Market Intelligence: Europe

Lufthansa Aviation Training Becomes First ATO to Receive Certificate Directly from EASA

  • Lufthansa Aviation Training transitions regulatory authority in pilot training
  • EASA-ATO certification is a testament to the high quality of training at LAT
  • EASA certification provides increased flexibility and agility, as well as a common platform for approved training courses.

Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) has become the first Approved Training Organization (ATO) from an EASA member state to receive certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The award was presented last Friday at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne and came into effect on November 15, 2024.

With the EASA certification, LAT strengthens its position in the European and international market, creating a unified foundation for all approved training programs. The elimination of national certifications allows new programs and modules to be implemented more rapidly across all LAT locations. EASA will take over the supervisory role previously held nationally, simplifying collaboration and approval processes within the Lufthansa Group.

This certification also enables LAT to deploy highly qualified instructors from the entire DACH region flexibly, further enhancing the international orientation of the Lufthansa Group.

Philipp Heinbockel (Accountable Manager EASA ATO): “The EASA-ATO of LAT offers significant advantages to the Lufthansa Group and our customers through increased flexibility and agility, as well as a common platform for approved training courses. In the future, it will also facilitate the integration of additional Lufthansa Group ATOs, thereby enhancing efficiency and collaboration.”

Francesco Gaetani, Head of Aircrew & Medical Department, Chief Pilot: “We welcome Lufthansa Aviation Training as the first EASA-Approved Training Organisation ATO located in the EU Member States. This transfer to EASA from the national authority was made possible due to close collaboration between LAT, EASA and the German Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA) over the last 12 months. The EASA team is looking forward to working together with LAT to ensure the safe delivery of aviation training to the highest international standards.”

The EASA certification marks a critical step in the strategic development of LAT and underscores the company’s commitment to the highest standards of pilot training at the European level.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training
With its competencies in training flight and cabin crews at ten training locations worldwide, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is among the world leaders in the field of aviation training. The company is headquartered at Munich Airport and employs around 800 people at all its locations. Its client portfolio encompasses more than 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, among them the Lufthansa Group airlines. LAT operates close to 200 training devices. These include training aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators for all common aircraft types for pilot training, as well as emergency and service mock-ups for cabin crews. The flight schools of the Lufthansa Group are joined under LAT’s brand European Flight Academy (EFA). 

Source: Lufthansa Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Aviation Training

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Netherlands Based Orbit Groundschool Receives 2024 Approval for New FNPT II Flight Simulator

Arnhem, Netherlands –  Orbit Groundschool is proud to announce that its FNPT2 flight simulator has been officially approved by aviation authorities. This approval marks an important milestone for the school and its students, as the simulator can now be put into full use for multiple training purposes.

The simulator provides a realistic and safe environment in which pilots of all levels can learn and/or sharpen their skills. The latest technologies allow students to practice different weather conditions, emergency procedures and complex approaches. The simulator is suitable for both instrument flying for the benefit of aspiring pilots as well as Enhanced MCC (APS) for experienced pilots who want to refresh or broaden their knowledge.

About the simulator

The Alsim ALX is a simulator that can simulate multiple models, making it suitable for education regarding various instrument flight training, as well as MPL Basic Phase. Orbit can thereby assist their entire customer base; from the first lessons in the PPL phase to the final steps of an ATPL in which the MCC (APS) will be taken.

Book your training session now

The flight simulator is available for booking. You are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity and take flying skills to the next level. “We are proud that this simulator can simulate not one but three models, allowing us to guide students in their SEP, MEP and medium JET courses,” said Orbit Groundschool management. “This approval is recognion of our commitment to safety and quality in pilot training. We look forward to welcoming both aspiring and experienced pilots to our sim.”

About Orbit Groundschool Flight School
Orbit Groundschool is known for its commitment to high-quality pilot training and aviation safety. With a team of experienced instructors and modern facilities, the school offers comprehensive training programs that meet the highest quality standards in the aviation training industry. For more information regarding renting the simulator or booking a session, please contact Orbit Groundschool at info@orbit-groundschool.nl.

Source: Orbit Groundschool
Photo Credit: Orbit Groundschool

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Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation Celebrates 2024 Order for 12 New Elixir Aircraft

One of Greece’s largest flight training organisation’s Egnatia Aviation is delighted to share its successful participation at the 22nd European Airline Training Symposium (EATS 2024), held from November 5th to 7th at the Estoril Congress Centre in Cascais, Portugal. This prestigious event brought together over 1,000 professionals from more than 50 countries, cementing its status as the leading forum for advancing pilot and cabin crew training. Egnatia Aviation’s presence at EATS 2024 exemplifies its ongoing commitment to thought leadership and connecting with the broader aviation training community.

A highlight of Egnatia’s presence at EATS 2024 was the announcement of its exciting new collaboration with Elixir Aircraft. Egnatia Aviation’s acquisition of twelve Elixir aircraft, with an option for three more, represents a significant investment in its training capabilities. This strategic move aligns with its commitment to providing world-class training experience using state-of-the-art technology and sustainable solutions. Boasting an innovative carbon structure and unparalleled safety features, the Elixir aircraft will elevate its fleet to new heights, reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in the industry.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia Aviation

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer MPS Host ROM Utrecht in November 2024

Netherlands – Multi Pilot Simulations (MPS), a global leader in flight simulator manufacturing specialising in FTD’s, recently hosted Arjan van den Born of ROM Utrecht Region, showcasing its advanced Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 simulators. Founded in 1998, MPS continues to set industry standards for high-quality innovation and production from its base in Groenekan, underscoring the region’s role as a hub for aviation technology.

  • During the visit, MPS executives, including Captain/CEO Philip Adrian FRAeS and Chief Commercial Officer Erik Jennes, discussed the company’s technological advancements and future growth strategies.
  • MPS emphasized its need for skilled talent, particularly mechanics, technicians, and software developers at the MBO and HBO levels, and plans to partner with educational institutions like HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and ROC Midden Nederland to strengthen regional ties.
  • Discussions also included opportunities for MPS to leverage the ROM-Nederland SEC fund and contribute to the regional Defense cluster, highlighting the company’s dual-use innovations for both commercial and defense applications.

Statements

  • “MPS seeks to connect with the region, not only for financing, innovation and growth, but also to recruit talent (especially MBO and HBO level). Good MBO and HBO students (including mechanics, technicians, software and game developers) are crucial. That is why we are going to connect MPS with parties such as the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Hogeschool Utrecht) and ROC Midden Nederland.” shared

Source: Photo Credit:

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR to Focus on Core Product Portfolio

Following an extensive market review and in light of lingering tensions on its supply chain, ATR has decided to focus efforts on further boosting the competitiveness of its current product portfolio. As a consequence, ATR will stop the development of its Short Take-Off and Landing variant (STOL), the ATR 42-600S, reflecting the company’s commitment to aligning operations with evolving market dynamics.

The comprehensive review of market conditions, technological advancements and future projections shows a reduced addressable market for the variant compared to the initial forecast. In Southeast Asia, for instance, the number of targeted airports requiring STOL-capable aircraft has significantly decreased, primarily because of runway extensions or the construction of nearby alternative airports, and this trend is mirrored in other key target markets. While this reduces the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it means that our current product line can operate at its full capacity.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “As a global leader on the regional market, ATR has a responsibility towards its customers, stakeholders and the industry at large to continuously evaluate its product portfolio to meet market demand. The decision to halt the STOL project reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

This strategic endeavour will enable ATR to shift efforts towards enhancing existing product lines, advancing technological innovation, and addressing emerging market demands more effectively. This includes further breaking into North America, where the manufacturer is looking to replace ageing fleets of regional jets and boost point-to-point regional connections.

“We are now entering the next phase of growth and improvement where we will focus on further investing in the competitiveness of our market-leading products, the ATR 42-600 and 72-600. Delivering strong value propositions to regional airlines has always been central to our success. This commitment is the reason why our aircraft have remained industry leaders and a trusted choice for our customers over the past 40 years and continues to be our driving force for what lies ahead.” she added.

She continued: “As part of this commitment, we have identified a series of product improvements which aim at further reducing the costs of operations and increasing the availability of our aircraft. These improvements directly reflect the needs and insight shared with our customers. To achieve these goals, we are working closely with our key suppliers and have developed comprehensive action plans to drive progress on these enhancements. This step is essential to maintain our competitive edge, as well as our position as a trusted partner to our customers, operators and stakeholders worldwide.”

Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR (shown as meta image)

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AFM – 2025 Pilot Training Industry Relevant Events Calendar

The team at AFM has put together a calendar of events in 2025 of potential interest to pilot training industry stakeholders. For more information or if you know of an event for us to add to the list, kindly contact us.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

TBA:

  • African Aviation Summit
  • Aviation India Summit & Exhibition

Please contact us if you know of Pilot Training Industry relevant events taking place which are not already on this list.

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