Market Intelligence: -Airline Hiring

Indian Airport Development Company Signs Agreement with Flag Carrier to Establish India’s Largest Flight Training Organisation

Amravati, India – MADC (Maharashtra Airport Development Company) and India’s flag carrier Air India proudly announce an agreement to establish the largest Flying Training Organization (FTO) in South Asia at Amravati Airport, Maharashtra. This pioneering initiative marks the first FTO established by any airline in India.

  • Project timeline: Flight training operations are set to begin by April-May 2025, with full functionality expected by mid-2026.
  • Pilot training capacity: The DGCA-licensed FTO will aim to train 180 commercial pilots annually, utilizing 31 single-engine and three twin-engine aircraft, totaling over 36,000 flight hours each year.
  • Economic Impact: The project is anticipated to boost the economic prospects of the Vidarbha region, creating over 3,000 jobs in the aviation sector and allied industries.

Key features of the location:

  1. Superior visibility: Amravati offers more than 300 days of clear visibility for flight training, surpassing many other regions in India.
  2. Optimal airspace: The location provides optimal airspace for training activities.
  3. World-class runway: Constructed by MADC, the runway meets international standards.
  4. Instrument approach landing: The airport is equipped with instrument approach landing capabilities, enhancing training quality.
  5. Night landing capabilities: These features make Amravati’s aviation infrastructure one of the best for aspiring pilots.
  6. UDAN-RCS Scheme: Amravati Airport is included in the UDAN-RCS scheme, with plans for an Alliance Air (regional operator) route connecting Amravati to Mumbai, further boosting regional connectivity.

Statements

  • “This DGCA-licensed FTO, the first of its kind established by an airline in India, represents a significant step towards addressing the pilot shortage in the Indian aviation industry,” said an Air India spokesperson.
  • “The project is expected to generate over 3,000 jobs and significantly contribute to the economic development of the Vidarbha region,” noted a representative from MADC.

About MADC

Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is dedicated to the development and management of aviation infrastructure in Maharashtra, fostering economic growth and connectivity in the region.

Source: MADC

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Avia Solution Group’s New Brazil Operator Welcomes New CEO as It Nears Completion of AOC Certification

Avion Express Brasil, a fully owned subsidiary company of the Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Esteban Jauregui Lorda as its new CEO. Currently in the third phase of the AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) certification process, Avion Express Brasil plans to commence operations in Q4 of 2024.

Avion Express CEO Darius Kajokas states that the company is focused on preparing for operations in Brazil and expanding in the Americas. He emphasizes that Esteban’s experience in this market is expected to be highly beneficial for both the company and its clients.

“Having worked in managerial positions at Aerolineas Argentinas, GOL Linhas Aereas, and Avianca, Esteban is a great leader and I am truly glad he is joining our team. As we focus not only on obtaining AOC and starting operations in Brazil but also on continue developing the ACMI market across the Americas, having a leader with deep knowledge of the local market is very important. I am confident that Esteban’s expertise and leadership will help to drive the business of Avion Express Brazil to success by creating financial and operational benefits via ACMI services to the airlines in Brazil and the broader region of the Americas“, says D. Kajokas.

The new CEO of Avion Express Brazil, Esteban Jauregui Lorda, previously worked as the Fleet Director at Avianca. He began his aviation career in 2007 as a Technical Purchaser for Aerolíneas Argentinas, later transitioning to the company’s Fleet Department in 2009, and later on managed fleets at Brazil’s GOL Airlines and at Arajet in the Dominican Republic.

“I have been following Avion Express Brasil from the very beginning. With my extensive market knowledge, I always knew that something like it was needed and that it has tremendous potential. The ACMI sector is quite undeveloped in South America due to lack of investment and would greatly benefit from Europe-based assets to offset lower demand during winter seasons. Naturally, as soon as I was given the opportunity to not only become a part of this company but to actually lead it, I said ‘yes’ with barely a moment of hesitation,” said Esteban Jauregui Lorda, the CEO of Avion Express Brazil.

Esteban Jauregui Lorda also mentioned that he has an ambition that Avion Express will establish itself as the most relevant ACMI supplier in the region, opening the ACMI market and raising awareness of its advantages.

“The goal is to provide a cost-efficient, turn-key ready solution for capacity demands during peak season to the Brazilian and South American carriers. In the near term, the top priority is certification and developing a strong team to partner with local airlines to be the top-of-mind ACMI solution”, – shares Esteban.

Avion Express Brazil is part of an ambitious expansion project launched by its parent company, Avion Express, to consolidate its presence in Latin America. Specializing in narrow-body ACMI operations, Avion Express now operates a fleet of over 50 Airbus A320 family aircraft. Customer airlines of Avion Express include Air France-KLM Group Airlines, British Airways Group Airlines, Lufthansa Group Airlines, SKY Airline, SunExpress, TUI, VivaAerobus, Wizzair, and many others.

Avion Express is part of Avia Solutions Group – the world’s largest ACMI service company group, which operates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. Companies belonging to the group also provide a variety of other aviation services, such as aircraft maintenance and repair, pilot and crew training, and ground handling.

Source: Avion Express
Photo Credit: Avion Express

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US Aviation Academy Welcomes Delta Air Lines to Campus in June 2024

Texas – United States based US Aviation Academy (USAA), one of the largest aviation and pilot training organisations in North America, welcomed a team from Delta Air Lines to its Campus in June 2024. Back in February 2024 Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with US Aviation Academy with their expansion of their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Training into Atlanta, Georgia. This strategic collaboration marked a significant step forward in aviation training and education, aiming to cultivate the next generation of skilled aviation mechanics essential for the industry’s future. The new training campus, situated in the heart of Atlanta in Forest Park, would leverage US Aviation Academy’s extensive expertise in aviation maintenance education and Delta Air Lines’ industry-leading practices to provide an unparalleled learning experience.

Mike Sykes, Chief Executive Officer, US. Aviation Academy, stated in February, “Joining forces with Delta Air Lines allows us to expand our mission of providing top-tier aviation education. Together, we’re excited to offer a unique pathway for individuals passionate about aviation maintenance to achieve their dreams.”

About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 130 aircraft at six locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding with three locations.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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