Market Intelligence: Africa

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Keyvan Aviation – Aeronautical and Navigation Database Solutions for Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Mehmet Keyvan, CEO & Chairman at Keyvan Aviation (Keyvan Group), offering Big Data solutions and services in the aviation field, including with the approved Aeronautical and Navigation Database for Aircraft Avionics Systems, Flight Simulators and Flight Planning systems, and many other tailored data solutions.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Origins & Mission: Mehmet Keyvan founded Keyvan Aviation to provide certified global aeronautical and navigation data essential for flight operations, avionics, and simulators. As an EASA Type 1 Data Provider, the company ensures aviation stakeholders have access to precise, regulatory-compliant databases used by airlines, flight schools, and simulator operators.
  • Commitment to Data Quality & Certification: Mehmet Keyvan emphasized that “flying without data is like flying with closed eyes,” highlighting the importance of reliable, certified information in aviation safety and training. The company’s focus is on delivering trustworthy, high-quality data tailored to each client’s specific system and operational needs.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Innovation: Keyvan Aviation collaborates with major simulator and tech firms like Quantum3D, Simnest, and HAVELSAN to integrate high-quality data into 3D simulations and AI-powered systems. These partnerships aim to improve training realism and data analytics, supporting the growing need for efficient, modern pilot training solutions.
  • AI, Digitalization & Data-Driven Training: Mehmet believes artificial intelligence and real-time data will transform how pilots are assessed and trained, enabling more targeted and adaptive learning. By analyzing simulator data, instructors can identify weaknesses and tailor future sessions, enhancing safety and operational readiness.
  • Vision & Competitive Edge: Keyvan Aviation differentiates itself through its global data coverage, competitive pricing, and 24/7 technical support. With coverage of over 55,000 aerodromes and heliports worldwide, the company combines certification, quality, and customer service to meet the evolving needs of the aviation training industry.

 For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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South Africa’s PTC Aviation Opens 2026 Advanced Flight Instructor Programme with Guaranteed Placement with Partner Flight School

South Africa – PTC Aviation has opened applications for its Advanced Flight Instructor Programme, starting 5 January 2026, with the guarantee of subsequent employment as a GRD III Instructor with 43 Air School. Successful candidates will train as flight instructors and move directly into instructor roles with 43 Air School

Requirements to qualify:

  • Hold a valid SACAA CPL or ATPL with ME/IR

  • Fluent in English – written and spoken

  • South African citizen

  • Hold SACAA Instructor Exams before course commencement

About PTC Aviation
PTC Aviation is a South African flight‑training organisation headquartered in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape, offering airline‑pilot standard, type ratings (B737NG & A320) and flight‑instructor development courses.

Source: PTC Aviation
Photo Credit: PTC Aviation

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Airbus Delivers 507 Aircraft in First 9 Months of 2025, Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance

Global – Airbus has reported its commercial aircraft performance for the first nine months of 2025, with 507 aircraft delivered and consolidated revenues of Euro 47.4 billion. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, the company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance and outlined future ramp-up trajectories for its A220, A320, A330, and A350 programs.

  • A total of 507 commercial aircraft were delivered in 9m 2025, up from 497 in the same period of 2024. Deliveries included:

    • 62 A220s

    • 392 A320 Family

    • 20 A330s

    • 33 A350s

  • Gross commercial aircraft orders reached 610 units, with 514 net orders after cancellations.

  • Airbus’ commercial aircraft revenues rose 3% year-on-year to Euro 33.9 billion.

  • EBIT Adjusted from commercial aircraft activities increased to Euro 3.27 billion, supported by a favourable hedge rate and reduced R&D expenses, though partially offset by a less favourable delivery mix.

  • Airbus maintains its 2025 guidance:

    • ~820 commercial aircraft deliveries

    • EBIT Adjusted ~Euro 7.0 billion

    • Free cash flow before customer financing ~ Euro 4.5 billion

  • Production targets and ramp-up outlook:

    • A220: Rate 12 now expected in 2026, reflecting current market balance.

    • A320 Family: Ramp-up to rate 75 per month targeted for 2027.

    • A330: Stabilized at rate 4; rate 5 expected by 2029.

    • A350: Targeting rate 12 by 2028.

  • The order backlog for commercial aircraft stood at 8,665 units at the end of September 2025.

Statements

  • “Our nine-month results reflect the level of commercial aircraft deliveries and a solid performance in the Defence and Space and Helicopters businesses,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

  • “Deliveries remain backloaded amid a complex and dynamic operating environment. Meanwhile, we continue to expand our industrial capacity to support the commercial aircraft ramp-up,” he added.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus (shown as meta image)

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Symbiotics – Leading Aspiring Pilot and Pilot Assessment Solutions

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Hannah Davies, Director of Strategy and Growth at Symbiotics – a leading assessment solution provider for the pilot training ecosystem and airlines.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Overview: Symbiotics are global leaders with over 30 years’ experience specialising in psychometric assessments for aviation professionals through their ADAPT online platform, delivering over 150,000 tests annually across 80 countries. Their solutions support airlines, training schools, militaries, and other aviation operators worldwide, to support the recruitment, selection and development of aviation professionals aligned with ICAO competencies and regulatory requirements.
  • Expansion into Cabin Crew Assessments: Symbiotics recently expanded its expertise to include cabin crew assessments. Developed with industry input and aligned with ICAO competencies and CBTA principles, the new suite evaluates personality, cognitive reasoning, and crew resource management skills. The company also partnered with Sky People Training to add a foundation knowledge test, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation for both new and experienced crew.
  • Global Presence and Innovation: Active at key training and aviation events worldwide, Symbiotics values direct engagement with clients to gather feedback and share insights. The company continues to innovate, with the upcoming launch of a mobile-optimised testing interface aimed at enhancing accessibility and user experience during global recruitment campaigns.
  • Industry Trends and Challenges: Hannah highlighted that while pilot recruitment has slowed due to supply chain issues, demand is expected to rise again soon. She noted a stronger focus on selecting the right candidates early to reduce training costs and improve success rates. A key challenge remains aligning and analysing large datasets to link psychometric outcomes with training performance under CBTA and EBT frameworks.
  • The Future of Pilot Training and Symbiotics’ Role: Looking ahead, Hannah envisions a more data-driven and inclusive pilot training industry, with competency-based and personalised learning paths. She also sees growing use of AI and technology – where proven effective – to enhance training quality and safety. Symbiotics aims to stay at the forefront by combining innovation, data analysis, and close collaboration with clients.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

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ELITE Simulation Solutions Delivers Convertible Diamond DA-40/DA-42 FAA AATD Flight Training Device to Nigerian College of Aviation Technology

Nigeria & Switzerland –  ELITE Simulation Solutions is proud to announce the successful installation of an ELITE Diamond DA-40/DA-42 FAA convertible AATD flight training device at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Nigeria. This milestone marks ELITE’s first Diamond DA-40/DA-42 installation in West Africa and underscores the company’s growing presence across the African continent.

Strengthening Pilot Training in Nigeria

Founded in 1964, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology is the premier aviation training institution in Nigeria and one of the most respected in Africa. The addition of ELITE’s advanced DA-42-class simulator significantly enhances NCAT’s training capabilities by providing students, instructors, and professional pilots with a high-fidelity, certified training environment.

The new DA-42 simulator bridges theoretical instruction and real-world flight experience in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner, empowering NCAT to continue producing highly qualified pilots to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation industries.

This latest installation highlights ELITE’s commitment to supporting aviation education and infrastructure development in Africa, contributing to the expansion of regional training capacity and aviation safety standards.

Technical Highlights & Capabilities

The ELITE Diamond FAA approved DA-40/DA-42 convertible platform is engineered for realism, flexibility, and ease of installation. In fact NCAT’s technicians installed the simulators themselves after having received training at ELITE’s HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.

Key features of the installed DA-40/DA-42 Advanced Aircraft Training Device include:

  • Garmin G1000 NXi replica avionics: Provides a fully accurate avionics suite identical to that of the real aircraft.
  • Compact, modular design: Allows for transport and installation through standard doorways, ideal for various training facility layouts.
  • Immersive visual system, with small footprint
  • Simple installation

While configured as a Diamond DA-42, the simulator is convertible to a DA-40 variant, ensuring long-term adaptability for future training needs.

Complete Solutions & Ongoing Support

ELITE provided end-to-end delivery, installation support and instructions, as well as instructor training. The company will continue to provide software updates, maintenance, and re-certification services to guarantee sustained performance and regulatory compliance.

This deployment exemplifies ELITE’s dedication to delivering complete, certified, and cost-efficient flight simulation solutions for aviation academies and training centers worldwide.

“We are proud to partner with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, an institution that has long been at the forefront of shaping West Africa’s aviation professionals. This installation marks a significant milestone in elevating pilot training standards across Nigeria and the wider region. The invaluable support of ELITE’s trusted Nigerian representative, Mahmoud Shehu of Transtek, has been instrumental in helping us extend our flight path across West Africa.” –  Rene Huddlestone, Sales Director, ELITE Simulation Solutions

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions
Photo Credit: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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