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Air Expo 2024 Launches in Abu Dhabi Including Inaugural Middle East Aviation Career Event

The event is supported by notable sponsors, including AD Mobility as the official sponsor, DCT Abu Dhabi as the destination sponsor, Etihad Airways and Adnoc as Platinum sponsors.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Air Expo 2024 kicks off on November 19 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), running from November 19 to 21. The event places a strong emphasis on aviation training, advanced air mobility, and emerging trends reshaping the future of aviation. The opening day of this flagship event was graced by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, as well as a representative from Abu Dhabi, top industry CEOs, and a distinguished delegation.

Supporting Abu Dhabi as a Global Aviation Hub

The three-day conference and exhibition, now in its seventh edition, highlights Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to become a global aviation hub by bringing together prominent companies such as Sanad a Mubadala company, alongside leading industry experts, Boeing, Flight Safety International, Jet Aviation,  The conference will showcase the latest developments in aerospace technologies, such as electric Air Taxi, Advanced air mobility, while also addressing crucial topics in training, services, and sustainable aviation safety.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “It is with great pride that we gather at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo to celebrate the spirit of innovation, ambition, and aviation excellence. This event embodies our collective commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, driving growth, and fostering creativity within the aviation industry. Abu Dhabi’s vision is to support tourism, create jobs, and contribute to long-term economic development through such world-class events. By bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders from around the globe, we are cultivating an environment where collaboration thrives, and prosperity is achieved. The Abu Dhabi Air Expo is not only a showcase of cutting-edge aerospace advancements, but also a key platform for future opportunities and partnerships that will propel the industry forward.”

Abu Dhabi’s Leadership in Aviation Training

The Middle East Aviation Career (MEAC) initiative aims to educate, inspire, and promote inclusivity within the aviation industry. In response to the rapid growth of the UAE’s aviation sector—fueled by increasing tourism and strategic government investments—the MEAC addresses the need for a well-equipped workforce. Over 40 leading flight training schools are involved, highlighting the growing demand for qualified pilots. These coordinated sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore career prospects, embrace innovations, share insights, and address challenges in human capital development in the UAE. With a forward-looking approach to global aviation, Abu Dhabi is poised to make a significant impact at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, emphasizing the essential role of aviation training in establishing the UAE’s capital city as a key global player.

Focusing on its vision for 2030, Abu Dhabi continues to lead in aviation training solutions across the MENA region, showcasing achievements and milestones that position it as a frontrunner.

Additionally, the ‘Women in Aviation Middle East’ conference highlights vital progress in air mobility, focusing on opportunities and challenges specifically related to enhancing women’s participation and success in the aviation industry.

Advancing National Goals Through Innovation

The Air Expo is aligned with the Vision of Abu Dhabi and is a strategic fit: The aviation sector represents one of the most important vital fields that stimulate and support the growth of many sectors related to this industry & reflects the UAE’s strategic focus on integrating aerospace innovation with advanced technology and sustainability, stated H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The event promotes diversity, employment opportunities, and best practices within the industry, while also supporting the UAE’s strategic focus on integrating aerospace innovation with advanced technology and sustainability.

Partnerships Driving Growth and Connectivity

The event is supported by distinguished sponsors – AD Mobility as Official Sponsor, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, serving as the Official Airline for the event and Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, event’s Official Destination Partner, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global centre for innovation, connectivity, and world-class events, while promoting the emirate’s cultural and economic offerings.

Similarly, ADNOC is a Platinum Sponsor of the event, highlighting its critical role in fostering long-term growth and connectivity in global aviation. SANAD, a mubadala company, is supporting the event as the Gold Sponsor, while Emirates Transport is the official VIP transportation provider. 

Additionally, FlightSafety International, a global leader in aviation training and innovation, serves as the Official Conference Sponsor of Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024. This partnership reflects its dedication to driving innovation, excellence, and safety in the aviation industry. 

About Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Air Expo Abu Dhabi is a premier aviation event, showcasing the latest developments, innovations, and future outlooks in the aviation industry. The event gathers industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to engage, share knowledge, and explore the forefront of aviation technology and solutions. For more information, visit www.adairexpo.com

Source: Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Photo Credit: Air Expo Abu Dhabi

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Grob Aircraft Contracted by SkyAlyne to Deliver 23 New Grob G 120TP Aircraft for RCAF Pilot Training

Ottawa, Canada — On November 19, 2024, SkyAlyne is pleased to announce the successful signing of a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The Grob G 120TP is an upgraded version of the Grob G 120A, which is currently in use by the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program, operated by KF Aerospace and the RCAF for RCAF Pilot training. The TP variant features updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful turboprop engine.

“The new Grob G 120TP will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft for the FAcT program, which means every RCAF Pilot who gets their wings will begin their flying training on this aircraft. Selecting the right aircraft for this role is tremendously significant to ensure that RCAF pilots have the best foundation to build upon,” explained SkyAlyne’s senior executive, Kevin Lemke. “Together with our partners across Team SkyAlyne, we are dedicated to building a world-leading pilot and aircrew solution for the RCAF. We are honoured each and every day to be entrusted to partner with the RCAF to deliver the FAcT program.”

The signing of the purchase agreement between SkyAlyne and Grob Aircraft confirms production slots and manufacturing schedule. Factory acceptance of aircraft is expected to begin in August 2025.

The Grob G 120TP is currently in use by numerous other militaries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In total, over 200 Grob G 120TPs have been delivered worldwide to-date.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are merged into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, SkyAlyne will manage and maintain the fleet while providing instructors to serve alongside RCAF instructional personnel. The Grob fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force. SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

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VoltAero Announces Training Partnership Including Flight Simulator at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – VoltAero has signed a strategic partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AltiSky for the Cassio electric-hybrid airplane family’s local assembly and distribution across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, selecting a partner that brings proven capabilities in aircraft marketing, distribution, maintenance, training and support.

Under terms of the new agreement, AltiSky will become a VoltAero partner, and is to build a 30,000-square-foot Cassio assembly facility with an adjoining delivery center in the U.S. along with a state-of-the-art training complex that includes a flight simulator. AltiSky also is to establish a network of regional maintenance support facilities in its area of responsibility.

This strategic partnership was announced today at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi, where VoltAero is present as part of the company’s strategy to expand its global industrial and support network while readying the production, certification and service entry of its Cassio aircraft product line. The agreement follows VoltAero’s inauguration earlier this month of its primary Cassio final assembly facility and new headquarters at France’s Rochefort Airport.

Bill Minkoff, the President and Co-founder of AltiSky, has significant expertise in aircraft sales, distribution, flight operations and advanced air mobility. Under his management, AltiSky became the first U.S. stocking dealer and service center for Tecnam Aircraft.

Minkoff is an experienced aviator, having logged 20,000 hours in various types of general aviation, commercial and military aircraft – including serving as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot and instructor, and as a line check captain with Delta Airlines. Minkoff also co-founded the Advanced Air Mobility consultancy company and served as Vice President of the Advanced Air Mobility Association.

“After looking at many of the all-electric airplanes currently under development – including eVTOLs – I’m convinced that VoltAero’s approach is truly realistic, bringing Cassio’s configuration as a conventional takeoff and landing aircraft together with the company’s proprietary electric-hybrid propulsion system,” Minkoff said. “Cassio uses battery technology and power output levels available today, backed by the safety of VoltAero’s dual-source electric-hybrid powertrain. Additionally, its operation from airports reduces risks that eVTOLs face in terms of urban acceptance and the need for significant infrastructure development.”

Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO & Chief Technology Officer, added that the AltiSky partnership opens the all-important North American market for Cassio aircraft. “Bill Minkoff’s aviation knowledge, along with his extensive business network and proven track record in aircraft sales, provide a partner that will position Cassio as a benchmark in North American regional air mobility.”

VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family consists of three versions that seat from five to 12 persons, and which are tailored for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private and business owners/operators, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications.

VoltAero’s first production aircraft version will be the Cassio 330, configured with a five-seat interior and operating on a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 330 kilowatts. It is to be followed by the six-seat Cassio 480 with a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts; and the Cassio 600, to be sized for a 10/12-seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.

The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: the Cassio aircraft will utilize the Safran ENGINeUS electric motor for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150km.), and landing. The hybrid feature – with the internal combustion engine from Kawasaki Motors – comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.

By integrating VoltAero’s patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the company’s purpose-designed airframe, the Cassio aircraft will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition and provide significantly lower operational costs.

VoltAero is exhibiting its Cassio 330 aircraft at this week’s Air Expo Abu Dhabi in the ADNEC Centre (Exhibit stand #540). Additionally, CEO & Chief Technology Officer Jean Botti will participate in the Air Expo Abu Dhabi’s Conference program on November 20 at 15h40 with a presentation entitled: “Revolutionizing Regional Air Mobility.” Botti will be joined by Christophe Lapierre, the CEO of Sigma Air Mobility, which is collaborating with VoltAero on advanced air mobility solutions for the Cassio aircraft.

About VoltAero
VoltAero is taking electric aircraft to an entirely new level. Benefitting from 80-plus years of combined pioneering expertise, VoltAero is developing a truly unique general aviation airplane family, Cassio, for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight in electric and electric-hybrid modes.

Source: VoltAero
Photo Credit: VoltAero

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Brazilian Pilot Training Organization, EPA Training Center, Joins E.A.V. Virtual Aviation Meeting

EPA Training Center (EPA), a 2,700 square meter pilot simulator training facility based in Curitiba, Brazil, has announced its participation in the E.A.V. – Virtual Aviation Meeting, an event bringing together virtual aviation enthusiasts from across Brazil. Scheduled to take place on November 23, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the event will be held at Spazio Italia in São Paulo.

As part of its involvement, EPA Training Center will raffle a unique opportunity for two attendees to experience its Pilot Program for one day. The lucky winners will participate in training sessions alongside the EPA team and enjoy the thrill of flying in state-of-the-art simulators.

Source: EPA Training Center
Photo Credit: EPA Training Center

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