Market Intelligence: Europe

Airbus Appoints New Executive Vice-President Engineering and Head of Technology in 2025

France – Airbus has announced senior leadership changes in its Commercial Aircraft division effective 1 July 2025. Rémi Maillard, currently President of Airbus in India and South Asia, has been appointed Executive Vice-President Engineering for Airbus Commercial Aircraft and Head of Technology for the overall company.

Rémi will report to Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, and join the Commercial Aircraft leadership team

He succeeds Sabine Klauke, who transitions to a new role as Head of Digital Design Manufacturing and Services (DDMS) “Next Gen”. Sabine will report to EVP Digital Catherine Jestin in her new cross-divisional capacity

A successor for Rémi Maillard’s current role in India and South Asia will be announced at a later date.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Italian Flight School’s Cadets Attend Exclusive Open Day at Airline Flight Academy for APS MCC Pathway Offering

Dublin, Ireland – Italian flight training organisation Cantor Air’s selected cadets visited Ireland’s Airline Flight Academy (AFA) for a private and in-depth Open Day on May 23, 2025. The event provided cadets with firsthand insight into AFA’s APS MCC offerings, an essential milestone in the transition from ab initio training to airline-readiness.

  • Cantor Air cadets explored two APS MCC options:

    • AFA Ryanair APS MCC, for those pursuing direct entry into the Ryanair pathway

    • Whitetail APS MCC, for candidates seeking broader career flexibility

  • AFA is an official Ryanair-approved training and recruitment partner, delivering high-standard, airline-specific MCC training

  • The collaboration reinforces Cantor Air’s commitment to supporting professional pilot placement and airline integration

Source: Cantor Air
Photo Credit: Cantor Air

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Tecnam Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Giovanni Pascale Langer – Managing Director at Tecnam Aircraft – an Italy headquartered aircraft manufacturer known for producing light, efficient, and innovative next-generation piston aircraft which have gained popularity with flight training organizations around the world.

The conversation covers:

  • Tecnam’s Legacy and Leadership: Tecnam’s roots trace back over 77 years, beginning with Partenavia, founded by Giovanni Pascale Langer’s grandfather and great-uncle. Built on a strong family legacy in aviation, Tecnam has grown into one of the top three general aviation manufacturers worldwide. Under Giovanni’s leadership as Managing Director the company embraces a philosophy of hands-on, ground-up management. Giovanni himself worked across all Tecnam’s departments. This deep, practical understanding of the business shows Tecnam’s leadership style: engaged, agile, and grounded in the realities of aircraft manufacturing and customer needs.
  • Recent Successes and U.S. Expansion: Tecnam has seen growing demand globally, especially in the U.S., highlighted by a major order from US Aviation Academy: 38 aircraft initially with an option for 52 more. Their agility in adapting production schedules to client needs has made Tecnam a trusted partner for critical projects like training future U.S. Air Force pilots.
  • Addressing the Global Pilot Shortage: Giovanni views the pilot shortage as both a challenge and an opportunity. Tecnam aircraft like the P-Mentor, P2008, and P2010 are tailored for efficient, modern training that helps flight schools produce better pilots, faster. Smart training with smart aircraft is Tecnam’s solution to a growing global issue.
  • Innovation and Market Trends: Tecnam is deeply aligned with industry trends such as cost efficiency, fleet unification, safety, and sustainability. Rather than relying on legacy designs, Tecnam develops certified aircraft tailored to modern requirements. Their diverse aircraft lineup supports a one-stop-shop model for training organizations.
  • Vision for the Future: Tecnam focuses on immediate sustainability gains, such as reducing CO₂ emissions through efficient training platforms. Their innovation pipeline remains strong, driven by real-world needs and regulatory evolution. Giovanni emphasized that meaningful progress in aviation sustainability will come step by step, not through abrupt shifts, and Tecnam is committed to leading that gradual, practical transformation.

For more information:

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Brussels Airlines Announces 2025 Appointment for Chief Operating Officer

Brussels, Belgium – Filip Aerts is appointed as Chief Operating Officer and joins the Management Board of Brussels Airlines. As from August 1, he will replace Tilman Reinshagen, who will leave Lufthansa Group to pursue other professional opportunities. Aerts started his career as a pilot, and currently is Head of Flight Operations at Brussels Airlines.

Aerts will become one of the three Management Board members at Brussels Airlines, next to Chief Executive Officer Dorothea von Boxberg and Chief Financial Officer Nina Öwerdieck.

Aerts (53) started his career as First Officer at Delta Air Transport (DAT), a subsidiary of Sabena. He later became Captain, Technical Pilot, Nominated Person Crew Training and currently holds the position Head of Flight Operations. He always kept his pilot licence active and is planning to keep doing so in his new role.

“I am proud to announce that with Filip Aerts joining the Management Board of Brussels Airlines, we have a Belgian professional again in our highest ranks. Filip started as a young First Officer on the Avro-jet and worked his way up through different departments and as such, knows the company in-depth. His operations knowledge will further help the company to strengthen its stability and punctuality results. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Tilman Reinshagen for his years of dedication to Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa Group and want to wish him the very best in his future endeavors.” ​– Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group and Chairperson Board of Directors SN Airholding

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I get from our Supervisory Board and from Lufthansa Group to keep on growing at Brussels Airlines. I’m passionate about this company and the people working here, and I look forward to taking on my new role and work closely together with all the teams.” ​- ​ Filip Aerts, Head of Flight Operations, Brussels Airlines

Tilman Reinshagen stays in the company until July, to ensure a smooth handover to Filip Aerts, who will officially step into the role of COO as of August 1.

Source: Brussels Airlines
Photo Credit: Brussels Airlines

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Leading Edge Aviation Proudly Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2025

United Kingdom – Leading Edge Aviation hosted a glittering graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Thursday, 15th May, beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. The evening celebrated the achievement, ambition, and aviation excellence of 74 graduates, who took centre stage before an audience of nearly 300 guests. Proud family, friends, instructors, and industry leaders; including representatives from TUI, British Airways, Jet2.com, Wizz Air, Titan Airways, Aurigny, and Loganair, gathered to honour their success and bright futures in aviation.

Guests were welcomed with a sparkling Prosecco reception, set to the smooth sounds of a live three-piece jazz quartet, setting the tone for an elegant and unforgettable evening. Each graduate was presented with an embossed folder containing their certificate, accompanied by a photograph capturing a moment from their journey at Leading Edge Aviation.

Captain Paul Hurst, Head of Flight Operations at TUI and Guest of Honour, shared his reflections: “It was a real privilege to be part of such a significant moment in these graduates’ careers. The calibre of talent coming through from Leading Edge Aviation is genuinely impressive, not just in terms of technical skill, but in attitude, professionalism, and a clear passion for aviation. These are the future leaders of our industry, and I look forward to seeing many of them in airline flight decks very soon.”

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, also addressed the audience:  “Today is a truly special moment that celebrates the talent, perseverance, and dedication our students have shown throughout their training. We couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come. Their success speaks volumes about their character and the high standards we uphold within our Whole Pilot® approach. We’re excited to see them take the next step and thrive in their new roles.”

The ceremony also honoured four outstanding individuals with prestigious awards, each symbolised by an engraved globe trophy recognising their excellence, dedication, and resilience throughout their time at Leading Edge Aviation:

  • Best in Ground School: Adam Ferguson, for his academic brilliance and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

  • Best in Flight Training: Petra Gilbert, recognised for her resilience, precision, and calm adaptability in the skies.

  • Exceptional Contribution to Academy Life & Sword of Honour: Christopher Deans, honoured for his unfailing positivity and embodiment of Leading Edge Aviation’s core values.

  • Graduate of the Year: Roman Kastelijn, who also delivered a heartfelt student address, celebrated for his professionalism, passion, and consistently exceptional performance.

Moira McQuaid, last year’s recipient and now a Second Officer with easyJet, presented the Sword of Honour to Christopher Deans, passing the torch from one exceptional aviator to the next. Christopher also received an engraved ceremonial sword provided by Pooley’s Flight Equipment, as a keepsake of his contribution to academy life.

With over 80% of this year’s graduates already in airline employment, Leading Edge Aviation continues to set the benchmark for the next generation of commercial pilots who are confident, capable, and prepared to lead in a dynamic industry.

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a firmly established pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. Offering the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills. This is delivered through ‘The Whole Pilot®’ Approach, which focuses on developing diverse abilities that go beyond just technical proficiency.

Based at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain with a commitment to holistic pilot development, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both  locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.

Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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