Market Intelligence: Europe

Portugal’s OMNI Aviation Training Center Welcomes First Diamond DA42 Under Airways Aviation Partnership

Cascais, Portugal – OMNI Aviation Training Center has received its first new Diamond DA42 aircraft following the announcement of its strategic partnership with Airways Aviation in January 2025. The partnership combines OMNI’s expertise in aviation training with Airways Aviation’s global resources.

“This marks the beginning of a new era for OMNI. After enhancing the tools in the theory department, this year will be dedicated to modernizing our fleet through a strategic partnership with Airways Aviation, taking a significant step forward in improving our training capabilities.” – Captain Dylan van Haasen, OATC Chief Flight Instructor.

The landmark agreement with Airways Aviation will usher in a Portuguese based alliance designed to enhance the already impressive pilot training capacity and facilities for EASA ATPL and Cabin Crew Training (CCT) along with various Airline Cadet, MPL and Military Flight Training Programs already being delivered by Airways Aviation across Europe.

The new alliance will be known as Airways Aviation OMNI and operate from both Ponte de Sor and Cascais airports. Staged enhancements to both locations will commence in January with the delivery of new Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft in quick succession with a total fleet of 10 units expected to be positioned between Cascais and Ponte de Sor over coming four months.

Source: OMNI Aviation Training Center
Photo Credit: OMNI Aviation Training Center

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Global Aircraft Lessor Places First Direct Airbus Order for 50 A320neo Aircraft

Ireland – Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) is pleased to announce its first direct order with Airbus for 50 A320neo Family aircraft. This order significantly enhances the partnership between JSA and Airbus, enabling JSA to continue bringing our customers the most fuel efficient narrowbody fleet solutions.

Commenting on the order announcement, Kevin McDonald, JSA’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Today is an exciting milestone in JSA’s history as a longtime global leader in the sale & leaseback financings of Airbus aircraft”, adding that “JSA looks forward to our expanded relationship with Airbus.  We are excited to add the A320neo to our long-term pipeline as we continue our mission to provide the world’s airlines with superior fleet and capital solutions.”

“We are proud to support JSA’s endeavors to better fulfill their growing customers’ needs and continue to expand their market presence”, said Yasuyuki Kusakari (The Managing Executive Officer of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. and Chairman of JSA). He added, “Mitsubishi HC Capital has long held the view that Airbus and its NEO family of aircraft are some of the best investments to continue to tool JSA into the next era of commercial aviation.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “Jackson Square Aviation has an impressive client base and we welcome its decision to become the latest Airbus customer. After a thorough evaluation JSA’s selection of Airbus A320neo reflects its commitment to offer airlines the leading single aisle aircraft family with outstanding performance and passenger comfort.”

About the A320neo and A321neo

The A320neo and A321neo both are top tier single-aisle aircraft in their respective markets. Both aircraft offer the latest available technological advancements in the commercial aerospace industry providing operators some of the lowest fuel burn and CO₂ emissions available in their market segment.

About Jackson Square Aviation
Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) is a leading global commercial aircraft lessor, with over US$13bn in assets and a fleet of 286 aircraft, across 62 customers in 31 countries. With offices in San Francisco, Dublin and Singapore, JSA provides a variety of fleet and financial solutions to airlines such as sale and leaseback financing, direct operating lease placements, PDP financing, finance leases and leasing solutions from its existing fleet. JSA is focused on building and maintaining lasting relationships with our current and prospective customers, through competitive financing, customized fleet solutions and proactive service. Our experienced, international and professional staff is committed to meeting airlines’ evolving needs worldwide. Leveraging our extended relationships with aircraft manufacturers, financiers and other aviation businesses, we offer fleet and capital flexibility vital to airlines’ fleet replacement and expansion. JSA is a member company of the Mitsubishi HC Capital group. Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. is a prominent global leasing company based in Japan and is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Source: Jackson Square Aviation
Photo Credit: Jackson Square Aviation

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Diamond Aircraft Acquires Germany based eVTOL Developer Volocopter

Germany – Diamond Aircraft Industries, based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, has integrated Volocopter with the company headquarter remaining in Bruchsal, Germany.

Diamond Aircraft is a subsidiary of Wanfeng Aircraft Division of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group Co., Ltd., and is an internationally renowned general aircraft manufacturer with over four decades of expertise operating internationally. The company’s reorganization of Volocopter will broadens its aircraft and business portfolio into the field of electric urban air transportation, while enabling Volocopter to reduce costs, retain a highly motivated and skilled workforce, and focus on achieving its certification milestones by 2025. The VoloCity, along with its next-generation variants and other models, will continue to evolve successfully over the long term, contributing significantly to the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.

Bin Chen, Chairman of Diamond Aircraft Group states: “The future of aviation is shaped by visionaries. Diamond’s broad portfolio is further strengthened by Volocopter, the VoloCity, and future models. Together, we are creating the foundation to further develop sustainable air mobility and strengthen Europe as an innovation hub in aviation.”

Tobias Wahl, insolvency administrator and partner at Anchor Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, added, “Volocopter’s expertise and highly motivated team have consistently set benchmarks in the eVTOL industry. With Diamond Aircraft, we have found a strong strategic partner who will bild on this foundation. My special thanks go to the employees for their spirit and commitment. I am grateful that the team can carry on with their impactful work in the European economy.”

Source: Volocopter

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Varjo to Showcase Advanced VR/XR Training Solutions at IT2EC 2025 in Norway

Finland and Norway – Varjo, a provider of advanced mixed reality solutions, will showcase its latest VR/XR innovations for simulated training at IT²EC 2025, taking place from March 25-27. in Oslo, Norway Varjo will exhibit at booth D71, featuring cutting-edge mixed reality technologies for defense and aerospace training. Demonstrations will include:

  • TAC and drone operator training using chroma key technology by Inzpire
  • XR fixed-wing pilot trainer developed in collaboration with Dogfight Boss and Metrea.
  • Flight simulation in partnership with Adams Simulation.

About Varjo
Varjo, based in Finland, develops high-resolution virtual and mixed reality solutions for professional training and simulation, enhancing operational readiness across the defense and aerospace sectors.

Source: Varjo
Photo Credit: Varjo

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UK’s National Police Air Service Orders 7 Airbus H135 Helicopters for Fleet Renewal

United Kingdom – Airbus Helicopters has been selected by the UK’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) to supply seven H135 helicopters as the initial phase of its fleet renewal programme.

The firm order is the first output of a Framework Contract, signed with the BlueLight Commercial procurement agency, which confirms Airbus as the exclusive supplier of helicopters for NPAS for up to six years.

“With over 100 calls for air support each day, the National Police Air Service plays a unique and valuable role in saving lives, disrupting criminality and protecting communities. The aircraft we currently operate were transferred to NPAS from individual police forces when the national service was formed over 13 years ago and, as such, they are some of the oldest and most-flown aircraft of their type in any UK fleet.”

“We very much look forward to working with Airbus on this exciting project and anticipate receiving the first of our seven new aircraft in 2027,” said NPAS Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager Chief Superintendent Vicki White

“We are extremely proud to have been the sole provider of NPAS’ helicopters since its formation and we greatly appreciate the continued confidence it is showing by awarding Airbus Helicopters its first fleet renewal contract. It is a great honour for us to continue playing this critical role in the nation’s security,” said Richard Atack, Interim Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK.

NPAS currently operates 16 H135 and four H145 helicopters from 14 locations on behalf of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Airbus Helicopters in the UK additionally provides maintenance and support for the NPAS fleet which includes the most intensively used police helicopters in the world.

The new helicopters will be equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics system and one aircraft will initially be used to train NPAS pilots in the use of the new system which enhances safety and operational effectiveness by markedly reducing pilot workload.

More than 1,440 H135s are in service worldwide and have exceeded 7.5 million hours with over 320 customers.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters is a leading global provider of rotary-wing aircraft for civilian, law enforcement, and military applications. The H135 is widely used in police, emergency medical, and utility missions, with over 1,440 aircraft in service worldwide, accumulating more than 7.5 million flight hours.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Greek ACMI Operator Marathon Airlines Adopts Heading365’s FMS Trainer

Greece – Greek ACMI operator Marathon Airlines has partnered with Heading365 to enhance its pilot training programs. The airline will integrate Heading365’s E-Jet FMS Trainer apps for both initial and recurrent training.

  • Marathon Airlines will use the training solution to support the transition from Load 25 to Load 27, ensuring pilots adapt efficiently to the updated systems.
  • The partnership highlights Marathon Airlines’ commitment to advanced pilot training and operational efficiency.
  • Heading365 specializes in digital training solutions, providing customized tools for flight management system (FMS) training.

About Marathon Airlines
Based in Athens, Greece, Marathon Airlines is an ACMI operator providing wet lease and charter services. The airline operates a fleet of Embraer E-Jets, supporting various carriers across Europe.

Source: Heading365
Photo Credit: Heading365

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Simnest Aviation Reaches 23 Devices Deployed Globally with New A320 in Budapest

Hungary – A32 Simulator Center has expanded its training capabilities with the addition of a new Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator, bringing its total fleet to four devices. The latest simulator was installed in February and is currently awaiting qualification by the relevant authorities.

  • The four Simnest A320 simulators at A32 Simulator Center are primarily used by SIMNEST Pilot Academy, which provides training for new pilots, including future Wizz Air professionals.
  • With this expansion, the academy has further increased its training capacity, contributing to addressing the pilot shortage in Central Europe.
  • The addition of this device raises the global count of Simnest Aviation Flight Simulators to 23.

Source: Simnest
Photo Credit: Simnest

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Provider of Online ATPL Exam Preparation, ATPL Questions, Announces 2025 Partnership with French Flight School

France – ATPL Questions, a leading provider of online ATPL exam preparation, has signed an agreement with Hub’Air Aviation Academy, a flight school based in Avignon, France, to integrate its Learning Management System (LMS) into the academy’s training program. The partnership provides students with access to ATPL Questions’ learning resources at preferential pricing.

About Hub’Air Aviation Academy
Based at Avignon-Provence Airport (LFMV), Hub’Air Aviation Academy is a renowned airline flight school that has been training airline pilots for over 23 years .

Source: ATPL Questions
Photo Credit: Hub’Air Aviation Academy

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer ELITE to Deliver S311 FNPT II Flight Training Device to INFlight Air Charter in Germany

Zurich, Switzerland – ELITE Simulation Solutions, a global leader in flight training devices, proudly announces the sale of its state-of-the-art S311 FNPT II flight training device to INFlight Air Charter, a premier flight training provider based at Ingolstadt Airport in Germany. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing aviation training with cutting-edge technology.

The ELITE S311 FNPT II is renowned for its advanced simulation capabilities, providing pilots with a highly immersive and realistic training environment. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, high-fidelity visuals, and precise flight dynamics, the S311 ensures an unparalleled training experience in its category, meeting the rigorous European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.

What sets this partnership apart is the record-breaking timeline: ELITE is set to deliver the fully operational simulator within just two months from the date of order. This remarkable feat underscores ELITE’s commitment to efficiency and quality, ensuring INFlight can integrate the new training device into its curriculum without delay.

Rene Huddlestone, Director of Marketing & Sales of ELITE Simulation Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “ELITE is very excited to team up with the dynamic team at INFlight. INFlight’s CEO’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I am confident that students will benefit immensely from this collaboration, receiving the best possible training.”

INFlight’s CEO added: “At INFlight, we constantly strive to enhance our training programs with the most advanced technology available. The addition of the ELITE S311 FNPT II will significantly elevate our capabilities, providing students with a top-tier simulation experience that will prepare them for real-world flying with greater confidence and proficiency.”

With this acquisition, INFlight strengthens its position as a premier flight training provider, offering students access to the latest in flight simulation technology. The ELITE S311 FNPT II will be instrumental in training future aviators, reinforcing safety, and improving operational efficiency.

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions
Photo Credit: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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Loft Dynamics Engages Future Aviation Professionals with Hands-On VR Training in 2025

Switzerland – Loft Dynamics, a provider of virtual reality (VR) flight simulation technology, recently hosted 26 students from OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences at its headquarters. The visit aimed to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical aviation training innovations.

  • The students had the opportunity to explore Loft Dynamics’ VR flight simulators and learn about advancements in aviation training.
  • The visit included discussions with the company’s engineers, allowing students to engage in technical conversations and exchange ideas.
  • Loft Dynamics highlighted the importance of fresh perspectives in fostering innovation within the aviation training industry.
  • The company noted that some of its current employees first connected with Loft Dynamics through similar student visits.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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