Market Intelligence: Europe

Belgian Flight School, Air Academy New CAG, Strengthens Partnership with ALSIM – Orders 2 AL42 Simulators

Belgium – Flight simulator manufacturer ALSIM is pleased to announce that Air Academy New CAG, based in Belgium, is strengthening its long-standing collaboration with the acquisition of two AL42 simulators. This aviation school thereby reaffirms its trust in the solutions offered by ALSIM.

The AL42 is an exact replica of the Diamond DA42, built using genuine aircraft parts and equipped with the authentic Garmin™ G1000® Nxi. It also comes with the latest generation image generator (VFR-VS), GFC™ 700 autopilot, and a force feedback system that ensures increased realism. It can also be equipped with either analog or glass (EFIS) backup instruments.

The AL42 model is designed for CPL IR/ME and PPL training in compliance with current regulatory standards of EASA FNPT II (level).

Audrey Jeffroy, Sales Director at ALSIM, states: “We have been working with AirAcademy New CAG for over 20 years, and we are delighted to continue this partnershipwith the acquisition of two AL42 simulators. We thank Denis PETITFRÈRE for his invaluable collaboration and look forward to seeing these simulators in action at their new facilities at Charleroi Airport in Belgium.”

Arnaud Libeau, FSTD Manager, explains their decision: “Our current simulator, also an ALSIM AL42, is reaching the end of its service life. It is, in fact, one of the first-generation models of this type, which joined our training center in 2015 after a reconditioning process, and it now proudly boasts 15,000 hours of training!

To support our development, it is important—even essential—for us to provide our student pilots with a high-quality tool, as well as a wide range of availability, so they can schedule their training under the best conditions and within a reasonable timeframe.That is why we decided to strengthen our fleet with two simulators.

Choosing a simulator that represents the Diamond DA42 also allows our candidates to quickly familiarize themselves with the aircraft before beginning practical IFR training on our fleet of three Diamond DA42 aircraft.”

After studying the simulator market, Air Academy NewCAG chose ALSIM.

“The high quality of its products, the human connection, the strength of its customer service with optimal support, and the responsiveness that minimizes downtime in case of technical issues are all factors that led us to continue our partnership with ALSIM,” said Mathias Vivario, Administrator of Air Academy New CAG.

About Air Academy New CAG
Air Academy New CAG is a pilot training center based at the Brussels South International Airport since 1976. With nearly 50 years of aeronautical experience and in-depth knowledge of the aviation sector, we offer a comprehensive training program, ranging from private pilot (PPL) to frozen ATPL (MEP-IR, CPL, Adv.UPRT), adaptable to all types of candidates, withprecise, personalized, and professional guidance.

Air Academy New CAG is also specialized in a wide range of supplementary pilot training courses, including: SEP/TMG – Aerobatics- CB-IR – Flight Instructor – Flight Examiner – Pilatus PC12 Class Rating -Pilatus PC24 Base Training – Conversion of a glider pilot license (SPL) to a private pilot license (PPL).Our professional pilot students are trained to meet the most advanced requirements of airlines, thanks to our modern fleet of around 20 aircraft, including ALSIM AL42 simulators and aircraft such as the Sonaca 200, Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42, and Extra 330LX (Advanced UPRT). Our instructors are all experienced pilots, either currently active or retired from the civil and military aviation sectors.

Today, our alumni are employed by most major European and international airlines. The various types of training we offer allow them to work in passenger transport, cargo transport, business aviation, and aerial work.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators. ALSIM is well recognized for its experience and know-how since 1994. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM‘s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our clients’ needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology.

Today, we have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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Expanding a Global Flight Training Group in 2025 – Airways Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Alexandre Alves – Chief Commercial and Chief Operating Officer at Airways Aviation Group – one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa.

The conversation covers:

  • Global Operations and Services: Mr Alves gives an overview of the history of Airways Aviation and its current global pilot training infrastructure – now operating over 100 aircraft
  • 2025 Acquisitions and Growth: The group recently announced its acquisition of the Patria Pilot Training Unit (now called Airways Aviation Nordic) as well as key strategic partnerships with leading flight training organisations in Portugal and Morocco. In 2024 it acquired an Italian flight school to compliment its existing facilities in Italy.
  • Diverse Offering Mix: The group has focused on ensuring that it cater’s to a wide segment of stakeholders including defense, universities, airlines and individual aspiring pilots.
  • Industry Challenges: a large part of the flight training industry has not been increasing the price of flight training in order to cover the cost of training delivery putting significant risk on the European flight training industry in 2025.
  • Industry Outlook: Airways Aviation Group predicts a temporary slowdown in pilot demand in 2025, due to delayed aircraft deliveries to airline, but is focused on consolidating its recent acquisitions and integrating partnerships to prepare for the next industry growth cycle starting in 2025.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training is Seeking to Hire a Chief Flight Instructor for Spain in 2025

LIeida, Spain –  Global pilot training group BAA Training, which operates flight school’s and full flight simulator training center’s, is seeking a Chief Flight Instructor for Ab Initio to oversee training operations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This leadership role involves managing flight instructors, developing training programs, and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure compliance with EASA or applicable regulatory standards for flight training
  • Oversee training program development, instructor qualification, student progression, and safety management
  • Recruit, onboard, and mentor flight instructors, fostering professional development
  • Develop and update training programs, syllabi, and manuals
  • Conduct quality checks, audits, and represent the ATO in regulatory and client meetings
  • Align training objectives with organizational goals and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
  • Perform duties as an FI, CRI, and IRI

Candidate Requirements

  • CPL(A) license with valid ratings
  • Instructor certificate with privileges to instruct in at least one phase of Ab Initio training
  • Minimum 2 years of flight instruction experience
  • 1,000+ flight hours as PIC, including 500+ hours of instructor flight time (200 hours may be instrument training)
  • Valid Class 1 medical certificate
  • ICAO English Level 5 or higher
  • Strong knowledge of ATO operations and regulatory compliance
  • Leadership, organizational, and communication skills
  • Experience in curriculum development and operational management

What BAA Training Offers

  • Health insurance after 3 months
  • Additional holiday days for seniority (after 2 years)
  • Wellness and birthday leave
  • Emotional wellbeing support from Mindletic
  • Full-flight simulator entertainment flight
  • International and multicultural work environment
  • Career growth opportunities

To apply, please visit BAA Training’s careers page.

Source: BAA Training

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Diamond Aircraft’s Austro Engine Welcomes New Leadership in 2025

Austria – Austro Engine (AE), the manufacturer of jet-fuel-powered AE300 and AE330 engines used in Diamond Aircraft, has appointed industry veteran Jürgen Schwarz as its new General Manager as of January 2025. Schwarz brings decades of leadership experience in aerospace and automotive engine development and aims to lead the company’s strategic and operational reorganization.

  • Jürgen Schwarz previously held leadership roles at Mercedes AMG, Continental Aerospace, and Raikhlin Aircraft.
  • His appointment is expected to drive AE’s development into a leading engine manufacturer and powerplant integrator in General Aviation.
  • Schwarz emphasizes the importance of leveraging his network within the industry, focusing on development excellence, production quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • He plans to align AE’s strategy with emerging trends in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hybridization, and electrification of propulsion systems.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Intercontinental Aviation Academy Welcomes Partner Cyprus-Based Flying Academy to Headquarters

Beirut, Lebanon – Cyprus Airways Flying Academy’s CEO, Christos Limnatitis, visited the Levant headquarters of the Intercontinental Aviation Academy to discuss expanding their strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to position the academy as a leading aviation training provider in the Levant region.

Since launching operations in Cyprus four months ago, the academy has enrolled 23 students across two intakes, Phoenix CYP 1 & 2.

Plans include two additional intakes for 2024, targeting full operational capacity within the year.

In January 2025 Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), a subsidiary of Mehyou Group, which operates flight training organisations in Lebanon and Cyprus, announced the launch of the Intercontinental Aviation Academy.

“After years of establishing Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise’s presence across the Middle East and Eastern Europe, I am proud to announce the birth of our new Phoenix—Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA). This exciting transformation marks the dawn of a new era, where our legacy of excellence in aviation training takes flight. IAA represents more than just a name—it’s the embodiment of our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of aviation. With state-of-the-art facilities, a cutting-edge curriculum, and a vision focused on global expansion, IAA is ready to soar to new heights. ” shared Wissam Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise.

Last year in August 2024 Mr Mehyou shared in an interview that it is aiming on investing up to USD 20 million over the next five years

“We are actively studying multiple geographic locations to identify promising investment opportunities, aiming to invest up to $20 million in the next five years. By prioritising markets with high demand and a lack of adequate training infrastructure, we aim to significantly impact the future of aviation education and the development of skilled professionals across diverse regions,” shared Wissam Mehyou, CEO and Chairman of IAE.

For its new training base in Larnaca, Cyprus IAE is procuring a new and efficient fleet and is “we are actively exploring avenues such as electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels,” according to Mr Mehyou.

Source: Wissam Mehyou
Photo Credit: Wissam Mehyou

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Hinfact Partners with AviatDo to Expand Pilot Training Solutions Across the Americas

France – Hinfact has announced its expansion into the Americas through a strategic partnership with AviatDo, led by Ana Maria Blanco-Persiani, FRAeS. This collaboration aims to bring Hinfact’s innovative Training Management System to airlines and training organizations across North, Central, and South America.

The partnership focuses on simplifying the adoption of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Evidence-Based Training (EBT) programs. Hinfact’s solutions aim to modernize pilot training and improve efficiency for operators across the Americas.

Source:
Photo Credit: Hinfact

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