Archives: Market Intelligences

Portugal-based Flight School Expands Viseu Hub with 2025 Acquisition of ALSIM AL250 Simulator

Portugal – International Flight Academy (IFA) has officially announced a major investment at its Viseu hub with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art AL250 flight simulator, reinforcing the region’s position as an emerging center of aeronautical excellence.

  • The AL250 simulator, certified as EASA FNPT II, offers advanced training capabilities across three aircraft types: Cessna 172, Piper PA28R Arrow, and Piper PA44.

  • It supports both analog and EFIS (glass cockpit) configurations, offering a highly adaptable and realistic platform for instrument flight training (IFR).

Source: International Flight Academy
Photo Credit: International Flight Academy

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Former Airline CEO, Bryan Bedford, to Lead FAA Through Modernization Phase

United States – Bryan Bedford, former CEO of Republic Airways, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following a 53–43 vote on July 9. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Bedford assumes leadership amid a critical phase for U.S. aviation safety and infrastructure reform, including a $12.5 billion modernization program for the nation’s air traffic control system.

  • Bedford, who led Republic Airways for over 25 years, stepped down recently to take on the FAA role. His airline operated nearly 1,000 daily regional flights for major U.S. carriers.

  • He was confirmed for a five-year term and will oversee the FAA’s modernization agenda

  • Bedford’s stance on the 1,500-hour co-pilot training rule has sparked opposition, as he has declined to fully commit to retaining it.

  • A key decision for Bedford will involve determining when to lift the current production cap of 38 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft per month

  • The FAA is also maintaining its non-delegation policy on Boeing aircraft certifications, continuing direct inspections of each 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

Source: US Senate

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Epic Flight Academy Hosts United Aviate Program Representative at Tucson Campus in July 2025

Arizona, United States – Epic Flight Academy, the largest FAA Part 141 flight training network in the U.S., hosted Diego Gonzalez from United Airlines’ Aviate program at its Tucson, Arizona campus.

  • Diego Gonzalez, representing United Aviate, spoke directly with Epic students and instructors about the program’s structure and benefits.

  • United Aviate offers structured pathways for student pilots to progress toward First Officer roles at United Airlines, including mentorship and streamlined hiring once minimums are met.

  • Epic Flight Academy currently operates nine campuses nationwide, following recent FAA approvals in Colorado, Utah, and Alabama.

  • The school employs 245 staff, including 118 flight instructors, and maintains a focus on recruiting internally trained instructors to ensure consistent instructional standards.

Source: Epic Flight Academy

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Global FFS Training Center Operator Simaero Strengthens Commercial Team with 2025 Appointments in France and China

Paris, France – headquartered Simaero has strengthened its Commercial Department with the addition of three seasoned professionals.

  • Guillaume Blondel and Magali Barkate join as Global Account Managers in France.

  • Yang appointed as Global Account Manager in China, strengthening Simaero’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific market.

Simaero has marked a dynamic start to 2025, achieving several strategic milestones aimed at expanding its global training network and simulator capabilities across key markets. In the first quarter of the year, Simaero:

  • Expanded its training capacity with the deployment of a new Embraer E190 Full-Flight Simulator in South Africa. This addition supports the region’s transition from the ERJ 145 to the more modern and fuel-efficient E190 aircraft.
  • Achieved DGAC certification for its first A350 Full-Flight Simulator at its Paris Training Center, enhancing its capability to deliver advanced wide-body aircraft training.
  • Hosted its first international customer, FlyBest Flight Academy from Indonesia, at its Changsha Training Center in China, reinforcing its position as a growing aviation training hub in Southeast Asia.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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