Market Intelligence: Europe

UK’s Leading Edge Aviation Welcomes New Cadet’s in November 2024

Oxford, United Kingdom – Leading Edge Aviation (LEA), which operates flight training bases both in the UK and in Spain, has welcomed its newest cadet groups—LEAP-055, MGS033, and uMAP13.

Earlier this month LEA had achieved a major milestone in its pilot training programs, with over 100 students receiving conditional job offers from major UK airlines this year.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Funded Avia Solutions Group Abinitio Pilot Training Program Pilot Runway Adds New Partner – SmartLynx Airlines

SmartLynx Airlines, a leading EU-based ACMI, charter, and cargo operator, has joined Avion Express and Air Explore in the Pilot Runway project.

Recently launched by BAA Training and backed by its parent company, Avia Solutions Group—the world’s largest ACMI provider—the innovative pilot training program offers a financial solution and a job guarantee at the group’s airlines upon successfully completing the training.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that half a million pilots will need to be recruited globally over the next two decades. In Europe, 5,000 to 6,000 new pilots will be needed annually. In response to this demand, the Pilot Runway program aims to train up to 200 new pilots yearly through its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program.

Norbertas Akromas, Managing Director for Pilot Runway, stated how Pilot Runway is adding to preparing airline-ready pilots for the ongoing demand.

 “MPL pilots are taken under the wing of a specific airline right from the beginning, creating a dedicated talent pipeline for the airline while also offering pilots long-term job security—truly a win-win. Another key distinction of Pilot Runway is that the training costs, which can be steep for some, are no longer a barrier. Prospective students receive financing from one of the airline partners for their training, and SmartLynx Airlines is one of them now, which we’re very happy to have on board the program.”

“We operate one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the global ACMI industry, which requires a dedicated and skilled crew to meet our clients’ needs worldwide,” said Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines. “Above all, we are committed not only to attracting new pilots but also to supporting their growth within our organization. Through upgrade opportunities, expanded roles, and focused retention efforts, we ensure our team can develop professionally and take on new responsibilities as we grow together.”

The new partnership is further expanding Pilot Runway’s reach and impact, offering more opportunities for aspiring pilots to start their careers in aviation and lending a helping hand in solving the ongoing pilot demand issue.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

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Operating the Oldest and One of the Countries Largest Flight School’s – Greece’s Global Aviation SA

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Alexandros Tsaktanis – Managing Director of Global Aviation SA – a flight training organization founded in 1997 in Athens, Greece, which provides Pilot Training, Cabin Crew Training, Aircraft Sales and Maintenance Services.

The conversation covers:

  • Overview of Global Aviation: Founded in 1997 in Athens, Global Aviation is the country’s oldest pilot training organization, focusing primarily on fixed-wing commercial pilot training. It operates with 20 aircraft at Megara Airport, three simulators, and soon expanding to a private airfield, Icaros Airport, to meet growing demands.
  • Innovations and Partnerships: Global Aviation collaborates with Aegean Airlines for a Cadet Pilot Training Program, which restarted post-pandemic in 2023 and will continue till 2025. This partnership subsidizes costs, making pilot training more accessible. On another note, a new agreement with ATPL Questions enhances theoretical training by offering advanced learning resources and an LMS system to improve student outcomes.
  • Challenges and Solutions: According to Alex, flight schools face several significant challenges including congested airspace and airports (especially in Europe). Increased commercial flights activity has made it difficult to secure training slots at public airports. Another challenge is instructor availability. Global Aviation is addressing congested airports and instructor shortages through private airport investments and sponsored instructor training programs.
  • Safety and Training Standards: Global Aviation maintains an impeccable safety record and instills a rigorous safety-first mindset in students, preparing them for professional roles while prioritizing risk-free operations. The Greek flight school emphasizes preparing students for airline careers by aligning its training with the airline safety requirements.
  • Competitive Advantage: Global Aviation combines high-quality training with competitive pricing and efficient course durations. Graduates have strong employability, with 90% securing airline jobs within six months, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the aviation industry.

For more information:

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