Market Intelligence: Africa

South African Flight School Seeking Chief Flight Instructor in February 2025

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa – Progress Flight Academy is seeking a Chief Flying Instructor and a Grade III Flight Instructor to join its training division at Progress Aerodrome (FAPZ). These roles involve delivering high-quality flight training and assisting with ground school instruction when required.

Chief Flying Instructor – Requirements:

  • Valid SACAA ATPL
  • Valid Grade II Flight Instructor Rating
  • Valid Class 1 Medical
  • Multi-Engine and Instrument Flight Instructor Endorsements

Grade III Flight Instructor – Requirements:

  • Valid SACAA CPL or ATPL
  • Valid Class 1 Medical

Preferred (Not Required):

  • Experience with Piper PA28-161
  • Knowledge of Integrated Flight Training Courses

To apply, please contact Progress Flight Academy’s recruitment team.

Source: Progress Flight Academy

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Expanding a Global Flight Training Group in 2025 – Airways Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Alexandre Alves – Chief Commercial and Chief Operating Officer at Airways Aviation Group – one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa.

The conversation covers:

  • Global Operations and Services: Mr Alves gives an overview of the history of Airways Aviation and its current global pilot training infrastructure – now operating over 100 aircraft
  • 2025 Acquisitions and Growth: The group recently announced its acquisition of the Patria Pilot Training Unit (now called Airways Aviation Nordic) as well as key strategic partnerships with leading flight training organisations in Portugal and Morocco. In 2024 it acquired an Italian flight school to compliment its existing facilities in Italy.
  • Diverse Offering Mix: The group has focused on ensuring that it cater’s to a wide segment of stakeholders including defense, universities, airlines and individual aspiring pilots.
  • Industry Challenges: a large part of the flight training industry has not been increasing the price of flight training in order to cover the cost of training delivery putting significant risk on the European flight training industry in 2025.
  • Industry Outlook: Airways Aviation Group predicts a temporary slowdown in pilot demand in 2025, due to delayed aircraft deliveries to airline, but is focused on consolidating its recent acquisitions and integrating partnerships to prepare for the next industry growth cycle starting in 2025.

For more information:

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Cirrus Introduces Immersive AR Pre-Flight Tool for SR Series Pilots

Cirrus Aircraft has announced an upgrade to its Cirrus Approach app for iPad, introducing an Augmented Reality (AR) pre-flight tool designed specifically for the SR Series aircraft. The update aims to provide a lifelike, hands-on training experience for pilots, enhancing their preparation for real-world operations. The new AR tool enables users to virtually interact with the SR Series aircraft, bridging the gap between theoretical practice and practical application.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft

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Airbus Helicopters Reports Strong Growth with 450 Net Orders and Innovations in 2024

France – Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) and delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, marking another year of steady growth with a 57% preliminary share of the global civil and parapublic market. The company’s strong performance was driven by demand across its light, twin-engine, and heavy helicopter segments, with orders placed by 182 customers in 42 countries.

  • Market Growth Highlights:
    • Orders increased by nearly 10% for the second consecutive year.
    • Key contributors included the Super Puma programme with 58 orders from the German Bundespolizei, Japan Coast Guard, and the Ministries of Defence of the Netherlands and Romania.
    • The H145 and H145M attracted new defence customers, including Brunei Air Force, Belgian Ministry of Defence, and Bahraini Police Aviation Command.
  • Product Innovations:
    • The Racer compound helicopter exceeded 407 km/h in its initial flights.
    • The CityAirbus NextGen completed its maiden flight in Donauwörth.
    • The H175 concluded its de-icing flight tests in Canada and Norway, progressing toward certification, while the H160 saw over 30 units entering service worldwide.
  • Defence and Security Priorities:
    • Airbus supported humanitarian missions, including U.S. National Guard operations after Hurricane Helene and disaster relief in Valencia, Spain.
    • Expanded uncrewed systems (UAS) portfolio, showcasing crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities with the VSR700.
    • Initiated studies for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft programme.
  • Global Footprint Expansion:
    • Celebrated 40 years of operations in Fort Erie, Canada, which will deliver 19 H135 helicopters to the Canadian defence sector.
    • Opened a new facility in Oxford, UK, marking 50 years of Airbus presence in the country.
    • Announced an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA.
  • Sustainable Aviation Efforts:
    • Increased sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage to nearly 20% for test and training flights in Marignane, Albacete, Donauwörth, and Oxford.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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South African Flight Training Group 43 Air School Welcomes January 2025 Intake

South Africa – 43 Air School, one of Africa’s largest flight training organisations has welcomed its latest group of 11 aspiring aviators in January 2025.

With over 50 training aircraft 43 Air School trains over 300 pilots for the African continent and for Asian airlines such as Indian airline IndiGo and Vietnam’s flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Source: 43 Air School
Photo Credit: 43 Air School

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Global Flight Training Group Airways Aviation Expands Activities in Africa Through Partnership with MAPA

Casablanca, Morocco – Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, and India, has shared that Airways Aviation ESMA (Airways ESMA), and Morocco Aviation Private Academy (MAPA), a renowned provider of pilot and aviation engineering training, have signed a new strategic cooperation agreement to deliver key phases of the bespoke, Airways Aviation EASA Airline Pilot Pathway Programme in Morocco.

This pioneering partnership reflects the growing importance of Morocco as a new hub for aviation in Africa and beyond, leveraging the country’s expanding socio-economic influence and significant government investment and emphasis on education, training, and aviation infrastructure. It also aligns with the development and expansion plans of regional carriers including Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Air Arabia Maroc which projects robust growth in the sector in the coming years.

Under the agreement, Airways ESMA and MAPA will collaborate to train prospective student pilots via a comprehensive but cost effective, multi-phase EASA Airline Pilot Pathway Programme for aspiring pilots. The pathway includes Foundation Studies and Assessment, Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training and structured hour-building, CPL, EASA ATPL Theory in Morocco followed by advanced flight training modules such as Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) and Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) at one of the growing number of Airways Academies in either France, Italy, Portugal or Finland.

The aim is to produce highly skilled, internationally certified pilots ready to meet the evolving demands of African and other global airlines.

A significant element of this collaboration is the Airways ESMA – EASA Theory Distance Learning along with the planned establishment of a dedicated EASA‐certified ATPL Theory and Examination Centre in Morocco to be located at MAPA’s facilities. When established, this centre would operate under Airways’ regulatory certifications and licenses, with MAPA providing on-ground support and facilities. The partnership also paves the way for additional programmes such as Cabin Crew Training, Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering courses and future joint marketing and recruitment initiatives.

“We are delighted to join forces with MAPA to bring a pathway for world-class EASA pilot training to Morocco,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of the Airways Aviation Group. “This agreement underscores our mutual commitment to fostering international-standard aviation education and responding to the fast-growing demand for highly qualified pilots in Morocco, Africa and beyond.”

“At MAPA, we are dedicated to raising the bar for aviation training in Morocco,” added Musa Al Mustafa, Chairman of the Board at MAPA. “Partnering with Airways Aviation Group — an established global leader in aviation education — ensures we can deliver a programme that meets EASA’s rigorous standards, prepares our students for successful airline careers and strengthens Morocco’s position as a continental aviation powerhouse.”

With Morocco’s strategic location and the surging need for well-trained, EASA-qualified pilots, the Airways–MAPA partnership promises to be a game-changer in aviation training. By uniting world-class expertise and local industry insight, this collaboration provides a transformative pathway that will help shape the future of African aviation education, skills and workforce development.

About Airways Aviation Group
Airways Aviation Group is a global leader in aviation education, offering EASA, CASA, and ICAO-certified pilot training across multiple international locations. With over four decades of industry experience, the Group has trained thousands of pilots and aviation professionals worldwide.

About Morocco Aviation Private Academy (MAPA)
Morocco Aviation Private Academy (MAPA) is a leading training institution in Morocco, providing ICAO PPL, CPL, ATPL IR and EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programmes. With a commitment to excellence, MAPA is dedicated to developing highly skilled aviation professionals who meet the stringent standards of the global aviation sector.

Source: Airways Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation Group

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Cirrus Approach Flight Training App Relaunches with Augmented Reality Pre-Flight

USA – Cirrus Aircraft has unveiled a significant update to its Cirrus Approach app, redefining flight training for its SR Series and Vision Jet models. The app, optimized for Apple iPads, provides pilots and instructors with access to advanced digital resources, interactive training tools, and a revolutionary Augmented Reality (AR) feature for pre-flight procedures.

Key Features of the Relaunch

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Pre-Flight Training:
    • Users can master pre-flight procedures and safety checks in a virtual, interactive environment.
    • Designed for SR Series and Vision Jet aircraft, AR enhances real-world readiness by replicating operational scenarios.
  • Cirrus Private Pilot Program:
    • Provides ground school training tailored for the SR Series aircraft.
    • Combined with Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), the program supports earning a Private Pilot License in a Cirrus aircraft.
  • Extensive Course Library:
    • Over 50 training courses include transition training, specialty programs, and interactive modules.
    • Courses integrate engaging videos, quizzes, and simulations to simplify complex topics.
  • Enhanced Instructor Tools:
    • CSIPs can monitor student progress, manage flight logs, and tailor instruction.
    • Interactive materials and real-time feedback capabilities enhance training outcomes.

Industry Perspective

Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen remarked on the transformative potential of the new features: “AR is set to revolutionize the flight training experience for Cirrus aircraft owners. This innovation ensures pilots are thoroughly prepared for real-world flying while making training more engaging and effective.”

Availability

The updated Cirrus Approach app, including the Private Pilot Program and complimentary AR pre-flight features, is available for download on the Apple iPad.

Cirrus Aircraft’s investment in augmented reality and comprehensive digital training reflects a broader industry trend toward adopting cutting-edge technology to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility in pilot training.

About Cirrus
Cirrus is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft is 18 million hours, and 265 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus
Photo Credit: Cirrus

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