing Texas-based flight training provider. This move reinforces SEG’s strategic expansion into the U.S. Southwest and aligns the location with its growing nationwide network of aviation training institutions.

  • The rebranding of Aviator Air to Spartan Flight Academy reflects the integration of the Grand Prairie-based flight school into the SEG portfolio, which now includes over 160 training aircraft across multiple states.

  • The acquisition was completed on October 15, 2025, with SEG assuming full operational control of the FAA Part 61 training facility located at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM).

  • The academy will retain its experienced team and student-focused approach, while gaining access to SEG’s network, industry partnerships, and training infrastructure.

  • The location offers training towards five FAA certificates and ratings: Private Pilot (ASEL), Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

  • SEG’s expansion into Texas complements its existing schools in Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, and California, furthering its mission to address growing global pilot demand.

  • Rob Polston, CEO of SEG, noted that with the addition of Spartan Flight Academy, SEG’s training network now operates one of the largest U.S. flight training fleets.

Statements

  • “We are thrilled to welcome Aviator Air to Spartan Education Group… Spartan’s aviation training network now includes more than 160 aircraft… making it one of the nation’s larger flight training networks,” said Rob Polston, CEO of SEG.

Source: Spartan Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Spartan Flight Academy

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Airbus Updates 2025 Aircraft Delivery Forecast to 790

Global – Airbus has revised its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery target due to a recent quality issue from a supplier affecting the fuselage panels of its A320 Family aircraft.

  • The updated 2025 delivery target is approximately 790 commercial aircraft, down from previous target of 820

  • In 2024 Airbus delivered 766 aircraft

  • Despite the delivery adjustment, Airbus reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance:

    • EBIT Adjusted remains at around Euro 7.0 billion.

    • Free Cash Flow before Customer Financing remains targeted at approximately €4.5 billion.

  • The company plans to publish its November 2025 aircraft orders and deliveries on 5 December 2025.

Source: Airbus

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Orbit Groundschool Appoints Franck de Groot as New Head of Training

Netherlands — Orbit Groundschool is proud to announce the appointment of Franck de Groot as its new Head of Training, strengthening the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality aviation education and professional pilot development.

Franck de Groot brings an exceptional aviation background to Orbit Groundschool. A Retired Captain of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), he served as an AH-64 Apache pilot with three deployments and relevant combat experience before transitioning to commercial aviation. His extensive airline experience includes flying the Boeing 737, Boeing 787, and currently serving as Commander on the Boeing 777. In addition, Franck is an experienced Type Rating Instructor (TRI), known for his high training standards and dedication to operational excellence.

“We are delighted to welcome Franck to our leadership team,” said Niko Gerrits, Accountable Manager, Orbit Groundschool. “His operational expertise, instructional experience, and passion for aviation training make him an invaluable addition to Orbit Groundschool. He will play a key role in further expanding the quality and scope of our training programs.”

As Head of Training, Franck will oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Orbit Groundschool ’s curriculum, ensuring that both aspiring and experienced pilots receive top-tier instruction aligned with current industry standards.

“I am honoured to join Orbit Groundschool,” said Franck de Groot. “Training the next generation of pilots is a responsibility I take to heart, and I look forward to contributing to the school’s mission with my operational background and instructional focus.”

About Orbit Groundschool
Founded in 2003, Orbit Groundschool has built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s premier pilot training providers. Fully certified as an EASA FSTD Operator as well Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (certificate number NL ATO 25), Orbit is renowned for its personalized approach and tailor-made training solutions, helping aspiring pilots take flight towards their professional careers. Orbit Groundschool provides high-quality aviation training for pilots and aviation professionals, offering advanced ground school programs as well simulator training taught by industry experts. With a focus on safety, operational competence, and modern instructional methods, Orbit Groundschool prepares students for success in all phases of their pilot career.

Source: Orbit Groundschool
Photo Credit: Orbit Groundschool

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Lufthansa Aviation Training Appoints Michael Hofbauer as Head of Business Development

Germany – airline owned pilot training group Lufthansa Aviation Training has appointed Michael Hofbauer as Head of Business Development.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training
With its competencies in training flight and cabin crews at ten training locations worldwide, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is among the world leaders in the field of aviation training. The company is headquartered at Munich Airport and employs around 800 people at all its locations. Its client portfolio encompasses more than 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, among them the Lufthansa Group airlines. LAT operates close to 200 training devices. These include training aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators for all common aircraft types for pilot training, as well as emergency and service mock-ups for cabin crews. The flight schools of the Lufthansa Group are joined under LAT’s brand European Flight Academy (EFA). 

Source: Michael Hofbauer (Lufthansa Aviation Training)
Photo Credit: European Flight Academy (shown as meta image)

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Philippines Flag Carrier Sends Multiple Students for Flight Training to Airways Aviation Australia in 2025

Philippines & Australia – The PAL Aviation School, relaunched in early 2025 through a partnership with Australia-based Airways Aviation, has sent 14 pilot trainees from its AO Class 2025 Alpha to Australia for advanced flight training as part of the school’s new international training pathway.

  • The 14 cadets will complete advanced theoretical and practical flight training at Airways Aviation’s Gold Coast campus, following their initial ground training phases in the Philippines.

  • A send-off ceremony was held in September 2025 at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center, attended by Philippine Airlines (PAL) officials and family members.

  • The PAL Aviation School, established in the early 1960s, has produced more than a thousand pilots and continues to play a major role in supplying flight crew to the national carrier.

  • PAL is preparing for significant pilot demand growth as it expects to receive nine new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled in early 2026.

Source: PAL Aviation School

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