Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has announced that its team in Australia will be present at the upcoming Pacific Airshow, scheduled for August 16th to 18th 2024 at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Airways Aviation and learn more about their courses available in Gold Coast and Lismore.
Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation
Perth, Australia, 13 August 2024 – Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan. The order will see the E190-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, complement the airline’s larger narrowbodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. The order will be reflected in Embraer’s Q3 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
The announcement event will be attended by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti. Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). The aircraft has a flying range of around six hours and is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900G engines.
“When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30 per cent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.”
“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market.
“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”
“The E2 is a game changer,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We are excited to welcome Virgin Australia to the Embraer family and look forward to seeing our best in class E2 – renowned for comfort, quietness, and low emissions – take the Airline to even greater heights.”
Building upon the first-generation E-Jets’ 20 years of operational excellence, the E190-E2’s enhanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies deliver significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel burn. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% SAF and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s operability with 100% SAF.
Embraer is committed to developing products, solutions, and technologies to contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Embraer aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and achieve carbon neutral growth from 2022. It plans to implement 25% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in its operations by 2040 and 100% renewable energy sources by 2030.
Since the first Bandeirante took to Australia’s skies in 1978, Embraer’s has firmly established its presence there with close to 50 aircraft currently operating in the country, making it one of the largest E-Jets fleets in the Asia-Pacific region.
About VARA and Virgin Australia Group
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, formerly Skywest, has been a proud fixture in the Western Australian landscape for more than six decades. VARA joined Virgin Australia Group in 2013 and now operates more than 250 services per week.
The Group was founded in the year 2000 by Sir Richard Branson and is now one of the largest Australian airlines operating an extensive domestic network as well as short-haul international services, charter and cargo operations, and its loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. The Group employs more than 7,800 people and boasts more than 12 million Velocity members who can use their Points to redeem flights to over 600 destinations around the world through Virgin Australia and the airline’s extensive list of international partner carriers.
About Embraer
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales.
Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.
Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Flight Schedule Pro, the leading global flight school management software platform, announced the launch of its Next Gen suite of capabilities built to transform the way flight schools operate, offering intelligent scheduling, accelerated student graduation visibility, and billing autopilot capabilities.
The launch of Next Gen Flight Schedule Pro comes at a critical time for the aviation industry. With the global pilot shortage reaching unprecedented levels, the role of flight schools in producing qualified pilots quickly and efficiently has never been more crucial. By optimizing operations and accelerating training processes, Flight Schedule Pro’s Next Gen platform empowers flight schools to meet this growing demand, ensuring a steady pipeline of well-trained pilots to support the aviation sector’s recovery and growth.
“Next Gen Flight Schedule Pro is a critical step in flight school management technology,” said Nick Wegner, CEO of Flight Schedule Pro. “Our customers serve not only their students but also global airlines who are combatting the pilot shortage. NextGen capabilities maximize aircraft utilization, streamline student progress tracking, and automate billing and operations to strengthen the relationship between flight schools, their students, and the airlines.”
Key capabilities of Next Gen Flight Schedule Pro include:
A major focus of Flight Schedule Pro is maximizing aircraft utilization, addressing one of the most significant operational challenges faced by flight schools. By optimizing scheduling and aircraft utilization, schools can significantly increase training capacity without the substantial expense of acquiring additional aircraft, leading to improved profitability and faster student progression.
Ed Bagden, Director of Operations at LIFT Academy, shared, “Flight Schedule Pro’s Next Gen platform has been transformative for Lift. We’ve invested heavily in leveraging the data FSP provides to optimize our operations. The insights we gain allow us to make data-driven decisions, drive efficiency, maximize aircraft utilization, and graduate industry-leading pilots to join Republic Airlines.”
To ensure a smooth onboarding for new customers, Flight Schedule Pro has also launched a new white-glove, concierge implementation and support initiative. Led by Corey Knop, the newly appointed VP of Customer Experience, this program offers personalized guidance and support throughout the implementation process and beyond. “Our goal is to ensure that every flight school can fully leverage the power of our Next Gen platform to transform their operations,” said Knop. “Flight Schedule Pro is proud to have a North American team of over a dozen support and implementation staff from the aviation industry providing hands-on support and implementation every step of the way.”
Flight Schedule Pro’s Next Gen features are unlocked for all Suite subscribers, with Billing Autopilot accessible to users of FSP’s Preferred Merchant Account.
Flight Schedule Pro by the numbers
Source: Flight Schedule Pro
Photo Credit: Flight Schedule Pro
Australia – Skytrans Airlines, a regional, charter and ACMI operator, is actively seeking to recruit new first officers:
For more information on how to apply please contact Aerviva.
About Skytrans Airlines
Skytrans is an Australian-based passenger airline & a member of the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group. Skytrans operate a fleet of 13 regional aircraft, specialising in Regular Public Transport (RPT), charter services, and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Aerviva
Photo Credit: Aerviva
Motueka, New Zealand – Nelson Aviation College is proud to announce its collaboration with Infinitus Aero for the introduction of the E22 Spark electric aircraft into its training fleet.
These aircraft will feature zero-emission electric propulsion systems, reducing the carbon and noise footprint of flight training and operational costs associated with traditional fuel-based aircraft.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible, high-quality aviation education, while also taking proactive steps to protect our environment and the community,” said Nelson Aviation College in an announcement. “Our students will benefit from training on the latest technology, preparing them for the future of aviation.”
The addition of electric aircraft to Nelson Aviation College’s fleet will not only enhance the learning experience for students, but also position the College as a leader in sustainable aviation education. This forward-thinking approach will help to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices within the aviation industry.
Delivery of the first electric aircraft is anticipated to begin in 2026.
About Nelson Aviation College
Nelson Aviation College is approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Under the NZQA guidelines, Nelson Aviation College has developed a Diploma in Aviation programme which consists of full time training from ab-initio to Commercial Pilot Licence and Multi Engine Instrument Rating with an option of either a Frozen ATPL or an Instructor Rating.
About Infinitus Aero
Infinitus Aero is an Australian business developing world leading electric light sport aircraft for the global market.
Source: Nelson Aviation College
Photo Credit: Nelson Aviation College
