Market Intelligence: Africa

African Airline’s Training University Celebrates Graduation of 1,053 Aviation Trainees from 18 Countries in 2025

Ethiopia — Ethiopian Aviation University, the educational arm of Ethiopian Airlines Group and Africa’s largest aviation training institution, has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of over 1,000 aviation professionals, reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s aviation workforce. The graduates hail from 18 countries, underlining the university’s international reach and continued investment in human capital development across the continent.

  • A total of 1,053 aviation professionals graduated across multiple disciplines:
    • 41 pilots
    • 293 aircraft maintenance technicians
    • 524 cabin crew
    • 214 commercial and ground services trainees
    • 8 marshalling and aerobridge operators
  • The ceremony was attended by Ethiopian Airlines Group Board Chairman Let. Gen. Yilma Merdasa, CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew, and other senior executives.
  • Of the total graduates, 474 were female, highlighting the university’s continued progress in promoting gender diversity in aviation training.
  • The university offers a broad portfolio of programs, including:
    • Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, and MBA in Aviation Management
    • Diploma and certificate programs in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, cabin crew, commercial services, and more
    • ICAO-certified and online training options, ensuring wide access and global standards
  • The event underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategic objective to bolster aviation self-sufficiency and leadership across Africa through its Vision 2035 strategy.

Statements

  • “This is not just a personal achievement to the trainees; it is an achievement to the industry in Africa and the world,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s industry leaders, and we are proud to take part in shaping the future of our industry through shaping the people who will run it.”

About Ethiopian Airlines 
Ethiopian Airlines Group is Africa’s largest and most awarded airline, operating passenger and cargo flights to over 160 destinations across five continents. With a strategic growth plan titled ‘Vision 2035,’ the carrier aims to become one of the top 20 global aviation groups, leveraging ultra-modern aircraft, a Pan-African multi-hub strategy, and significant investment in training via Ethiopian Aviation University.

Source: Ethiopian Airlines

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Global Pilot Training Group and Simulator Engineering Service Provider Simaero Strengthens North Africa Ties with Tunisia

Tunisia – Simaero, a leading global independent provider of full-flight simulator training and simulator engineering services, has conducted a strategic business mission in Tunis, Tunisia, aiming to deepen its footprint in North Africa’s growing aviation training market. Amir Mekhaeil, Business Development Director at Simaero, conducted the two-day visit.

“Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our clients here — engaging discussions, valuable insights, and exciting opportunities for collaboration ahead. It’s always rewarding to see how strong partnerships are built on trust and shared ambitions. Looking forward to continuing these fruitful exchanges tomorrow and strengthening Simaero’s presence in this dynamic region.” stated Mr Mekhaeil.

Source: Amir Mekhaeil (Simaero)

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Elite Simulation Solutions Delivers SACAA-Certified ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC to Cape Town Flight Training Centre

South Africa – Elite Simulation Solutions AG, a leading Swiss innovator in certified flight simulation technology, is pleased to announce the successful sale, delivery, and subsequent Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa (SACAA) certification of its flagship ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC flight training device to the Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC), based at Cape Winelands Airport in Durbanville, Western Cape.

About the Device

The ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC is a state-of-the-art flight simulation system designed for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC) training, fully compliant with both South African CAA & EASA CS-FSTD(A) Issue 2 standards as a Flight and Navigation Procedure Trainer II MCC (FNPT II MCC), and also certified under FAA’s AATD Level 5 in the USA as well as Australian CASA FSD2 Cat B approved. Based on the renowned King Air B200 platform, its convertible configuration enables seamless operation as both Single-Engine Piston (SEP) and MultiEngine Piston (MEP) trainers.

Featuring dual-pilot dynamic control loading, authentic switchology, active electrical and fuel panels, pressurization and oxygen system simulation, Original Garmin GTN650 GPS avionics, and an immersive analogue and glass cockpit visual environment, the S923 FNPT II MCC delivers exceptional realism and training value.

Sale & Delivery

Following an agreement earlier this year, Elite successfully delivered the ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC to CTFTC at its dedicated Flight Simulation Facility in Bellville, Cape Town. This milestone significantly augments CTFTC’s training capabilities, offering advanced, versatile instrumentation to support both MCC and IFR training requirements.

CAA SA Certification

The simulator has been rigorously assessed and granted SACAA FNPT II MCC certification, permitting its use in official instrument, commercial, and MCC training programs in accordance with South African aviation standards.

Executive Perspectives

Rene Huddlestone, Sales & Marketing Director at Elite Simulation Solutions, remarked:

“We are immensely proud to introduce the ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC to South African airspace. This device not only reinforces our commitment to delivering elite-level simulation technology but also aligns with the rigour and depth of pilot training that CTFTC is renowned for. SACAA certification underscores the simulator’s excellence and readiness for multi-crew coordination training in a regulatory-compliant environment.”

Findlay Smith, CEO of Cape Town Flight Training Centre, commented:

“The arrival and SACAA certification of the ELITE S923 FNPT II MCC device represent a transformative development for CTFTC. This advanced simulator elevates our training offerings – enabling us to deliver superior MCC and IFR instruction while meeting international standards. Our instructors and students alike will benefit from the unprecedented realism and versatility this simulator brings.”

About Elite Simulation Solutions AG
Based in Dübendorf, Switzerland, Elite Simulation Solutions has, since its founding in 1987, engineered certified flight training systems distributed globally. With over 35 years of experience, a footprint exceeding 450 certified simulators across 51 countries, and compliance with ISO 9001 standards, Elite is celebrated for delivering high-performance, dependable simulation solutions, backed by a guaranteed certification success rate.

About Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC)
Established in 2003 and located at Cape Winelands Airport, CTFTC is a SACAA-licensed Aviation Training Organisation (ATO 1115), offering a full suite of pilot training—from Private Pilot Licence (PPL) through Commercial (CPL), Instrument Ratings, Instructor Ratings, and hour-building programs. With over two decades of delivering world-class flight instruction, CTFTC continues to set the benchmark for flight training excellence in South Africa.

Source: Elite Simulation Solutions

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