Archives: Market Intelligences

TRU Simulation and US Aviation Academy Sign Purchase Agreement for 5 Cessna Skyhawk Veris Virtual Reality Simulators

USA – During the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. company, and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., announced an agreement with the US Aviation Academy for its purchase of five of TRU Simulation’s Cessna Skyhawk Veris Virtual Reality (VR) Simulators. This landmark agreement introduces the Veris to the fixed-wing training market and is TRU Simulation’s first fleet order for VR training devices. The US Aviation Academy has the option for a future purchase of ten additional units as part of the agreement, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing pilot training through cutting-edge VR simulation.

“The Veris represents a new era in flight training by revolutionizing how pilots learn, and we are proud to support the US Aviation Academy in its mission to advance pilot readiness through immersive simulation,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “This agreement highlights the growing demand for next-generation training solutions, and we’re ready to see the Veris become an integral part of the US Aviation Academy’s training program.”

The US Aviation Academy offers training for professional pilots, aircraft technicians and aircraft dispatchers. The simulators will be delivered to the Academy’s training facility in Denton, Texas, where they will further advance the academy’s respected flight training experience.

“We are thrilled to be the launch customer for the Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR simulator,” said Mike Sykes, CEO and founder of US Aviation Academy. “Integrating the Veris into our training programs will greatly elevate the learning experience through its advanced technology, helping future aviators build confidence and competence from day one.”

The Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Simulator is designed to meet FAA Flight Training Device (FTD) level 7 standards and features a fully configured cockpit replicating the Cessna Skyhawk instrumentation and controls. Additionally, the device is equipped with authentic Garmin G1000NXi avionics, offering students a highly engaging and realistic training environment with or without the headset.

The Veris is a clean-sheet design that combines industry-leading features of a full flight simulator (FFS) with immersive virtual reality technology to empower pilots to confidently navigate the skies. Now qualified as a Level 7 Flight Training Device from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Veris is designed to meet EASA Flight Training Device Level 3 standards, and the company expects EASA qualification later this year.

About US Aviation Academy
Founded in 2006, US Aviation Academy provides world-class pilot, technician and dispatcher training. With a fleet of over 200 aircraft and multiple training locations, US Aviation is one of the largest and most respected flight training institutions in the United States. US Aviation Academy partners with major airlines, the U.S. Air Force, collegiate institutions, MROs and aircraft manufacturers for career-focused training that prepares students for success in the aviation industry.

Source: TRU Simulations

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Airbus Announces Commercial Aircraft Orders and Deliveries for the Month of September 2025

Global – In September 2025, aircraft manufacturer Airbus:

  • Delivered 73 aircraft to 41 customers
    • 1 A220-100
    • 8 A220-300
    • 1 A319neo
    • 18 A320neo
    • 40 A321neo
    • 4 A330-900
    • 1 A350-900
  • Secured 10 gross orders
  • Year to date Airbus has delivered 507 aircraft to 79 customers.

See last year’s stats here.

AFM Team Note – kindly contact us for a detailed Excel breakdown of orders and deliveries by airline.

Source: Airbus

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US Flight School Launches Significant Flight Hour Bonus for November/December 2025 Enrollees

Florida, USA – Acron Aviation Academy, the Sanford flight training base of Acron Aviation, has announced a limited-time promotional offer for students beginning their full flight training programmes in November or December 2025.

  • Students enrolling in Acron Aviation Academy’s full training programme by December 2025 can choose between:

    • 10 additional Multi-Engine flight hours, saving up to $4,000, or

    • 20 additional Single-Engine flight hours, saving up to $5,500

  • The promotion is valid only for November and December 2025 intakes

Source: Acron Aviation Academy

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Lufthansa Aviation Training Partners with Padpilot for Theory Training

Global – Padpilot, a leading innovator in aviation theory training, is proud to announce a new partnership with Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), recognised globally for setting new standards in pilot training. The collaboration will see Padpilot’s cutting-edge digital training materials integrated into LAT’s comprehensive ab initio pilot programs at the European Flight Academy (EFA), enhancing the theoretical knowledge curriculum for the next generation of airline pilots.

The partnership underscores LAT’s ongoing commitment to offering efficient, future-oriented training concepts that directly address the evolving needs of the airline industry.

“We at EFA are constantly seeking new ways to enhance our training methods through progressive innovation,” said Raymund Obst, Head of Pilot Schools, Lufthansa Group.

“Padpilot’s resources provide a strong foundation for competency-based pilot training by linking theory and practice through scenario-based materials. The combination of videos, animations, and 3D models enriches the learning experience, and their ready-to-use resources and regular updates ensure regulatory compliance and also help our instructors save valuable preparation time.”

Updated to the latest EASA syllabus, including the new ECQB 2024 Amendment 5, Padpilot’s ATPL(A) ground training resources are designed for superior learning outcomes. Their interactive approach uses a wealth of operational examples and insights to ground theory in practical application. By incorporating animations and interactive study aids, these materials promotes better understanding and memory retention, making complex topics clear and engaging.

“We’re immensely proud to partner with Lufthansa Aviation Training,” said Padpilot CEO, Nathan Gray. “Our shared commitment is to go beyond outstanding exam results, instilling a deep, contextual understanding of aviation theory directly applicable to airline operations. This ensures their ab initio students build the most comprehensive and relevant theoretical foundation, rigorously preparing them for their subsequent training and a successful flight deck career.”

This alliance highlights both organisations’ dedication to innovation and quality in pilot education, ensuring Lufthansa Aviation Training continues to produce highly skilled and competent pilots for the Lufthansa Group and the wider aviation industry.

Source: Padpilot

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Flight Training Lender Stratus Financial Reaches USD 20 Million Milestone, Delivering USD 2.7 Million in Returns to Investors

USA – Stratus Financial, a leading provider of aviation-training financing solutions, announced that its investment fund has reached $20 million in assets and has distributed over $2.7 million in returns to investors since its inception in 2021. The milestone underscores Stratus Financial’s continued growth and success in providing financing for aspiring pilots while delivering attractive returns to investors.

Launched in 2021, the Stratus Financial Fund is a 506(c) passive income fund that finances purpose loans for commercial aviation training, serving super-prime borrowers in an underserved $2 billion market. The fund’s success reflects Stratus’s disciplined underwriting, deep industry expertise, and mission-driven approach to helping students pursue careers in aviation.

“Reaching $20 million in the fund is a milestone that represents more than growth—it represents trust,” said Brandon Martini, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Stratus Financial. “Our investors believe in our mission to empower aspiring pilots, and this success proves that strong financial performance and meaningful impact can go hand in hand.”

Since its launch, the Stratus Financial Fund has helped student pilots access the training they need while providing investors with consistent, preferred returns. The fund continues to expand its network of investors and flight school partners to meet the growing demand for pilot training.

“We designed this fund to serve two critical needs: helping students achieve their dreams of flight and giving investors access to a stable, transparent, and high-yield investment opportunity,” said Anthony Geraci, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Stratus Financial. “Crossing $20 million in assets demonstrates that our model works and that our impact continues to grow.”

“What excites me most is the loyalty of our investors,” added Eljona Shkreli, Managing Director of Investor Relations at Stratus Financial. “Many joined us in the early days and have continued to reinvest year after year. Their confidence fuels everything we do as we expand access to flight training and deliver meaningful returns.”

Looking ahead, Stratus Financial plans to continue scaling its lending operations, deepen investor relationships, and expand its impact on the aviation training sector.

Source: Stratus Financial

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Air India Training Academy CEO Visits US Flight Training Group AeroGuard Flight Training Center in October 2025

Arizona, USA – global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center welcomed Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO and Director of the Air India Aviation Academy, to its Phoenix campus, where he met with Air India cadets enrolled in the airline’s Cadet Pilot Program.

  • Mr Bhaskaran addressed the Air India cadets, providing insight into the airline’s training roadmap and encouraging them to maintain a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and consistency throughout their training journey.

  • AeroGuard Flight Trainng Center CEO Joel Davidson also spoke with the cadets, emphasizing AeroGuard’s role in shaping future airline pilots through its structured, safety-first training approach.

  • AeroGuard currently has four Air India cadet batches in training, with a fifth batch having commenced ground school in India earlier this month.

  • AeroGuard has recently surpassed 120 aircraft in its training fleet, continuing to expand with an additional five Piper Archers scheduled for delivery later this month. These aircraft are part of AeroGuard’s 90-aircraft order from Piper Aircraft, which will bring the fleet total to 130 aircraft by the end of 2025.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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CAE Delivers New Airbus A350 Full Flight Simulator to KLM in 2025

Netherlands – CAE has successfully delivered a new Airbus A350 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, enhancing the airline’s pilot training capabilities at its Schiphol-East training centre. The simulator is now fully operational and ready for training.

  • In parallel, KLM is building a new training centre called “The Link” at Schiphol-East, which will house five additional simulators (including one A350 and four A321neo devices) and support both KLM and Transavia pilots. The facility is slated for completion in mid‑2026.

  • The A350 order by KLM (via Air France‑KLM) includes 50 aircraft (firm) with options for 40 more

Source: CAE & KLM

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