Market Intelligence: Europe

Swiss Flight Training Group AELO Swiss Academy Welcomes 16 New Students in October 2025

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy has welcomed 16 students in its October 2025 class of 18 aspiring airline pilots.

About AELO Swiss Academy
AELO Swiss Academy, formerly AeroLocarno and based at Locarno Airport with a satellite facility in Lugano, is a premier high-performance aviation academy in Switzerland. Established in 1985, it delivers integrated EASA ATPL and SkyAlps MPL programs through a modern fleet and experienced instructor team.

Source: AELO Swiss Academy

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Simaero and CSS Celebrate Qualification of the First CSS-Manufactured A320ceo/neo FFS in Paris

France – flight simulator manufacturer China Simulation Sciences Co., Ltd. (CSS) has completed the delivery and installation of an Airbus A320 neo/ceo Level D Full Flight Simulator for its strategic partner Simaero at the Paris CDG Training Center. The device achieved Level D certification from the French DGAC in November 2025 and has now entered commercial operation, marking a historic milestone as the first China-manufactured Level D full flight simulator ever deployed in Europe.

  • The installation is CSS’s first Level D simulator delivery to Europe and follows the company’s achievement in June 2024, when it became one of the few Chinese manufacturers to obtain EASA Level D qualification—establishing a self-sustained R&D, certification and manufacturing system for high-fidelity full-flight simulators.

  • The project reflects deepening Sino-French industrial cooperation, supported by dignitaries from both countries, including representatives of the Chinese Embassy in France, the France-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, airlines, and regulatory bodies.

  • The delivery is the second CSS simulator acquired by Simaero, underscoring growing international confidence in China-developed simulation technology.

  • The new A320 Level D simulator strengthens Simaero’s ability to serve European airlines with high-standard A320 type-rating training and becomes the tenth active device at its Paris CDG training hub.

Statements

  • Mr. Guangping Ji, Chairman, China Simulation Sciences “This delivery represents not only CSS’s first Level D FFS to enter the European market, but also the second CSS simulator received by Simaero—demonstrating the strong trust international customers place in high-end Chinese aviation technology.”

  • Mr. Nicolas Mouté, CEO, Simaero “We are proud to be the first in Europe to operate a China-manufactured Level D simulator. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to delivering world-class training solutions and will support our mission to drive innovation and excellence in aviation training.”

Source: China Simulation Sciences / Simaero

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F AIR Welcomes First Qatar Airways MPL Cadets in 2025

Czech Republic & Qatar – F AIR, one of Eastern Europe’s largest flight training groups by fleet size, has commenced training for the first cohort of Qatar Airways cadets under the airline’s new Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme. The cadets arrived in the Czech Republic and officially began training on 10 November 2025, marking the operational launch of a long-term strategic partnership between F AIR and Qatar Airways.

  • The MPL programme follows a formal five-year training agreement, signed at the Paris Air Show on 19 June 2025 by Qatar Airways Senior Vice President – Flight Operations, Mr. Khalid Issa Al Hamadi, and F AIR CEO, Mr. Michal Markovič.

  • F AIR is now an official MPL training partner for Qatar Airways, supporting the airline’s pipeline for next-generation flight crew.

Statement

  • “We are delighted to welcome the first Qatar Airways cadets to F AIR. This moment represents the start of a long-term collaboration and a shared vision to develop the next generation of world-class pilots” said Michal Markovič, CEO of F AIR

Source: F AIR
Photo Credit: F AIR

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Emirates’ Recruitment Team to Attend Pilot Expo 2026 in Brussels

Belgium — Emirates Airlines has confirmed its participation in Pilot Expo 2026, Europe’s leading pilot career and training exhibition, scheduled to take place on 20–21 February in Brussels. The airline is currently actively recruiting for multiple roles, including Direct Entry Captains, First Officers, Cabin Crew, and Engineers.

Source: Pilot Expo
Photo Credit: Emirates

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Türkiye’s Pegasus Signs Agreement to Purchase Smartwings Group, Expanding European Reach

Türkiye – Pegasus Airlines has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Czech operator Smartwings and its shareholder Czech Airlines (ČSA), marking one of the most significant airline acquisitions in Europe in recent years. The transaction — valued at approximately €154 million (around CZK 3.8 billion) according to Turkish media — is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed within 12 months.

  • Smartwings, which includes ČSA and operates a fleet of 49 aircraft, is the largest airline in the Czech Republic, serving around 80 scheduled destinations in addition to charter and private flights.

  • Pegasus Airlines, headquartered in Istanbul and operating 124 aircraft, continues to expand rapidly. Its 2024–2025 fleet commitments include 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10s (with options for another 100) and an order for 36 Airbus A321neos, reflecting long-term growth ambitions.

Source: Pegasus Airlines and Media Reporting
Photo Credit: Smartwings

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Simtech Aviation Strengthens UK Training Partnerships with Aeros and Aviation Southwest

United Kingdom & Ireland – Simtech Aviation, the Dublin-headquartered simulator-based pilot training provider, conducted engagement visits to its UK partner schools Aeros and Aviation Southwest, supporting students advancing through the latter stages of their commercial pilot training. The visits also included participation from Wizz Air, offering students direct insights into airline recruitment and assessment pathways.

  • At Aeros, representatives from Wizz Air briefed students on the airline’s cadet and First Officer entry pathway, outlining expectations for future applicants.

  • At Aviation Southwest, former student and current Wizz Air UK First Officer Joshua Funnell provided first-hand guidance on APS MCC training, airline assessment preparation, and transitioning from flight school to a European low-cost carrier flight deck.

  • Simtech Aviation confirmed a new partnership with Aviation Southwest to offer APS MCC and Dual APS MCC course pathways for the school’s graduates, strengthening the pipeline from modular training to airline readiness.

  • The collaborations further expand Simtech Aviation’s role in supporting United Kingdom and European ATOs with structured MCC, APS MCC, and airline assessment preparation programmes designed to align with operator standards.

About Simtech Aviation
Simtech Aviation, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a specialist in simulator-based pilot training and a provider of APS MCC, Type Rating support, and airline readiness programs. The organisation has established itself as a leading provider for European airline cadet and modular pilot training pathways.

Source: Simtech Aviation

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