Market Intelligence: Asia Pacific

Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Cirrus Aircraft, Releases Service Advisory on the Transition to Unleaded Fuel and Use of Non-Cirrus Approved Fuel in SR Series Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft released a serviced advisory on June 18, 2024 with a subject “Transition to Unleaded Fuel and Use of Non-Cirrus Approved Fuel in SR Series Aircraft.”

See Cirrus’ advisory below:

“Cirrus is dedicated to proactively addressing the evolving landscape of sustainability regulations, particularly the shift away from leaded aviation fuels. We continue to actively support industry efforts to develop, evaluate, and advance new fuels while supporting a safe industry transition to a future unleaded fuel environment.

These efforts include working directly with industry associations and all stakeholders including AOPA, GAMA, the FAA, and the FAA-Industry EAGLE program through the PAFI certification program. As of June 2024, EAGLE is actively pursuing three potentially viable alternatives/replacements for 100LL: GAMI G100UL, LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E, and Swift 100R. Cirrus is dedicated to supporting all major fuel companies in their pursuit to bring alternative high-octane fuels to market.

As part of our proactive participation in the unleaded fuel initiative, Cirrus has been collaborating with potential fuel producers conducting materials compatibility and on-aircraft fuel performance testing for over a decade.

Cirrus is engaged in a comprehensive testing and evaluation program of the GAMI G100UL fuel. Working in coordination with GAMI, our key powerplant partners (Continental and Lycoming), and the FAA during this process, the goal is to ensure operational safety of both the powerplant and airframe fuel systems. While some aspects of the initial Cirrus testing of the GAMI G100UL fuel are encouraging, other areas, including materials compatibility, remain inconclusive. At this time, Cirrus does not approve the use of GAMI G100UL fuel in Cirrus SR Series airplanes. Additionally, Cirrus currently does not warrant or represent in any way an operator’s use of the GAMI G100UL fuel in SR Series airplanes.

Per Continental and Lycoming, only approved fuels may be used for an engine to be covered by warranty. As the GAMI G100UL fuel is a non-approved fuel per Continental and Lycoming, engines known to have run this fuel may not be covered by the current OEM engine warranty. For specific details, please refer to the respective Continental and Lycoming engine warranty documents.

Shell recently announced that 100VLL will be shipping to airports in Europe beginning in April 2024. Cirrus confirms this fuel can be used in all Cirrus SR Series airplanes as it complies with the ASTM D910 standard specification for leaded aviation gasoline. Please refer to FAA SAIB NE-11-55 “Grade 100VLL Aviation Gasoline,” for additional details.

The continued safe operation of all Cirrus aircraft around the world remains our top priority. As progress continues, we will provide updates as soon as they are available. We look forward to ensuring a safe and smooth transition to unleaded fuel for all Cirrus SR Series owners.”

Source: Cirrus

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider, CAE, Shares FY24 Recap Video

CAE shares the following FY24’s remarkable achievements through the video below:

  • CAE’s SkyAlyne joint venture awarded largest contract in CAE’s history for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training Program (FAct)
  • Inauguration of 1st US West Coast business aviation training centre in Nevada
  • Announcing Vienna as the location for business aviation training centre in Central Europe
  • Announcing full-flight simulator and pilot training program to commence at Singapore CAE Flight Training Centre
  • Agreement for Integration of Flight Operations Solutions Software at Air India
  • Awarded subcontract for U.S. Army Flight School Training Support Services
  • Awarded Bell’s contract to support U.S. Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Program
  • CAE awarded rapid prototype, enhancing mission readiness of U.S. Army
  • First Falcon 6X training completed at CAE Burgess Hill
  • Boeing and CAE to collaborate on pilot training to enhance aviation safety
  • Release of CAE Aviation Talent Forecast
  • Adding USAF Rotary-Wing, Introductory Training at CAE Dothan Training Centre
  • CAE to support US Army high altitude platform training with Bombardier Global 6000/6500
  • Long-term agreement with Akasa Air for Boeing 737MAX pilot training
  • CAE GmbH delivers NH90 Full Mission Training Centre to the German Navy
  • Embraer and CAE to double Phenom 300 pilot training capacity
  • SkyWest set to deploy CAE’s next-generation Flight Operations Solutions

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Australia-based Flight Training Group Sets New Record for Number of Female Student Pilots in Training

Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, Australia headquartered flight training group Sydney Flight College (SFC) Australia has reported a record high for female student pilots, reaching 21%. This achievement marks a notable step towards their 2025 goal of 25% female student pilots. In March 2024 Sydney Flight College (SFC) continued its mission in supporting women in aviation by awarding its latest Women Pilot Scholarship to student pilot Sophia Poole. Awarded on International Women’s Day, which was celebrated at the academy’s Sydney clubhouse on Friday, March 8, the scholarship provides financial assistance and mentorship for female student pilots on their flying career journey through the support of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association.

In 2023, SFC launched its pilot academy in Tamworth, its second Australian airbase and recorded the following metrics:

  • 295 new students
  • 104 graduated students
  • 15,250 recorded flight hours
  • 40 aircraft
  • 40 instructors, 12 of which joined in 2023 while 10 long standing instructors moved into airline roles

Source: SFC Australia
Photo Credit: SFC Australia

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Australia-based RMIT Aviation Academy Signs New Abinitio Cadet Pilot Program with South East Asian Low-Cost Carrier

RMIT University’s Aviation Academy, which has the largest owned and most modern training aircraft fleet in Australian higher education, leadership team concluded a South East Asian trip which included the signing of a new abinitio cadet pilot program with Thai Vietjet.

Lea Vesic, Director and CEO of RMIT Aviation Academy, participated in the CAPA India aviation Conference, engaging with industry leaders to discuss the future of aviation education and training. Followed by a visit to Bangkok, Thailand during which a signing of the Thai Vietjet Cadet Program was held at the Sky Careers Festival.

Lea Vesic reaffirmed her belief in aviation’s transformative power to positively impact societies and individuals saying, “I believe so deeply in the power of aviation to change people and societies for good. This trip not only reinforced my belief in the boundless opportunities the aviation industry holds but also highlighted the global spirit that drives it. The future is bright, and it’s being led by the next generation of leaders we’re so proud to support.”

In September 2022 VietJet Air, held a signing ceremony and a roadshow Ab-initio Pilot Training Admission Day for its Cadet Pilot Program with Australian Flight School RMIT University located in Melbourne Australia. The flight training program will take 12 to 14 months and cost US$88,000.

Source: Lea Vesic (RMIT)
Photo Credit: Lea Vesic (RMIT)

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Flight School Resource and Training Timeline Forecasting Tool, Aeroplanned, Releases 2nd ‘Excellence in Pilot-Training Planning’ Video

Aeroplanned, the pioneering resource planning platform for flight training, has launched a new video series to showcase its offering to the different pilot training industry stakeholders.

“Aeroplanned is relatively new and unique in the industry, which can make it challenging to explain its full scope. Our key focus is to seamlessly connect the pilot training pipeline, ensuring smooth student progress and optimal outcomes for all involved. But what does that actually look like?

We thought it would be good to showcase some of our favourite features and how they tackle significant issues within the flight training industry.

Check out the first video in the series – Identifying delayed students (with an intro to our new ‘Cohorts’ feature!)

We believe every student needs a tailored plan moving forward. No matter the type of training, if you want the best outcomes for your flight school – optimised resources, happy students, correctly-booked flight tests, accurate hiring and upgrade plans, predictable revenue (the list goes on!) – every student needs a plan.

For some students, on-time completion is crucial. In this video, we’ll show how easy it is to use our software to resolve delays and ensure students finish on-time.

Why is this important?

  • For airline cadets with booked slots in full flight simulators
  • For students moving between bases for streamlined transitions
  • For students with hard end dates due to financial, travel, immigration, or job commitments
  • Or simply to deliver training to the agreed contract and keep the flight school running like clockwork

Aeroplanned makes it simple to resolve delays and ensure on-time completion, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Watch the video here

Source: Aeroplanned

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New Zealand Flag Carrier Launches Abintio Cadetship Pilot Training Program to Turboprop Operations

  • New accelerated pathway to becoming a pilot for Air New Zealand
  • 30 Kiwis to be selected for cadetship and will commence training from September 2024
  • Expression of Interest launched to identify New Zealand-based flight training organisations that can deliver the cadetship long-term in Aotearoa

Please see the press release from New Zealand flag carrier Air New Zealand below.

“The sky’s the limit for aspiring Kiwi aviators with the launch of Air New Zealand’s first-ever Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship. Designed to inspire more individuals to pursue a career as a pilot by reducing financial barriers, this cadetship complements existing pilot pathways, ensuring we can continue to meet future demand and avoid possible pilot shortages.

Launched and open for applications, the Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship is an all-inclusive training programme that accelerates the journey to becoming a commercial pilot from the typical 24-36 months to approximately 14 months.

With an initial commitment of 30 pilots, successfully selected cadets will commence training in small cohorts from September 2024, with the majority of costs, including training and living expenses, funded by Air New Zealand (subject to conditions).

To quickly establish the cadetship, cadets will initially train overseas using existing capacity while Air New Zealand conducts a procurement process to identify a long-term domestic training provider.

Cadets will be predominantly based in Arizona, where they will learn to fly single and multi-engine planes. They will then travel to Dubai to complete simulator sessions, becoming type-rated to fly ATR72-600 aircraft. Once qualified, successful cadets will have a pathway to employment as an Air New Zealand pilot.

Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan says looking at both short and longer-term solutions to training pilots is crucial to ensure the airline can meet future travel demand.

“That’s why Air New Zealand is taking this proactive step to fund the majority of the training costs for 30 cadets. The programme not only opens the door for individuals from all backgrounds to consider a career as a pilot but also provides an expedited training pathway.

“We also know airlines around the world are already having to ground aircraft and cancel flights due to a lack of pilots. While these shortages have yet to impact Air New Zealand, we could see this change quickly if we aren’t proactive now”.

“In New Zealand, air travel is crucial in connecting Kiwis with each other and the world, as well as transporting high-value goods that contribute to our economy. We play an important role in ensuring we have the pilots needed to keep our aircraft flying.”

Applications for the Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship are open now until 8 July. Full details, including the eligibility criteria, can be found on our website.”

The flight training will be conducted in Arizona, United States while the type rating will be done in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It’s a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 7.3 years. Air New Zealand’s global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. Pre-Covid, the airline flew more than 17 million passengers every year, with 3,400 flights per week. Air New Zealand was recently named the World’s Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline’s laser-focus on safety. Last year, Air New Zealand won Best Corporate Reputation in New Zealand – 8th year in a row.

Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework  helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.

Source: Air New Zealand

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