Archives: Market Intelligences

Flight Simulator Manufacturer, Flightdeck Solutions, Expands Facility in 2024 to Meet Growing Industry Demand

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada – Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) has completed the expansion of its headquarters, increasing its facility to 10,000 square feet to accommodate growth in both domestic and international markets. The expansion reflects the company’s measured approach to scaling operations after 24 years of serving the aviation training industry.

“While we’ve doubled our facility size approximately every decade, this expansion is different,” explained Peter Cos, President of Flightdeck Solutions. “We’ve implemented purpose-built production areas and enhanced quality control systems that will benefit our customers for years to come.”

The newly configured facility introduces dedicated device assembly bays with upgraded infrastructure, effectively doubling production capacity. A new demonstration area enables customers to experience fully-built aircraft trainers, complete with a 220-degree wrap-around visual display system, able to support a range of aircraft builds, including A320, B737MAX, and Q400 models.

FDS’s steady growth is evidenced by its delivery of 25 flight training devices to Canadian institutions alone over the past two years.

Among these domestic deliveries are devices for:

  • International Test Pilots School (London, Ontario)
  • Conair Aerial Firefighting (Abbotsford, BC)
  • Orizon Aviation (Quebec)
  • Toronto Airways
  • AviaSim
  • Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (Breslau, Ontario)
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • Kelowna Flight Craft
  • WestJet

This Canadian success runs parallel to FDS’s continued international deliveries.

“The expanded facility allows us to maintain dedicated production lines for our long-term customers while accommodating new projects,” remarked Cos, discussing the strategic importance of the expansion. “This increased capacity, combined with our optimized workflow, helps us better serve the growing needs of the aviation training industry.”

The expansion coincides with recent certifications from Transport Canada, FAA, and KOCA, reinforcing FDS’s position in the flight training hardware sector. While maintaining a strong presence in North America, the company continues to serve clients across international markets. To support this growth, the company plans to strategically expand its teams across sales, production, and technical support roles.

About Flightdeck Solutions
Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) is a global provider to the aerospace and aviation industry for a wide range of flight simulation products and services. Over its 24-year history FDS has gained worldwide trust for producing high quality, immersive and fully tactile FTD trainers, becoming the solution of choice for companies and educational institutions around the world. With devices such as the B737MAX, B737NG, A320, B787, B777, and B747, and trusted by companies like Boeing, Honeywell, and CAE, FDS has built a reputation for providing both custom hardware solutions and turnkey offerings, delivering excellence in quality while maintaining financial responsibility.

Source: Flightdeck Solutions
Photo Credit: Flightdeck Solutions

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Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2024 Announces Emirates Transport as Official VIP Transportation Sponsor

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Emirates Transport (ET), a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions in the UAE, is proud to announce its role as the Official VIP Transportation Sponsor at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Air Expo. As a key player in the UAE’s transportation sector, ET will provide exclusive, safe, and efficient transport services to VIPs, dignitaries, and distinguished guests attending the event. The Abu Dhabi Air Expo, one of the region’s premier aviation exhibitions, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from around the world, making it an ideal platform for Emirates Transport to showcase its commitment to excellence and innovation in the transportation sector.

With a fleet of over 31,000 vehicles, including school buses, electric vehicles (EVs), and commercial vehicles, Emirates Transport is at the forefront of providing safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions across the UAE. The company’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Air Expo further reinforces its dedication to the UAE’s sustainability goals and its role in advancing green mobility across the nation.

“We are honored to be the Official VIP Transportation Sponsor at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, a prestigious event that highlights global innovations in aviation and technology,” said Peter Milner Jørgensen, Acting CEO & CFO at Emirates Transport. “Our involvement in this event aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver world-class transportation services while supporting the UAE’s ambitions for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Emirates Transport has long been committed to sustainability, with a series of impactful projects designed to reduce the environmental footprint of transportation. Through its partnership with TAM, ET is integrating electric commercial vehicles into its fleet, with a goal of reaching 500 electric vehicles by 2024. This move is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 30%, helping to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. Additionally, Emirates Transport is expanding its use of electric bikes for last-mile delivery, with more than 50 bikes deployed in key areas of Dubai and plans to grow the fleet by 50% by 2025. The company is also leading the installation of EV charging infrastructure, working with key stakeholders in the UAE to set up 50 charging stations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand by 75% next year.

Further enhancing its sustainability efforts, Emirates Transport is installing solar-powered EV charging stations across the UAE. The company’s first off-grid solar charging station, located at its headquarters, is expected to prevent 100 tons of CO2 emissions annually. By 2025, ET plans to install an additional 10 solar-powered charging stations across the country, reinforcing its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

As the Official VIP Transportation Sponsor at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, Emirates Transport is excited to provide seamless, safe, transportation for attendees. This sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in mobility solutions while supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability goals. Emirates Transport continues to lead the way in offering comprehensive, green transportation solutions, from school transport and vehicle maintenance to logistics and electric vehicle infrastructure.

About ET
Emirates Transport (ET) is a leading provider of safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions in the UAE. With a fleet of over 31,000 vehicles—including school buses, electric vehicles (EVs), and commercial vehicles—ET is committed to advancing green mobility and supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals. Our services cover school transport, vehicle maintenance, logistics, and EV infrastructure, offering a comprehensive approach to transportation across the country. At Emirates Transport we are your journey.

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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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider, CAE, Announces CEO Succession Plan

Montreal, Canada – CAE announced that after 20 years at CAE, including 15 as President and Chief Executive Officer, and after spearheading the making of CAE as a global leader in training for civil aviation and defence and security forces, Marc Parent will be leaving the company at next year’s Annual General Meeting in August 2025, as part of an ongoing succession plan. Until this time, Mr. Parent will continue to lead CAE in his role as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors, advance CAE’s strategic objectives and ensure an effective transition.

“Under Marc’s leadership, CAE has become a global leader in training for civil aviation and defence and security forces, through which we have furthered our mission to make the world a safer place,” said Alan N. MacGibbon, Chair of the Board of Directors. “During his tenure, CAE’s annual revenue has nearly doubled to $4.3 billion from $2.2 billion. This was driven in large part by the transformation he led from being primarily an industrial products company to becoming the world leader in aviation training solutions, with over two-thirds of annual revenue coming from recurring services. These accomplishments cement his legacy as a high calibre leader in the aerospace industry and create a solid foundation for the future.”

“Marc’s lasting impact on CAE and global aerospace is unanimously recognized by the Board,” said Mr. MacGibbon. “As we continue our succession process for the next CEO of CAE, we are fortunate to benefit from the considerable leadership depth he has built across the organization, placing us in an excellent position for sustainable growth.”

Added Mr. Parent, “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this company over the last 15 years. Having been engaged in succession planning discussions for some time, the Board and I are fully aligned on the process and transition to CAE’s next CEO. Over the decades, I have been able to work together with an extraordinary team, reshaping the aerospace industry by creating something truly unique, and prepared thousands of people in critical roles for the moments that matter. I am proud of the numerous awards and overall recognition that CAE has received, of the solid relationships we developed, and I am grateful for everyone who contributed to making our company what it is today.”

“CAE’s innovative technology and outstanding people now set the standard for training and safety worldwide. When I conclude this unique journey next year, it will be with the knowledge that given our unparalleled training and software solutions, the strong secular growth trends in Civil and Defence, and our robust order backlog, the future is bright for CAE.”

Consistent with its ongoing and rigorous succession planning process, the Board of Directors has retained a leading executive search firm to conduct a comprehensive global search, which will include evaluating internal and external candidates, to identify a new CEO to lead the Company into the future. The Human Resources Committee of the Board will oversee the search process with support and assistance from Mr. Parent.

About CAE
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Flight School Management Software Aviatize Selected by Portugese Flight School Nortavia

Vilar de Luz, Portugal – Nortavia, a premier flight training organization based in Maia has announced its partnership with Aviatize as its new operations management system, aimed at enhancing its flight and maintenance processes and elevating student and instructor experiences.

With Aviatize, Nortavia will streamline and modernize all facets of flight training management. The system offers a mobile-friendly interface for both students and instructors, robust scheduling tools, compliance monitoring, integrated accounting, and comprehensive aircraft maintenance planning and execution.

Gonçalo Moreira, General Manager of Nortavia, expressed his enthusiasm for the new system, stating, “We’re thrilled to adopt Aviatize’s innovative platform, which allows us to focus on training excellence while streamlining operational tasks. With this partnership, Nortavia is better equipped than ever to deliver top-tier training and prepare top quality future pilots.”

Aviatize CEO Tom Verbruggen shared his excitement about the collaboration, adding, “We are proud to welcome Nortavia to our growing network of flight schools. This partnership is a testament to the industry’s demand for fully integrated, customizable solutions. Since meeting Nortavia at last year’s EATS, we’ve seen their forward-thinking approach and high ambitions, and we are confident our platform will support them in reaching their goals.”

Source: Aviatize
Photo Credit: Aviatize

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Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation Signs Purchase Agreement for Up to 15 New Training Aircraft from Elixir Aircraft

France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft has announced that it has signed a sales contract with Egnatia Aviation. The Greek pilot school will be adding twelve Elixir aircraft to its fleet of eighteen, and has placed an option for three more. They will be delivered in two batches of six aircraft and will be based at Kavala-Amigdaleon airport.

The Elixir to train pilots for major airlines

Based at Kavala-Amigdaleon ‘Lydia’ airport in Greece, Egnatia Aviation has been one of Europe’s leading professional pilot training centres since 2006. The school provides pilots to more than 60 airlines worldwide, including 4 cadet schemes with Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air, Iraqi Airways and Olympic Air. It operates a fleet of some twenty single and twin-engine aircraft.

Embarking on a fleet renewal programme, Egnatia Aviation has opted for the Elixir model from Elixir Aircraft. According to Egnatia Aviation’s training team, the Elixir’s cutting-edge technology will provide a better training experience for its cadet pilots. The Elixir offers enhanced safety, thanks to its standard equipment such as the parachute and anti-explosion tank; efficiency, demonstrated by its low operating costs; and environmental responsibility, thanks to its lightweight structure and reduced fuel consumption.

The growing demand for new qualified airline pilots means that schools need to maintain a fully operational fleet while anticipating its replacement by 4th generation aircraft, made up of a minimum of parts and a light all-carbon structure, such as the Elixir.

Twelve Elixir and three options for the Lydia base

Egnatia Aviation has ordered twelve Elixir and placed an option for three others. First deliveries of 6 aircraft to begin early 2025, initially complimenting the current fleet of 18.

“We are excited to add the Elixir aircraft to our fleet. This aircraft is a perfect fit for our operational needs, and we are confident that it will provide our cadets with an exceptional flying experience.” said Dimitris Lymperakis, CEO of Egnatia Aviation.

“We are honoured by the confidence shown in us by Egnatia Aviation, a world-renowned school. We designed the Elixir with the needs of schools at this demanding level in mind. This drives us to make the Elixir even better known beyond Europe’s borders.” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 150 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of savings of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to bring production of all carbon parts in-house. 

There are 27 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Irish Pilot Training Organization Accepting Final Applications for the ASL Airlines Mentored Programme 2025 Intake

Cork, Ireland – Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is accepting applications for its ASLI Mentored Programme, with a deadline of December 6, 2024. This unique program includes a Bonded Type Rating with ASLI and offers placements for aspiring pilots, with the next intake scheduled for February 17, 2025.

The program is open to applicants with no flight hours as well as those holding a Private Pilot License (PPL). Program cost is €82,500, and candidates will have a chance to work in Germany or Dubai on an 8-days-on, 6-days-off roster upon completion. Limited places are available for the 2025 intake, making this a selective and competitive opportunity for aspiring pilots.

  • ASL Airlines Ireland are proud partners of FedEx, DHL, and Amazon.
  • Fixed Rosters and generous time off.
  • Secure Employment with long-term opportunities.
  • Competitive Salary and away-from-base allowances.
  • Career Progression into command, training, safety roles, and more.
  • Supportive Culture that values its people.

About Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA)
Based in Cork, Ireland, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is a leading pilot training organization in Europe, offering a range of flight training programs tailored to develop high-quality commercial pilots for the global aviation market.

Source: Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Photo Credit: Atlantic Flight Training Academy

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