Archives: Market Intelligences

Spanish Airline First to Take Delivery of A321XLR

Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.

Marco Sansavini, CEO & Chairman at Iberia, said: “We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.”

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia. The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity. It is another proud “first” for all of us at Airbus in our constant quest to innovate and bring value to our customers. We are pleased to share this special moment with a special customer: gracias y felicidades Iberia.”

The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft.

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Aircraft Manufacturer Proposes CEO Renewal and Prepares for Management Changes in 2024 and 2025

The Board of Directors of Airbus SE will propose to the shareholders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting the renewal of Guillaume Faury as Executive member of the Board and Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

The Company is also announcing management transition steps in its Commercial Aircraft business. Lars Wagner, currently the CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, has been selected to join the Airbus Executive Committee, after finalising his term at MTU, to become the successor of Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“Christian and I are excited to have Lars Wagner, such a talented industry leader, coming back to the Airbus family in this key role,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Christian remains at the helm of the Commercial Aircraft business, supported by a great team, until the transition to Lars. Christian and I will continue to work closely together for the success of Airbus in the dynamic and complex environment we are operating in.”

“We have a clear plan for our Commercial Aircraft business and after 40 years at Airbus, I remain committed to the success of the Company,” said CEO Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer. “I believe that Lars, whom I have known for a long time, is the natural choice for Airbus as my successor. I very much welcome his nomination and look forward to working with him in this future transition.”

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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UK Headquartered Flight Training Group, Leading Edge Aviation, Invests GBP 2 Million in 16 Aspiring Pilots

United Kingdom headquartered pilot training group Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases both in the UK and in Spain, proudly announces the outcome of its Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor Training Programme, surpassing its initial goal by selecting double the number of candidates. With a £2M commitment, this initiative makes pilot training accessible to a more diverse range of aspiring pilots, covering up to 85%* of training costs.

Leading Edge Aviation’s groundbreaking training programme offers two distinct pathways to cater to different levels of experience. For those who already hold a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and have some flying experience, the Modular Route provides an unprecedented opportunity. This first-of-its-kind pathway for modular students offers significant financial support, making it more accessible for aspiring pilots to achieve their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and Flight Instructor qualification.

For individuals with no prior flying experience, the Integrated Route offers a comprehensive training journey from novice to expert. This pathway covers all the necessary training to obtain both the fATPL and Flight Instructor qualifications, ensuring a thorough and structured approach to becoming a professional pilot.

After graduation, both routes guarantee a two-year employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation, providing a secure and promising start to their aviation career.

Programme Highlights:

  • Significant Savings: Successful candidates will only need to fund £20,000 (for modular applicants with PPL) or £30,000 (for integrated applicants with no experience) for all training and accommodation costs.
  • First-of-its-Kind Opportunity for Modular Students: This programme offers modular students with a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) an exclusive chance to advance towards their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and become a Flight Instructor.
  • Comprehensive Training: Participants will achieve their fATPL and Flight Instructor qualification.
  • Guaranteed Employment: Graduates receive a two-year bonded employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation based in Alhama de Murcia base in Southern Spain.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Training will be conducted at Leading Edge Aviation’s premier facilities in Oxford and Alhama campus in Southern Spain.

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, commented, “We recognise that the cost of pilot training is a significant barrier for some talented individuals. Our new programme is designed to break down these financial barriers and provide a clear, affordable path to a rewarding career in aviation. We are committed to training the next generation of pilots and flight instructors, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the aviation industry while turning students’ dreams into reality.”

Applications were open to those aged 18 and over with a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (including Maths, English, and Science).

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. In addition to enjoying the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills (in industry circles now referred to as “The Whole Pilot”).

Based both at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.

Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking Solutions Provider, Private-Radar, Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Excellence

Private-Radar, a global leader in Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking Solutions, is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of pioneering innovation and outstanding service in the aviation training industry.

Since its founding in 2014, Private-Radar has transformed how flight schools and aero clubs manage and monitor their operations. Over the past decade, Private-Radar has evolved into a trusted and essential partner for aviation training institutions around the world, including several of the largest industry leaders. Today, Private Radar’s state-of-the-art solutions drive automation, enhance safety, and improve efficiency for over 100 partners across more than 30 countries.

It all started with a near miss

While earning his Private Pilot License in 2011, Prisque, the founder and CEO of Private-Radar, experienced a close call when his Cessna 172 narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with another small aircraft. This encounter highlighted a need for better flight safety measures and inspired Prisque to develop an advanced, real-time flight tracking system that would improve the safety of flight schools and optimize electronic flight records.

This led to the creation of Private-Radar, an innovative Flight School Management Software combined with an Aircraft Live Tracking Solution. Today, Private-Radar is the most advanced, fully featured Flight School Management Solution on the market. Streamlining operations and enhancing safety, by providing flight schools and aero clubs with effortless scheduling, hassle-free record-keeping, real-time aircraft tracking, fully synchronized flight data collection and much more.

Key achievements over the past decade

Global Expansion: Private-Radar has expanded its services to over 100 partners worldwide. We work with a wide array of organizations, including large scale leading pilot training operations, aero clubs, helicopter pilot schools and simulator only sites.

Tailored Solutions: Private-Radar’s dedication to customizing its platform to meet the specific needs of each partner has fostered a loyal user base and earned a reputation for excellence in service and support.

Continued Innovation: Private-Radar conduct an active dialogue and collaboration with their partners, ensuring the system evolves to meet their unique needs. By actively listening to feedback and prioritizing requested features, Private-Radar continuously enhances its platform with new updates and improvements that align with partner requirements.

Celebrate with Private-Radar at EATS 2024

To mark this milestone, we are inviting all EATS 2024 attendees to join us at Booth 514 to explore our latest upgrades, engage with our team, and participate in a very special 10th anniversary competition!

Prisque Lemble, Founder and CEO of Private-Radar, shared: “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the past ten years. Our success reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and service. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to delivering top-tier solutions for our partners and expanding to new flight schools or aero clubs, that are looking to streamline their operations.”

Source: Private-Radar
Photo Credit: Private-Radar

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Full Flight Simulator Manufacturer, AXIS Flight Simulation, Launches VR Solution for Business Jet Pilot Training

Austria – Full-flight simulator manufacturer AXIS Flight Simulation (AXIS), on October 31, 2024, unveiled its Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT), a cutting-edge training solution powered by virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) technologies.

Instantly available for business jet pilot training for a Bombardier CL350, AXIS can design tailored VPT solutions for different aircraft types upon request. The VPT headset uses state-of-the-art hand and eye tracking capabilities to offer a high level of immersion. The system can be used as a standalone product to deliver a flexible learning experience with minimal hardware requirements or be integrated into AXIS’ existing processes. It can be used at any stage of training for tasks such as system familiarisation, ground operations, flight procedures and emergency scenarios.

The built-in AI instructor provides real-time support by answering questions on aircraft systems, controls and functions. Using a hand gesture, trainees can activate the AI assistant to receive spoken guidance, supplemented by visuals and relevant manual sections.

Christian Theuermann, member of the executive board, AXIS Flight Simulation, says “Our VPT will significantly advance the realism and efficiency of pilot training. As one of the first manufacturers to offer VR training for business jets, coupled with innovative features such as hand-tracking, we are proud to offer this solution to the market.”

AXIS’ VPT was designed in collaboration with software development studio Propair Flight (Propair), an independent company within the AXIS Group.

Peter Kesmarki managing director, Propair Flight says: “Working with AXIS to deliver the VPT is hugely rewarding. Our joint expertise in VR and MR technologies ensures we are providing pilots with an advanced and immersive training tool that boosts preparedness and enhances safety standards across the industry.”

About AXIS Flight Simulation
AXIS Flight Simulation is the leading global provider of advanced flight training solutions. With a comprehensive product range covering ATRs, business jets, small turboprop aircraft, as well as specialized aircraft for SAR and research and measurement purposes, AXIS Flight Simulation offers a wide range of training devices and full flight simulators. Its suite of products set a new worldwide benchmark in availability and efficiency, and offer the most realistic flight experience possible for its customers.

Part of the larger AXIS Aviation group, AXIS Flight Simulation is headquartered in Austria and has offices in Canada and Hungary.

Source: AXIS Flight Simulation
Photo Credit: AXIS Flight Simulation

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eVTOL Developer Eve Air Mobility Selects Embraer-CAE Training Services as Training Partner

Melbourne, Florida, USA – Eve Air Mobility (Eve) (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) and Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture between Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) and CAE Inc. (CAE) (NYSE: CAE), announced that ECTS has been selected as the training provider for Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft pilots, maintenance technicians and ground handling personnel. The services will be part of the recently announced Eve TechCare, the company’s all-in-one service portfolio for eVTOLs.

“We are delighted to partner with Embraer-CAE Training Services, which will ensure pilots, maintenance technicians, and ground crew will receive top-notch training for safe and efficient operation of our eVTOL aircraft,” said Luiz Mauad, Vice President of Customer Services at Eve. “This partnership not only underscores our commitment to safety and operational excellence but also equips our and operators’ teams with the necessary skills to offer outstanding customer service.”

“We are excited to embark on this journey with Eve Air Mobility to usher in a new era of flight,” said Carlos Naufel, President & CEO Embraer Services & Support and ECTS Chairman. “As the training provider for Eve Air Mobility, ECTS will ensure pilots, maintenance technicians and ground personnel receive specialized training and acquire the skill and confidence to safely operate Eve’s eVTOL in and around the world’s busiest urban centres.”

“Safety will be essential to the adoption and growth of advanced air mobility (AAM), and highly trained personnel are key to safe operations,” said Alexandre Prevost, CAE’s Division President, Business Aviation Training and ECTS Board Member. “As part of the long-term agreement, CAE will be responsible for producing all equipment and courseware for pilot, maintenance, and ground handling training for Eve Air Mobility. CAE continues to make significant investments in AAM to deliver innovative and immersive products and training solutions that are specifically tailored to the industry and today’s learners.”

The joint venture between Embraer and CAE, established in 2007, began with a contract to provide pilot and ground crew training for Embraer’s Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 customers. Today, the JV operates nine full-flight simulators globally, with more slated for 2025. Earlier this year, it marked a significant milestone by launching the first E2 full-flight simulator in Asia, further strengthening its growth trajectory. Leveraging CAE’s extensive global network of training centers, ECTS ensures comprehensive training coverage, delivering the high-quality customer experience that has become a hallmark of its service.

Eve boasts the industry’s largest backlog with letters of intent (LOI) for 2,900 eVTOLs from 30 customers in 13 countries, representing a potential USD$14.5 billion in sales revenue. Its aircraft utilizes eight dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly in cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight. The concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy to ensure the highest performance levels, safety, dispatch reliability, and low operation costs.

Eve takes advantage of Embraer’s 55 years of experience in designing, certifying, and manufacturing state-of-the-art aircraft. Its customers will also benefit from having access to an existing global service and support network, which is critical to ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient UAM operations.

About Eve Air Mobility
Eve Air Mobility is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Benefitting from a start-up mindset, backed by Embraer S.A.’s 55-year history of aerospace expertise, and with a singular focus, Eve is taking a holistic approach to progressing the UAM ecosystem, with an advanced eVTOL project, comprehensive global services and support network and a unique air traffic management solution. Since May 10, 2022, Eve is listed on the New York Stock Exchange where its shares of common stock and public warrants trade under the tickers “EVEX” and “EVEXW”.

About Embraer
Embraer is a global company headquartered in Brazil with businesses in commercial and executive aviation, and defense & security. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing customer support and services. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. About every 10 seconds, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

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: Eve Air Mobility
Photo Credit: Eve Air Mobility

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Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training Launches MPL Pilot Training Program with Spanish Airline – First Batch in 2025

BAA Training, which operates full flight simulator training centers and flight schools around the world, has signed a contract with Spain’s Volotea, one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, to provide cadet pilot training, with the first cadet batch starting in February 2025. BAA Training aims to train around 30 students per year with the soon-to-launch cadet program.

The cadet program, in partnership with Volotea, will provide airline-specific, full-scope, competency-focused Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training to the cadets. The program covers theory, flight training on single- and multi-engine aircraft, and aircraft type-specific full flight simulator training. This will fully prepare them to operate within Volotea-specific procedures.

“We have a successful track record of running the MPL training programs, thus, we’re very happy to have signed the new partnership with Volotea, which will further solidify our experience in this particular field,” says Marijus Ravoitis, CEO at BAA Training. “We look forward to working with the airline to prepare qualified pilots for them, meet their needs, and, most importantly, ensure quality training.”

“We are pleased to partner with BAA Training in preparing a new generation of pilots trained directly within our airline’s standard operating procedures from day one. This approach ensures our MPL cadets develop both the technical skills, and the disciplined mindset required to uphold our high standards in safety and service, leading to a smooth transition into our operations,” says Merlan van der Panne, Head of Pilot Recruitment & Duty Pilot at Volotea.

The training will be held across a couple of BAA Training locations where the training academy has an established presence – ground school at either Vilnius, Lithuania or Lleida-Alguaire, Spain; flight school at the Lleida-Alguaire International Airport; and the simulator training center in Barcelona, Spain.

The program has a price of Euro 105,000

Source: BAA Training

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