Market Intelligence: Africa

World’s Largest ACMI Provider and Aviation Conglomerate, Avia Solutions Group, Reports Revenues up 25% to €2 Billion for 9 Months 2024

Dublin, Ireland – Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, which operates a 221 aircraft fleet in total, split between 183 passenger aircraft and 38 freighters, has announced its financial results for the three quarters of this 2024.

The Group’s revenues increased by 25% to €2,06 billion compared to the same period last year, while net profit also rose to €83,3 million from €70,8 million. The group’s EBITDA for the period stands at €406 million, an 29% increase compared to the same period last year.

Over the first 9 months of 2024, the main revenue-generating regions for Avia Solutions Group were Europe (55,1%) and Asia (27,9%). The Americas, Africa, Australia and Pacific Islands represented 11,8%, 2,7%, and 1,2% of revenues respectively.

Avia Solutions Group has an ongoing strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet the continued strong demand from airlines globally for additional aircraft during their peak seasons. The Group completed the acquisition of Australian based Skytrans in the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of air operator certificates held by the Group to 11 and over the third quarter also established its first AOC in Thailand, Thai SmartLynx. The Group is planning to obtain further air operator certificates (AOCs) in Malaysia, Philippines and Brazil by the end of 2025.

Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group said: “Expanding into Southeast Asia and other counter cyclical markets represents a pivotal strategic direction for the group. These regions offer significant growth opportunities and enable us to optimize fleet utilization year-round. By leveraging the robust demand in these markets, particularly during Europe’s off-peak winter season, we can effectively balance seasonal variations, ensuring our aircraft remain active and profitable while supporting our global network and customer needs.”

According to Janukenas, the cargo market has proved challenging in 2024 due to overcapacity. However, the Group anticipates increasing activity in the cargo market in 2025.

To further the Group’s business development initiatives, Avia Solutions Group also successfully issued US$300 million of five-year senior unsecured bonds with a coupon of 9,75% in the first half of 2024.

Testament to investor confidence in the Group’s strategy is the increase of group equity capital by €300 million in 2024. This growth in group equity capital relates to US-based Certares Management LLC, a private equity investment firm which invested into Avia in 2021, electing to convert its preferred shares to ordinary shares.

In November, the Group placed its first direct order for 80 Boeing 737 MAX, split between 40 firm and 40 purchases rights. The deliveries will start in 2030.

Avia Solutions Group offers its services to customers including some of the largest airlines in the world. The group operates in 68 countries around the world and consists of 250+ companies providing a wide range of aviation services like aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and more. The group’s team encompasses 14,000 highly qualified aviation professionals.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – True Course Simulation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Brett Watts  – CEO of True Course Simulations, a simulator manufacturer that specializes in virtual reality flight training.

True Course Simulation offers a simple 3-step learning process that includes a pre-flight briefing, interactive simulations, and visual demonstrations of maneuvers.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Offerings: True Course Simulations (TCS) provides comprehensive VR-based flight training solutions that include hardware (immersive training devices), software (courseware), and data management tools. Originally focused on military contracts, the company has expanded to serve civilian flight schools globally, prioritizing innovation and efficiency in pilot training.
  • Global Expansion and Partnerships: TCS has established partnerships with flight training organizations worldwide, including recent device deployments to Nelson Aviation College (New Zealand), Embry-Riddle Asia (Singapore), and Sydney Flight College (Australia).
  • Key Trends in Pilot Training: Brett highlighted the increasing demand for efficiency due to rising costs and instructor shortages. Another trend is the growing adoption of automation and VR to supplement traditional training, reducing stress on students and instructors.
  • Impact on Training and Safety: TCS tools improve safety and efficiency by enabling students to master core skills in simulations before real-world training. This approach reduces cognitive overload and better prepares students for complex multitasking in the cockpit.
  • Mission: TCS stands out by offering an integrated system of VR labs, self-guided learning, and performance analytics. The company aims to empower students with confidence and proficiency while supporting partners in modernizing their training systems.

For more information:

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

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Simaero Highlights Engineer Services for Flight Simulator Upgrades

Simaero, a global leader in aviation training and simulator services, announced its comprehensive suite of flight simulator upgrade solutions. The Simaero Engineering team leverages years of expertise to deliver cost-effective and reliable enhancements to flight simulation systems worldwide. Simaero’s simulator upgrade services include:

  • Regulatory Upgrades
  • Avionics Upgrades
  • Performance Upgrades

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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South African Flight Training Group 43 Air School Welcomes Large Number of Aspiring Pilots in November 2024

43 Air School, one of Africa’s largest flight training organisations, has announced the commencement of its latest intake of around 18 aspiring aviators.

With over 70 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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South African Flight Training Group 43 Air School Launches Flight Instructor Hiring Drive with Sign-On Bonus

Port Alfred, South Africa – 43 Air School, one of the largest flight training group’s on the African continent, has announced job openings for flight instructors with a competitive sign-on bonus of R50,000 to R80,000 (approx. USD $2.7-4.4k). The hiring initiative includes interviews in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

  • Flight instructors selected for the role will receive a sign-on bonus ranging from R50,000 to R80,000, subject to terms and conditions.
  • Interested applicants are encouraged to send their CVs and licenses to 43 Air School

Source: 43 Air School
Photo Credit: 43 Air School

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Global Simulator Manufacturer, ELITE Simulation Solutions, Enhances Aviation Training in Cameroon with PI-135 Pro Installation

Yaoundé, Cameroon – ELITE Simulation Solutions is proud to announce the installation of its state-of-the-art PI-135 Professional Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) at the Ministry of Interior’s Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This marks the third ELITE simulator to be deployed in the country, further strengthening its commitment to advancing aviation training across the region.

The PI-135 Pro is a cutting-edge flight simulator renowned for its ability to replicate realistic single-engine and multi-engine flight experiences. Equipped with advanced features such as dynamic control loading on the yoke and pedals, GTN750 GPS units, and is FAA-certified. The simulator is designed to deliver unparalleled realism. With its integration of Lockheed Martin’s image generator and 3 curved monitor visual system, the PI-135 Pro ensures trainees experience lifelike cockpit operations and in-depth procedural training for various aircraft models, including but not limited to the the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Mooney M20J, and Seneca III.

The installation at CCAA underscores ELITE’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions tailored to the needs of professional pilots, flight schools, and regulatory authorities. By offering an accessible, high-performance training tool, ELITE supports the enhancement of aviation safety and operational excellence across Cameroon.

Christopher Reville, CCO at ELITE, commented, “The deployment of the PI-135 Pro in Yaoundé is a testament to ELITE’s dedication to empowering aviation professionals with robust and reliable training tools. This third installation in Cameroon highlights the growing recognition of our technology’s value in developing aviation capabilities on the African continent.”

The PI-135 Pro is designed to meet global certification standards, including FAA BATD, making it a versatile and effective tool for pilot licensing, recurrent training, and maintaining instrument proficiency. With its compact design and cost-effective operational model, the simulator is a strategic addition to Cameroon’s aviation training infrastructure.

About ELITE Simulation Solutions
Founded in 1987, ELITE Simulation Solutions is a global leader in the design and production of flight training devices, IFR simulation software, and flight controls. Headquartered in Dübendorf, Switzerland, the company operates across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, delivering world-class simulation solutions to aviation professionals, training schools, and enthusiasts.

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions
Photo Credit: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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