Market Intelligence: Africa

Global Flight Training Group, Airways Aviation, Participates in 2nd Africa Air Force Forum

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceanic region, participated in the 2nd Africa Air Force Forum in Dakar, Senegal on October 25-26, 2023 with the theme “Adapting Air Force Capabilities and Drone Deployment to Combat Modern Conflicts”.

The form was hosted by the Chief of Air Force Staff, Senegal with Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of the Airways Aviation Group, delivering the below speech during the event.

“Distinguished leaders, officials, and esteemed delegates, my name is Romy Hawatt. I am the Founder and Chairman of the Airways Aviation Group and it is an honour to address this gathering of leaders, all of whom play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your respective nations and Africa as a whole.

Airways Aviation is an organisation renowned for excellence in civil as well as defence and security aviation training for over four and a half decades and along with our various training partners, has had the privilege to provide training to numerous defence and security organisations including the Omani and Malaysian Police and Security Forces. We currently hold contracts with the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the German Navy Air Wing, offering a comprehensive program ranging from basic Ab-Initio Training to advanced Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR).

Training is conducted at our world-class facilities in Montpellier, France, and Bremen, Germany in conjunction with our training partners CAE Defense & Security. Furthermore, we are in the process of expanding our facilities into the former NATO base in Comiso, Sicily.

Our unwavering commitment to adhering to The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR) ensures that our training programs enjoy international recognition and uphold the highest levels of compliance. We cover the entire spectrum of aviation training, from basic ab initio to the advanced stages of MEIR, providing a well-rounded education for military aviators.

Recognising the unique requirements of the military, we offer tailored solutions, including bespoke programs designed to meet specific needs, our commitment to cost-efficiency ensures that we maximise capabilities while minimising financial burdens.

Our team boasts former military and civil instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge and the rigour to maintain the highest standards of training excellence. Our training instills essential skills and leadership qualities, crucial for enhancing military foundational readiness. We facilitate the swift integration of selected military Cadets into our training programs, ensuring minimal disruptions to your operational needs.

Recognising the evolving nature of training demands, we also remain agile and responsive to changing requirements and provide continuous monitoring, assessment, and reporting of each cadet’s journey, empowering commanders with valuable insights.

Furthermore, our approach is holistic, emphasising System Integration. This approach allows our clients to focus on their mission-critical tasks without being encumbered by the challenges of initial flight training phases. Moreover, subject to individual client requirements, the Airways Aviation program offers military cadets the unique opportunity to attain either a European Commercial Pilot License or a national ICAO License as part of the training process.

This distinction sets them apart and opens doors to future commercial aviation careers when they eventually transition from military service.

Experienced defence and security pilots holding an EASA ATPL or a National Professional Pilot License are in high demand, both globally and locally, offering an elegant solution to fulfil your national and regional airline needs post the cadet’s Government service. We also actively contribute to pilot recruitment and training pipelines, efficiently and cost-effectively meeting the needs of both military and civilian aviation.

Our expert team is available to demonstrate how we can seamlessly integrate into your flight training requirements and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to initiate a dialogue with you and explore how our Military Ab-Initio Flight Training Program can benefit your esteemed organisations.

In continuation, my esteemed colleague, Captain Mauro Calvano , President of our European academies and operations, will follow my address with a brief presentation. In the interim, I urge all distinguished participants here today to take advantage of this occasion to engage with us offline. Let us delve deeper into the deliverables, methodologies, and tangible benefits that our Military and security training systems provide.

In closing, I extend my gratitude to each one of you for your presence at this conference as your participation today underscores the unwavering commitment to the cause of strengthening peace and security across the African continent and my team Captain Mauro Calvano , Alexandre Alves Christine Mendy and myself look forward to having fruitful discussions and seeding mutually beneficial collaborations to accommodate both current and future needs.”

About Airways Aviation Defence & Security

The Airways Aviation Group (part of the Riana Group) offers comprehensive aviation training programs that prioritise compliance and reporting to meet specific client, EASA or CASA standards. Our solutions are cost-effective and fully customisable to cater to individual client needs with experienced instructors imparting essential leadership and discipline skills to cadets. We ensure rapid deployment and adaptability to changing requirements, with continuous monitoring and reporting throughout the education and training journey. Cadets have licensing options, including EASA and ICAO licenses, and we actively support and maintain a consistent training and graduate pipeline.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation (shown as meta image)

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Aviation Recruitment Consultancy, Aerviva, Shares Thoughts on Digital Education Revolution in Aviation

Aerviva, a Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based international aviation recruitment consultancy, published an article entitled “Transforming Aviation Education: Digital Learning for Pilots and Flight Attendants” where it outlined the importance of digital learning in continuous learning and upskilling of pilots and flight attendants.

Check it out below.

In the ever-evolving aviation industry, where safety, efficiency, and excellence are paramount, the role of digital education has never been more crucial. Pilots and flight attendants, responsible for millions of passengers’ safety and comfort, require continuous learning and upskilling.

The Digital Education Revolution in Aviation

Embracing digital education is not just a choice but a necessity for those navigating the skies of knowledge. Digital education, often referred to as e-learning, has revolutionized the way aviation professionals, including pilots and flight attendants, acquire knowledge and skills. This transformation is driven by several factors, including enhanced abilities, accessibility, improved training, and compliance.

Upskilling involves more than simply picking up new knowledge and abilities; it can also mean developing the knowledge and talents you currently possess, including soft skills. “Soft skills are first and foremost when selecting flight attendants as service is also crucial as well as safety. This is reflected in the selection day for flight attendants, while soft skills for pilots is understood slightly different since they are flying the plane,” states Jainita Hogervorst, Director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy, a Dubai-based international consultancy specialising in aviation recruitment and document management. “For pilots, the ability to stay calm under pressure, offer clear communication, and be creative in solving problems,” are a few soft skills needed Hogervorst clarifies. As such, airlines have online platforms, but pilots and crew still need to put in training time in person or during personal time learning via an external provider. A study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2022 found that 85% of aviation professionals believed that upskilling was essential for career progression. Furthermore, 68% of aviation companies reported that they had already invested significantly in upskilling their workforce.

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the primary advantages of digital education is its accessibility worldwide and reduced training costs of up to 40%. “Digital education platforms often offer personalized learning experiences, allowing aviation professionals to focus on their specific areas of improvement,” notes Hogervorst.  A study conducted by FlightGlobal found that pilots who used personalized digital learning modules improved their knowledge retention rates by 25% compared to traditional classroom instruction.

Improved Safety Training

Digital education provides interactive and immersive modules that enhance safety training, ensuring aviation professionals are well-prepared to handle emergencies and unexpected situations. According to Airline Pilot Forums 84% of pilots believe that e-learning courses on safety procedures have improved their preparedness for emergencies. Meanwhile, Flight Global reports that digital education modules can reduce training time by up to 30% compared to traditional classroom training. The efficiency of digital education allows pilots and flight attendants to complete their training in less time, allowing them to return to their duties sooner.  However, with a lack of engagement, technical issues, and difficulty in monitoring flight attendant participation, virtual training is less successful and less well-liked than classroom training, with the main advantage being the flexibility it gives. While virtual training can be modified to increase effectiveness, classroom training is more dynamic and communication functions better.

Compliance and Certification

The IATA states that 95% of flight attendants are required to complete regular e-learning modules to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations. Digital education ensures that it is not only pilots but also flight attendants who meet regulatory requirements, helping them maintain their certifications and licenses. Additionally, many digital education platforms offer courses in multiple languages, catering to the diverse backgrounds of cabin crew members ensuring they receive training in a language they are comfortable with. While statistics showcase the tangible benefits of digital education in enhancing the knowledge, skills, and safety of aviation professionals, a combination of digital learning and traditional methods remains the most effective way to prepare pilots and flight attendants.

In conclusion, digital education is transforming aviation education for pilots and flight attendants, offering accessibility, cost-efficiency, personalization, real-time updates, and interactive learning. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, embracing digital education is essential to stay ahead and ensure the highest standards of safety and service.

Source: Aerviva

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Global Pilot Training Group, Airways Aviation, Participates in the 2nd Africa Air Force Forum

Airways Aviation Group, represented by owner Romy Hawatt, President Mauro Calvano, and Chief Commercial Officer Alexandre Alves, will be attending the 2nd Africa Air Force Forum on October 25-26, 2023 in Dakar, Senegal. Airways Aviation will have a booth in the said Forum. Airways Aviation is also sponsoring the event and will have the chance to present to all Air Force commanders attending its training programs and capability in one of the opening speeches.

“Africa is strategic for Airways Aviation and we want to expand our presence in the continent not only with our civilian programs but also with our defense and security programs focused on the military market,” said Alexandre Alves.

Source: Alexandre Alves (Airways Aviation)
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation (shown as meta image)

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CAE’s President Shares Thoughts with Canadian Media Outlet

Global pilot training solution provider CAE’s President and CEO shared his thoughts with Canadian News Paper Toronto Star – key highlights were;

  1. Addressing the Pilot Shortage: The aviation industry faces a significant shortage of aircrew, including pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew. CAE’s aviation talent forecast indicates a need for 1.3 million new aviation professionals globally within the next decade, with 300,000 required pilots. There are about 350,000 pilots flying today. CAE collaborates with financial institutions to provide financing for aspiring pilots, enabling them to pursue their training and securing job opportunities with partner airlines upon completion.
  2. Promoting Diversity: CAE actively supports diversity in the aviation sector. The Women in Flight Ambassador program selects talented young women globally, sponsors their flight training, and connects them with partner airlines. These women become advocates, encouraging more young women to pursue careers as airline pilots.
  3. Efficiency and Cost Reduction: CAE’s vast scale, conducting over 1.3 million hours of airline training annually, enables airlines to outsource training efficiently. Six of the seven largest U.S. airlines utilize CAE’s training centers, unlocking efficiencies that lower their operational costs.
  4. Technological Solutions: CAE develops software to assist airlines in managing crew schedules, handling disruptions, and optimizing operations. This technology aids airlines in minimizing disruptions caused by factors such as weather and ensures a smoother experience for passengers.

You can read the full interview here.

Source: The Star
Photo Credit: CAE (shown as meta image)

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Aircraft Manufacturer, Airbus, Announces Changes to the Leadership Team

Global aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE is announcing changes to the leadership team led by Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury, as well as the appointment of a designated Commercial Aircraft business management team which will operate under the helm of Christian Scherer.

“Looking at our key priorities, we want to put the Company in the right configuration for the future,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “Our leadership team will further focus on the operational challenges of today, while addressing strategy and transformation to secure the future in all our businesses. This will require constant attention and stewardship from this leadership team – united around a common purpose and sharing Airbus’ core values – in order to be successful in the fast-changing global environment that has become our new normal.”

Meanwhile, Airbus also announces appointments to the new Commercial Aircraft management team.

“Our customers, partners and stakeholders expect total commitment from Airbus to deliver on the ambitions and operational objectives of our Commercial Aircraft business. I’m excited to assemble a team of talented and recognised leaders at such a critical time for our industry,” said Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft. “I’m looking forward to tackling the challenges and exploiting the opportunities together with this exceptional team.”

From 1 January 2024 onwards, the new Airbus leadership team led by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury will consist of:

  • Thierry Baril, Chief Human Resources Officer*
  • Bruno Even, CEO Airbus Helicopters*
  • Alberto Gutierrez, EVP Special Industrial Projects*
  • John Harrison, General Counsel*
  • Catherine Jestin, EVP Digital and Information Management*
  • Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications*
  • Sabine Klauke, Chief Technology Officer*
  • Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft*
  • Mike Schoellhorn, CEO Airbus Defence and Space*
  • Thomas Toepfer, Chief Financial Officer*
  • Jeff Knittel, Chairman and CEO Airbus Americas
  • Matthieu Louvot, EVP Strategy
  • Wouter van Wersch, EVP International
  • George Xu, CEO Airbus China

From 1 January 2024 onwards, the new Commercial Aircraft management team led by CEO Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer will consist of:

  • Stella Belvisi, General Counsel
  • Maggie Bergsma, Head of Communications
  • Mathieu Callewaert, EVP Human Resources
  • Thomas Hundt, EVP Finance
  • Sabine Klauke, EVP Engineering*
  • Florent Massou dit Labaquère, EVP Operations*
  • Philippe Mhun, EVP Programmes and Services*
  • Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales

Further appointments will be made at a later date.

The roles marked with a (*) have been proposed by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors to form the Airbus Executive Committee which consists of 13 members. The Executive Committee supports the CEO in his duty of managing Airbus. It is chaired by the CEO and comprises the heads of major functions and businesses.

Going forward, Airbus will work to establish this new organisational set-up in project mode from 1 January 2024 onwards. This will be conducted in collaboration with Airbus’ social partners, who have been informed about the process during a meeting of the European Works Council (SE-WC) on 12 October 2023.

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

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