Archives: Market Intelligences

Avia Solutions Group Acquires Australian Airline Skytrans

Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider with a fleet of 199 aircraft, has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Australian airline, Skytrans. The acquisition process is planned to be completed in March 2024, subject to the fulfillment of specific transaction conditions.

Skytrans is an Australian-owned and operated airline and air charter business. The airline operates Regular Public Transport (RPT) and charter services, with a current fleet spanning 13 regional aircraft.

The acquisition of Skytrans will grant the group an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Australia, allowing it to operate both passenger and cargo flights. This is a significant step in the strategic expansion of the group in the Asia-Pacific region. Avia Solutions Group currently holds 11 AOCs globally. By the end of 2024, the group aims to establish and acquire 7 additional airlines in various countries, including Brazil, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, and Turkey.

“One of the main strategic objectives of the group is to expand into markets that have the opposite seasonality to Europe. Australia is a new addition to our group’s global footprint, where we see significant potential and growth opportunities, enabling us to offer ACMI services”, says Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group.

CEO of Skytrans, Alan Milne, highlights the new possibilities that the company will unlock after joining the Avia Solutions Group family. “Becoming a part of the group will give us the chance to benefit from the best business practices and experience, as well as expanding our operations, fleet, and geographic reach, while strengthening our position in the market”.

Avia Solutions Group is the parent company to SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, Magma Aviation, and more, operating worldwide. The group also comprises a leading global provider of MRO services, FL Technics, with 100 line maintenance stations worldwide and maintenance hangars in Lithuania, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Avia Solutions Group also operates the largest independent pilot training organization, BAA Training, with schools in Spain, Lithuania, and Vietnam.

Source: Avia Solutions Group

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Middle East Airline-Owned Flight School Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Adds 10 New Aircraft in 2023

Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), a flight training organisation and subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, took delivery of 10 brand new Cessna 172S training aircraft in 2023 to now operate a fleet of 24 Cessna 172S aircraft.

In addition in 2023 Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA) signed an agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for 20 single-engine training aircraft.

“As we prepare to carry our brand further within the scope of our vision for the next 10 years, it makes us all proud to see the high level of domestic and national opportunities and capabilities,” said Ahmet Bolat, Chairman at Turkish Airlines. “Our pilots to be trained with our aircraft to be produced by TAI will bring us closer to the fleet target of 800 aircraft, which we aim to have in 2033.”

“On the other hand, with this valuable agreement that will support TAFA to become an international pilot training center, the star of Turkish aviation will shine even brighter,” added Bolat.

Source: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (shown as meta image)

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Cabin Crew Simulator Manufacturer Enters Flight Simulator Sector With Order from US Pilot Training Organisation

Finland headquartered ASP Air-Space received an order for an Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC device from Miami, Florida based Pilot Training Academy.

“We are thrilled to share a momentous milestone as ASP Air-Space officially signed a contract with a Pilot Training Academy in Miami, Florida at the first week of 2024. This collaboration marks the beginning of a new product direction for our team, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!” shared ASP Air-Space.

“This contract is a testament to our commitment to exploring new avenues and pushing the boundaries,” said ASP Air-Space. “The A320 FNPT II MCC Simulator is just the beginning, and we are excited about the potential for future projects.”

Source: ASP Air-Space
Photo Credit: ASP Air-Space

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Flight School Management Software Provider, FlightLogger, Announces New Partnership with Danish Aviation School

Global flight school management software solution provider FlightLogger is thrilled to announce a significant new partnership with Copenhagen AirTaxi, marking the 11th Danish aviation school to join their client roster. This new alliance is particularly meaningful to FlightLogger, being a homegrown Danish company, and they’re excited to support such a prestigious business in achieving their operational goals.

Introducing Copenhagen AirTaxi

Nestled in the vicinity of Copenhagen in the historic town of Roskilde, Copenhagen AirTaxi (CAT) is not just an aviation company but an institution, celebrated as Denmark’s foremost aviation enterprise.

Founded in 1961, CAT’s breadth of expertise spans the entirety of general aviation, offering an extensive suite of pilot training programs. Beyond training the next generation of pilots, CAT also provides a variety of flight services, including aircraft rentals, charter flights, and scenic aerial tours, as well as operational support services like aircraft maintenance,  servicing, and sales.

With a fleet of 25 helicopters and planes, CAT is also the only Danish flight training organisation that has its own airline.

FlightLogger was the Perfect Fit for a Multifaceted Operation

Copenhagen AirTaxi’s extensive array of services presents unique challenges that demand a versatile and robust software solution.

After a meticulous evaluation process, comparing FlightLogger with other software options on the market, the decision-makers at CAT selected FlightLogger’s platform for its comprehensive features and adaptability.

The implementation of FlightLogger began in September 2023 and, before the year was out, CAT had fully transitioned to the platform, enhancing their daily operations with the advanced software solutions.

“We are honored to welcome Copenhagen AirTaxi into the FlightLogger family,” said FlightLogger. “We eagerly look forward to a collaborative and fruitful relationship, driving forward the future of aviation excellence together.”

Source: FlightLogger
Photo Credit: Copenhagen AirTaxi

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Dubai-based Aircraft Lessor and Indian Airline Announce Lease Agreement for Turboprop Jets

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd announced that it has reached an agreement with FLY91 for the lease of 2 ATR 72-600 aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled to deliver in 2024 and are expected to be the first aircraft to enter FLY91’s fleet.

FLY91 is a regional carrier that strives to enhance air connectivity from tier 2 and tier 3 towns across India. Founded by industry veterans and backed by professional funding, FLY91 aspires to make air travel accessible to every Indian. This vision is reflected in their selection of ATR 72-600 fleet, which is a smart choice for efficient and sustainable operations from most regional airports in the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, said, “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with FLY91 as their first operating lessor, supporting their vision to enhance regional connectivity in India. We thank FLY91 for their trust in DAE as a partner and look forward to deepening this relationship over time.”

Manoj Chacko, Chief Executive Officer of FLY91, added, “India’s aviation sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and FLY91 is proud to be part of this growth story. We are firmly committed to the country’s development through last mile air connectivity, that aim to serve the unserved & under-served cities in India. As we prepare for take-off, our focus is to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable flights to our customers. We are thrilled to partner with DAE on this exciting journey and are thankful for their reaffirmation on FLY91’s vision for strengthening regional aviation in India”.

DAE currently owns and manages a total of 66 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

About FLY91

FLY91 (Just Udo Aviation Private Limited) is a pure play regional airline headquartered in Goa, that strives to enhance air connectivity across tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Founded by industry veterans and backed by professional funding, FLY91 is committed to enhance last mile air connectivity and will connect over 50 cities across India in the next five years. As part of this plan, FLY91 will induct 30 aircraft into its fleet which will be based at multiple hubs across the country. This vision is reflected in its selection of ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is a robust & established choice for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations for regional airlines globally.

About DAE

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd is a globally recognized aviation services corporation with two divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, DAE serves over 170 airline customers in over 65 countries from its seven office locations in Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, Miami, New York, and Seattle.

DAE Capital is an award-winning aircraft lessor with an owned, managed, and committed fleet of approximately 500 Airbus, ATR and Boeing aircraft with a fleet value exceeding US$17 billion. DAE Engineering provides regional MRO services to customers in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia from its state-of-the-art facility in Amman, Jordan, accommodating up to 17 wide and narrow body aircraft. It is authorized to work on 15 aircraft types and has regulatory approval from over 25 regulators globally.

Source: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
Photo Credit: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise

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VR/MR Flight Simulator Manufacturer Delivers 230 VR Immersive Training Devices to Date; Set to Deliver 100 More in 2024

Vertex Solutions, a leading developer of cutting-edge training solutions, including mixed reality (MR) pilot training, announced that, to date, it has fielded over 230 of their cutting-edge virtual reality Immersive Training Devices (ITDs) that are actively enhancing the training experience for the US Air Force and Navy across nine locations.

Apart from these successful delivery and installations, Vertex Solutions is on contract to add nearly 100 more mixed and virtual reality devices to empower pilots this year with more to follow in the coming years.

Vertex Solutions is a technology provider focused on improving performance with learning technology, including Extended Reality (XR) systems integration, 3D modeling, Simulation, Animation, and pilot training.

Source: Vertex Solutions
Photo Credit: Vertex Solutions

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US Flight School Welcomes Bangladesh Airline Partner Captain to Meet Sponsored Students

Florida, United States based Epic Flight Academy which welcomed two batches of US Bangla sponsored abinitio pilots in 2023 to conduct a 10-month flight training course at the flight school welcomed Captain Ahmed from US Bangla who was visiting the students.

In May 2023, US-Bangla Airlines sent its second batch of cadet pilots to Epic Flight Academy. The airline at the start of 2023 sent the first batch comprised of ten (10) cadet pilots.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Welcomes New Head of Operations to US Flight Training Base

Global pilot training group Skyborne, which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and the United States has shared that it is welcoming Jacob Hernandez as Head of Operations at its flight training facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

With nearly a decade of experience in aviation, Hernandez joins the airline academy having served as the Program Manager of Training for Republic Airways’ LIFT Academy in Indiana, facilitating partnerships with part 135 operators and collegiate partners.

Jacob Hernandez, Head of Operations, Skyborne Vero Beach, says: “I’m thrilled to join the Skyborne team and contribute to the success of aspiring pilots. My passion for aviation and dedication to helping students through their flight training will be put to great use in this new role.”

A certified pilot, Hernandez is a California native and a graduate of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he pursued his degree, certificates and ratings.

About Skyborne   

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire Airport in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training. 

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. It is their vision to create a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.   

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.     

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the Delta Propel Career Path Program, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway.  

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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US Aviation Academy Launches New A&P Campus in Atlanta as it Expands Aircraft Maintenance Training Activities

Texas, United States headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group US Aviation Academy’s third FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) training location has launched in Atlanta, just a few miles south of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This FAA Part 147 approved aircraft mechanic school will host its first class in January 2024. The A&P program is 12 months, compared to other programs typically lasting two years. Training includes hands-on shop me with removing, rebuilding, fabricating, troubleshooting various aircraft components, along with theory and lecture classes. US Aviation provides its students with all books, tools, and materials necessary for training. Students even get to work on Lear Jets and Boeing 747 engines! Those interested in applying can do so through the school website at USAviationAcademy.com.

According to Oliver Wyman “Aviation executives ranked a potential mechanics’ shortage MRO’s No. 1 headache in Oliver Wyman’s annual survey earlier this year.” Industry wide, the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC), Boeing, and Oliver Wyman have all predicted massive labor shortages for A&P mechanics over the next decade. Airlines are already feeling the pinch, with sign-on bonuses as high as $40,000. Many local job opportunities exist at both Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the surrounding area. Graduates from US Aviation Academy can look forward to entering a prosperous aircraft maintenance technician career in just 12 months.

About US Aviation Academy

US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 130 aircraft at six locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding with three locations. New flight and mechanic campuses are coming soon. For more information, please visit USAviationAcademy.com.

Source: US Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: US Aviation Academy

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