Archives: Market Intelligences

IAA and Pier Seven Aviation Announce Strategic Joint Venture to Launch an Integrated Training Network from Initial Training to Type Rating

United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), the training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), announced a strategic joint venture with full flight simulator training center operator Pier Seven Aviation, creating one of the few aviation training alliances in the world to offer a fully integrated pilot training pathway—from ab initio to type rating and MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot License) programs in collaboration with airline partners.

Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) is a premier aviation training institution headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, with operational bases in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, dedicated to delivering world-class pilot and aviation education programs. With a focus on safety, innovation, and international standards, IAA offers a full range of training solutions, designed to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and certifications needed for global aviation careers.

Pier Seven Aviation is a premium EASA and GCAA-approved training organization based in Sharjah, UAE. With a legacy of excellence and innovation, it currently accommodates training for over 50 airlines across more than 30 countries. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulators, including six FFS for the A320 (CEO/NEO), B737 (NG & Classic), and B747, offering comprehensive type rating, recurrent, and simulator training solutions for both airlines and individual pilots

Under this agreement, Pier Seven Aviation’s state-of-the-art training facility in Sharjah will now operate as the official IAA Type Rating Center, expanding IAA’s service portfolio and enabling the delivery of advanced type rating programs under unified standards that serve both individual cadets and airline clients with excellence.

As part of this joint venture, Pier Seven Aviation will also gain full access to IAA’s operational bases across the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, allowing the two organizations to fully integrate their flight training capabilities. Pier Seven Aviation customers will now benefit from IAA’s ab initio and core flying training programs, creating a seamless training path from zero flight hours through to airline entry qualifications.

“This partnership is not just an expansion of our training capabilities—it’s a redefinition of what integrated aviation education can look like in the Middle East and beyond,” said Wissam Mehyou, Founder & CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise. “Together with Pier Seven Aviation, we are building a robust, globally competitive training ecosystem that stands at the forefront of quality, innovation, and scalability.”

“This partnership aligns with our mission to provide end-to-end, industry-relevant pilot training that matches the evolving demands of global airlines,” said Capt. Abhishek Nadkarni, CEO of Pier Seven Aviation. “By combining our strengths with Intercontinental Aviation Academy, we are setting a new benchmark for aviation training in the region—one that is scalable, integrated, and globally competitive.”

By uniting Pier Seven Aviation’s leading-edge simulator infrastructure with IAA’s expansive international flight training network, this collaboration forms a comprehensive aviation training solution for both independent cadets and airline-sponsored programs. It also marks the official launch of an integrated MPL program, positioning the joint venture as a turnkey training provider for modern airline demands.

IAA and Pier Seven Aviation remain committed to delivering exceptional standards of aviation education, equipping the next generation of pilots with the skills, experience, and professionalism to meet the evolving demands of the global aviation industry. This strategic venture reinforces both organizations’ shared mission to support the aviation sector with safe, competent, and job-ready flight crew.

About Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA)
IAA is the aviation training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), offering world-class pilot and aviation training programs across Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, and headquartered in the UAE. Through global partnerships, standardized programs, and a student-first approach, IAA is shaping the future of aviation education across the MENA and European regions.

About Pier Seven Aviation
Pier Seven Aviation is a premier UAE-based aviation training center specializing in type rating, simulator training, and professional pilot development. Recognized for its regulatory excellence and modern infrastructure, Pier Seven Aviation delivers tailored training programs for airlines and aviation professionals across the region.

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Intercontinental Aviation Academy

Related Posts

FTD.aero’s A320 FNPT II MCC FSTD at Urbe Aero ATO Certified by ENAC

Rome, Italy – flight simulator device manufacturer FTD.aero has completed the EASA FNPT II MCC certification of an A320 Flight Simulation Training Device for Urbe Aero ATO, based in Rome, Italy.

The certification process was carried out smoothly and successfully with no unacceptable items, no reservations, and no significant findings noted by the ENAC inspectors. The inspectors expressed strong satisfaction with the technical quality, fidelity, and operational readiness of the device.

The newly certified A320 simulator will be operated alongside the B73M FSTD, also manufactured and delivered by FTD.aero and certified in Rome in 2023. Together, the two high-fidelity flight simulation training devices provide Urbe Aero ATO with a robust, multi-aircraft platform to support modern pilot training programs.

Both devices will be used for:

  • APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation) courses,
  • MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence) programs with leading European airlines,
  • Integrated training of cadets to airline-ready standards.

This dual-simulator setup enables Urbe Aero ATO to offer a highly realistic and regulation-compliant training experience in the immersive environment of the most popular jetliner types – preparing students to seamlessly transition to type-specific training and ultimately enter airline flight decks with confidence and competence.

Source: FTD.aero
Photo Credit: FTD.aero

Related Posts

UAE-Based ActionFlight Launches Vertical UPRT Solutions for Global Pilot Safety Training

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates – Aviation training provider ActionFlight has launched Vertical UPRT Solutions, a specialized division focused on delivering Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) for cadets, airline pilots, and business aviation operators globally. The launch comes in response to industry-wide emphasis on mitigating Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I), a leading cause of aircraft accidents.

  • The program is designed to exceed both ICAO and EASA UPRT mandates, addressing regulatory and safety compliance requirements.

  • Training is delivered in fully aerobatic aircraft such as the Extra 330, with instruction from pilots with military and commercial aviation experience.

Dedicated training site found here.

Source: ActionFlight

Related Posts

National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) Urges USA’s Senate to Enhance Language in 2025 Reconciliation Bill

Washington, D.C., USA – The National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) has issued a formal communication to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), urging the inclusion of key language in the current Senate Reconciliation Bill to expand access to federal financial aid for aspiring airline pilots. The proposed provisions would classify students enrolled in FAA Part 141 flight training programs as professional students—qualifying them for higher federal loan limits. NFTA emphasized that such reforms are essential to addressing the long-term pilot shortage and supporting the economic recovery of air service nationwide.

Key Points:

  • NFTA advocates for recognizing students in FAA 14 CFR Part 141 undergraduate flight training programs as professional students in federal education policy.

  • The proposed language would allow these students to access loan levels typically available to graduate and professional programs.

  • With approximately 50% of commercial pilots expected to retire in the next 15 years, the measure addresses the pilot shortage at a structural level.

  • The House has already passed similar provisions with bipartisan support, signaling momentum for education reform tied to workforce needs.

  • NFTA calls for these provisions to be incorporated into the Senate’s budget reconciliation process as a long-term investment in aviation infrastructure and workforce development.

Read the full formal letter below:

“The current Senate Reconciliation Bill contains critical provisions designed to support flight training programs, enhance accessibility to the pilot profession, sustain the pilot pipeline, and address the acute shortage of pilots in the United States.

Approximately 50 percent of commercial airline pilots are obligated to retire within the next fifteen years. There is a strong momentum for higher education reform, and the House has already passed the achievable solution with bipartisan support. This ensures that the nation maintains an adequate number of pilots in the long term.

While the aviation industry has dramatically increased salaries for new pilots and pursued targeted strategies to enhance career accessibility, a sustained comprehensive solution is essential for addressing the pilot supply.

Undergraduate flight training uniquely equips students with at least a commercial pilot’s license upon graduation. Graduates subsequently build additional flight hours required for further certifications necessary for commercial airline positions. These undergraduate programs function similarly to professional graduate programs, including their considerable associated costs.

The Act recognizes the distinct nature of flight training programs, enabling students enrolled in certified, high-quality undergraduate programs (14 CFR Part 141) to access loan amounts typically reserved for professional students.

By reclassifying Part 141 program students and acknowledging their capacity to earn competitive wages sufficient for loan repayment, The Act offers a practical solution to bolster the pilot pipeline, restore air service, and support a thriving U.S. economy.

Reducing cost barriers for aspiring pilots is imperative for restoring and improving air service nationwide.

We respectfully urge the Senate’s budget reconciliation process to incorporate provisions to increase the supply of pilots and address this economic imperative. We are committed to working with you creatively to align with the HELP committee’s goals to reform and broaden higher education and formally recognize flight training programs as professional licensure programs.

Language Request:

Define students enrolled in 14 CFR Part 141 undergraduate flight training programs as professional or graduate students:

*(ii) PROFESSIONAL STUDENT – The term ‘professional student means a student enrolled in a program of study that –

(L) awards a professional degree upon completion of the program; or

(Il) provides the training described in part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).”

About the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA)
The National Flight Training Alliance is a U.S.-based coalition representing FAA-certified flight schools and aviation education stakeholders. NFTA advocates for policies that sustain the national pilot pipeline, improve access to flight training, and support the long-term needs of commercial aviation through legislative and regulatory engagement.

Source: NFTA

Related Posts