Market Intelligence: Europe

Leading Edge Aviation Celebrates Over 100 Students “Tagged” by Major UK Airlines in 2024

Oxford, United Kingdom – Following a successful series of airline recruitment days at their Oxford campus, Leading Edge Aviation has reached a significant milestone. This year over 100 students have received conditional job offers from major UK airlines during their training. This achievement means that more than a quarter of their current students have been ‘tagged’ for future First Officer roles.

The Significance of Airline Tagging: Your Return on Investment

In response to the pilot shortage affecting all major UK airlines post-Covid, an increasing number of airlines are now ‘tagging’ students during their pilot training. This initiative aims to address the growing workforce gap. Through a rigorous recruitment process, airlines extend conditional job offers to students for positions following the completion of their training. These offers are contingent upon students meeting the required conditions.

Pilot training represents a significant investment, and for many, the uncertainty of securing a job afterward can be a deterrent to pursuing this career path. However, the current pilot shortage has created a valuable opportunity for both current and prospective students. With the assurance of a job upon completion of training, students can focus on their studies with greater confidence, knowing their dream job is already within reach.

Official UK Partners with Four Major Airlines

Earlier this year, Leading Edge Aviation announced its status as an official training partner with easyJet and Wizz Air, alongside its established partnerships with Titan Airways and British Airways.

Following a series of recruitment days at Leading Edge Aviation’s Oxford Campus, easyJet extended conditional job offers to an impressive 52 students, marking the highest number of ‘tagged’ candidates from any partner airline to date. With further assessment days scheduled, this figure is expected to grow.

British Airways and Wizz Air have also been actively tagging Leading Edge students, with British Airways incorporating students into its Self-Sponsored Pathway (SSP) and Wizz Air reinforcing its commitment to developing young aviation talent.

With more and more airlines expressing an interest in hiring Graduate pilots, Leading Edge are looking forward to welcoming more airline partners in 2025.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Tecnam and Polish Flight School, Smart Aviation, Announce Purchase Agreement during MEAC Middle East Aviation Career 2024

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tecnam and Smart Aviation announced during the MEAC Middle East Aviation Career the purchase agreement for three (3) additional Tecnam P2006T NG twin engine aircraft for its fleet expansion programme. The aircraft will be used for PPL – Private Pilot Licence – up to MCC/JOC – Multi Crew Cooperation Course/Jet Orientation Course, modules for ATPL courses.

Based in Poznan, Poland, Smart Aviation ATO has been training aspiring pilots from more than 50 nationalities for over a decade, to start their careers with the world’s major airlines.

Today, the Polish academy operates a Tecnam fleet of:

  • seven (7) Tecnam P2008-JC
  • four (4) Tecnam P2006T
  • one (1) Tecnam P2002-JF
  • one (1) Tecnam P2002-JR
  • one (1) Tecnam P-Mentor.

The two new P2006T NG will innovate the Smart Aviation fleet, standardize the fleet and increase the capacity of the ATO. This new and significant investment is part of Smart Aviation’s commitment to ensure that potential commercial pilots are being trained on state-of-the-art aircraft such as its wide range of Tecnam models.

The P2006T NG, Next Generation is the latest version of the P2006T, one of the smartest twin engine aircraft on the market today, offering unbeatable value and innovative design with a modern Garmin avionics suite, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high-definition LCDs.

The aircraft is also equipped with two-axis autopilot, for the most efficient MEP complex training.

Fitted with two Rotax 912iSc3 injected engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel savings and can be operated on AVGAS and MOGAS fuel, leading to huge cost savings, offering the best training for Multi Engine, Variable Pitch and Retractable Landing Gear ratings. The advanced avionic system offers VFR/ VFR Night, MEP, IR, PBN (LNAV, VNAV, LPV).

Mateusz Dzialynski, CEO and Head of Training at Smart Aviation, airline pilot on B737, said: “Our decision to invest in the latest Next Generation P2006T was based on the increasing demand for flight training in Europe and because it is one of the best trainers equipped with the most advanced avionics.”

“Smart Aviation is a clear example of Tecnam’s long-term commitment to innovating flight training. Our fleet solution is a market leading offering that provides reliability, cost control, intelligent training and low emissions,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer.

About Smart Aviation
ATO Smart Aviation from Poznan was established in 2013 and is now one of the largest flight schools in Poland. Smart Aviation is an EASA-approved training organisation offering modular training for pilots from zero to ATPL. Our graduates are employed by leading airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Enter Air, Air Malta, SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines and other renowned airlines worldwide. The school records over 10,000 flight hours per year.

About Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Air Expo Abu Dhabi is a premier aviation event, showcasing the latest developments, innovations, and future outlooks in the aviation industry. The event gathers industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to engage, share knowledge, and explore the forefront of aviation technology and solutions. For more information, visit www.adairexpo.com

Source: Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Photo Credit: Air Expo Abu Dhabi

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Greek Pilot Training Organisation, JETSTREAM Aviation Academy, Acquires 2 New Training Aircraft in November 2024

Greek pilot training organisation JETSTREAM Aviation Academy announced that its fleet is expanding! The academy has ordered the two brand-new Pipistrel Explorer aircraft, enhancing its training capabilities and providing an even better experience for its students.

These EASA-certified aircraft are among the best in their category as advanced trainers. They feature a dual touch-screen Garmin glass cockpit, top-of-the-line IFR avionics, advanced autopilot, a constant speed propeller, and air brakes. Additionally, they are equipped with enhanced safety systems, including a full airframe parachute system!

The new aircraft will be ready for training in January 2025.

About JETSTREAM Aviation Academy
JETSTREAM is a European (EASA) Approved Training Organization (EL.ATO.110, EL.147.17, EL.CCTO.110) by the Hellenic CAA offering professional courses for airline pilots, aviation engineers, and cabin crew. Our headquarters are in the Athens Intl Airport, Greece, with a Training Centre in Dubai, UAE. Since JETSTREAM opened in 2008, more than 4,000 trainees have graduated from courses for pilots, engineers, and cabin crew. A growing number of Airline Operators, Regulatory Authorities, Defence and Security forces, and individuals have partnered with JETSTREAM for training.

Source: JETSTREAM Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: JETSTREAM Aviation Academy

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Italian Pilot Training Group, Aviomar Flight Academy, Announces New Training Campus in 2025

Parma, Italy – Aviomar Flight Academy is pleased to announce that they will be opening a brand-new training centre for aspiring airline pilots at Parma International Airport in 2025.

As part of this new investment plan, Aviomar will develop a purpose-built 2000sqm flight training centre in northern Italy with the capacity to train in excess of 150 trainees per year. The training facility will be primarily dedicated to the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy cadet training programmes.

The new base will feature a hangar for the new aircraft fleet and a training centre comprising of flight operations and maintenance offices, classrooms for theoretical instruction and two flight simulators (Diamond DA42 FSTD and Boeing 737-8200 MAX FSTD). The Flight Training Centre will be powered by solar energy produced by the 1,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels embedded in new eco-friendly hangar.

Aviomar Flight Academy has delivered ab-initio training to over a thousand pilots and is the preferred training provider for 12 European operators, including Ryanair, the No. 1 airline in Europe – Aviomar is the only Ryanair official training partner in Italy.

As part of this agreement, the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy flight training courses will be offered not only at the Rome Training Centres but also at the new Parma Flight Training Centre.

The main courses offered by the new centre will be:

  • Ryanair Ab Initio Cadet Programme (Integrated ATPL)
  • Ryanair APS MCC
  • Ryanair Gateway 1 (Modular CPL/IR)
  • Integrated ATPL(A)
  • Modular CPL/IR(A)

Capt. Michele Marano, Aviomar General Manager, comments: “Parma airport benefits from its strategic location and proximity to key cities for the aviation market such as Milan, Bologna, Brescia and Bergamo – without the associated congestion and with a wide variety of accommodation options. It is the ideal location for the establishment of a pilot training centre. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Fabio Grande, Meng, So.Ge.AP Parma Airport Accountable Manager, for having fully embraced the Aviomar Project and for promoting the collaboration between the two companies in the establishment of a cutting-edge aviation training centre.”

Ryanair’s Director of Talent, Mark Duffy, said: “As the number 1 airline in Europe, we are delighted with the announcement of the new Aviomar training centre at Parma International Airport. This new training centre will provide the airline with a steady pipeline of talented and professional pilots from around Europe to meet the needs of our growing network. We are pleased to continue our partnership and lend our operational expertise to Aviomar Flight Academy, especially in the provision of what will be an outstanding Ryanair Future Flyer Academy flight training programme. This combination will be the best possible preparation for an exciting airline career with Ryanair.”

About Aviomar Flight Academy
Aviomar Flight Academy is a leading EASA training organization based in Rome (Italy), founded in 1982 by Captain Riccardo Marano. The academy benefits from a fleet of 23 aircraft, 5 flight simulators and 85 specialized instructors and has two locations in Rome: the first one is a flight training base in Rome Urbe city airport with classes, a maintenance hangar and management and flight operations offices; the second one is a Flight Simulator Centre in Monterotondo, an industrial area just north of Rome. Aviomar offers a wide range of aeronautical activities such as professional and private pilot’s training, aerial work, aircraft maintenance and sales. At Aviomar, students can attend private and commercial pilot license courses, frozen ATPL (Integrated and Modular), instrument trainings, type rating courses (A320 – C650 – C510 – B737 – C501/551 – HS125 – EMB135/145- LEGACY600/650) and instructor courses (FI – IRI – CRI – SFI – TRI – MCCI) as well as numerous other qualifications.

Source: Aviomar Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Aviomar Flight Academy

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European Airline Owned Training Academy to Receive New Full Flight Simulator at the End of 2024

Riga, Latvia – In November 2024, 8 students graduated from the Pilot Academy of the Latvian national airline airBaltic, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. Additionally, the 24th group of 17 students has already begun their professional pilot studies.

Martin Gauss, CEO and President of airBaltic, said: “It’s a pleasure to recognize and congratulate the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Many of them will soon begin further training, getting ready to join the airBaltic team. Having skilled and well-prepared professionals is essential to the success of any airline.”

Gauss added, “We also warmly welcome the dedicated students of the 24th group, who start their journey with us today. As airBaltic grows and moves towards its goal of operating 100 aircraft in the coming years, these committed individuals will be vital to reaching our future ambitions.”

The graduates represent countries such as Austria, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, while the new group includes students from Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Latvia.

There are 138 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from the Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 124 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy have to cover the costs of ATPL theory studies and 45 flight hours, costing EUR 15 000. After passing airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, the airline will provide financing (loan) for the rest of the studies.

Additionally, airBaltic is set to expand its training capabilities with the arrival of a second Airbus A220 full flight simulator later this year. Scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024, the new simulator will significantly enhance the airline’s ability to train and maintain the qualifications of its growing number of pilots, supporting both the airline’s fleet expansion and the continued development of its Pilot Academy.

About airBaltic
airBaltic (Air Baltic Corporation AS) is the leading airline in the Baltics and one of Europe’s fastest-growing carriers. As a hybrid airline, it leverages the upsides of both traditional network and low-cost carriers. Through a network of more than 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere and, seasonally, Gran Canaria, airBaltic connects the Baltics with over 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Founded in 1995, today airBaltic operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets, consisting of 49 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and employs over 2 700 professionals. The company is majority-owned by the Latvian state, which holds a 97.97% stake, with the remaining 2.03% owned by private shareholders.

airBaltic’s commitment to excellence is recognized by numerous prestigious awards including the Best Airline in its region by Skytrax for three consecutive years. In 2022, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognized airBaltic with the Diversity and Inclusion Team Award. Furthermore, in 2023, APEX awarded the company the Passenger Choice Award for Best Cabin Service in Europe, and in 2024 airBaltic also received the APEX Four Star Major Airline Award, recognizing its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience. In 2024, the airline was awarded the PROS AI Innovator Award for leveraging AI to drive transformative outcomes and optimize operations.

Source: airBaltic
Photo Credit: airBaltic

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