Market Intelligence: Europe

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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World’s Largest ACMI Provider and Aviation Conglomerate Avia Solutions Group Places Order for 80 B737MAX Aircraft

Dublin, Ireland headquartered Avia Solutions Group has ordered 80 737-MAX. The transaction, split between 40 firm orders and 40 purchase rights, is the first direct order placed by the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider.

The order is part of Avia Solutions Group’s ongoing strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet the continued strong demand from airlines globally for additional aircraft during peak seasons.

Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, said: “Leisure-focused airlines around the world experience notable seasonal fluctuations in traffic, with peak demand for flights typically occurring in the summer season. To effectively meet this need for extra capacity, and increase revenue, airlines require additional aircraft specifically during these peak periods. ACMI, or wet leasing, is the optimal solution to address this need without airlines having to take on long-term financial commitments. As the world’s largest ACMI provider, carrying over 35 million passengers annually for our clients, we have committed to a strategic approach of expanding our capacity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs, and our first order with Boeing is a key pillar of this. This is a proud moment for all of us at Avia Solutions Group and is testament to the fact that Avia Solutions Group is now entering a clear phase of sustained growth. These 737 MAX will enhance the fleets of our airlines, giving their customers both operational flexibility and greater fuel efficiency.”

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: “ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group offer important, flexible capacity to meet the dynamic demand in our industry and we are honored Avia has selected Boeing airplanes to help meet that demand from its customers,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “By choosing the 737-8, Avia is aligning with its customers’ plans to operate increasingly fuel-efficient fleets that improve the passenger experience.”

The deliveries will start in 2030. The Group currently operates a fleet of 220 aircraft, including 14 737-8s.

ACMI is a strategic B2B solution for seasonal fleet management that allows scheduled airlines to manage their fleets efficiently, adjust to market fluctuations and maximize their revenue by increasing aircraft capacity during peak demand seasons only. It is recognized as one of the few ways for scheduled airlines to improve profitability by 2% to 3%.

Avia Solutions Group has 11 AOCs (Air Operator certificates or “AOC”), including Avion Express, Smartlynx, Klasjet, Air Explore, BBN, Ascend Airways, Skytrans and others. These AOCs operate all year round in 60+ countries for various scheduled airlines and tour operators.

By building this global network of AOCs, Avia Solutions Group can strategically transfer its aircraft to markets where its customers need additional seasonal capacity.

Avia Solutions Group consists of 250+ companies providing a wide range of aviation services such as aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO) by FL Technics, pilot and crew training by BAA Training and ground handling by Aviator & BGS. The Group’s team encompasses 14,000 highly qualified aviation professionals.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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Flight School Management Software Aviatize Selected by Portugese Flight School Nortavia

Vilar de Luz, Portugal – Nortavia, a premier flight training organization based in Maia has announced its partnership with Aviatize as its new operations management system, aimed at enhancing its flight and maintenance processes and elevating student and instructor experiences.

With Aviatize, Nortavia will streamline and modernize all facets of flight training management. The system offers a mobile-friendly interface for both students and instructors, robust scheduling tools, compliance monitoring, integrated accounting, and comprehensive aircraft maintenance planning and execution.

Gonçalo Moreira, General Manager of Nortavia, expressed his enthusiasm for the new system, stating, “We’re thrilled to adopt Aviatize’s innovative platform, which allows us to focus on training excellence while streamlining operational tasks. With this partnership, Nortavia is better equipped than ever to deliver top-tier training and prepare top quality future pilots.”

Aviatize CEO Tom Verbruggen shared his excitement about the collaboration, adding, “We are proud to welcome Nortavia to our growing network of flight schools. This partnership is a testament to the industry’s demand for fully integrated, customizable solutions. Since meeting Nortavia at last year’s EATS, we’ve seen their forward-thinking approach and high ambitions, and we are confident our platform will support them in reaching their goals.”

Source: Aviatize
Photo Credit: Aviatize

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Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation Signs Purchase Agreement for Up to 15 New Training Aircraft from Elixir Aircraft

France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft has announced that it has signed a sales contract with Egnatia Aviation. The Greek pilot school will be adding twelve Elixir aircraft to its fleet of eighteen, and has placed an option for three more. They will be delivered in two batches of six aircraft and will be based at Kavala-Amigdaleon airport.

The Elixir to train pilots for major airlines

Based at Kavala-Amigdaleon ‘Lydia’ airport in Greece, Egnatia Aviation has been one of Europe’s leading professional pilot training centres since 2006. The school provides pilots to more than 60 airlines worldwide, including 4 cadet schemes with Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air, Iraqi Airways and Olympic Air. It operates a fleet of some twenty single and twin-engine aircraft.

Embarking on a fleet renewal programme, Egnatia Aviation has opted for the Elixir model from Elixir Aircraft. According to Egnatia Aviation’s training team, the Elixir’s cutting-edge technology will provide a better training experience for its cadet pilots. The Elixir offers enhanced safety, thanks to its standard equipment such as the parachute and anti-explosion tank; efficiency, demonstrated by its low operating costs; and environmental responsibility, thanks to its lightweight structure and reduced fuel consumption.

The growing demand for new qualified airline pilots means that schools need to maintain a fully operational fleet while anticipating its replacement by 4th generation aircraft, made up of a minimum of parts and a light all-carbon structure, such as the Elixir.

Twelve Elixir and three options for the Lydia base

Egnatia Aviation has ordered twelve Elixir and placed an option for three others. First deliveries of 6 aircraft to begin early 2025, initially complimenting the current fleet of 18.

“We are excited to add the Elixir aircraft to our fleet. This aircraft is a perfect fit for our operational needs, and we are confident that it will provide our cadets with an exceptional flying experience.” said Dimitris Lymperakis, CEO of Egnatia Aviation.

“We are honoured by the confidence shown in us by Egnatia Aviation, a world-renowned school. We designed the Elixir with the needs of schools at this demanding level in mind. This drives us to make the Elixir even better known beyond Europe’s borders.” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 150 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of savings of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to bring production of all carbon parts in-house. 

There are 27 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Irish Pilot Training Organization Accepting Final Applications for the ASL Airlines Mentored Programme 2025 Intake

Cork, Ireland – Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is accepting applications for its ASLI Mentored Programme, with a deadline of December 6, 2024. This unique program includes a Bonded Type Rating with ASLI and offers placements for aspiring pilots, with the next intake scheduled for February 17, 2025.

The program is open to applicants with no flight hours as well as those holding a Private Pilot License (PPL). Program cost is €82,500, and candidates will have a chance to work in Germany or Dubai on an 8-days-on, 6-days-off roster upon completion. Limited places are available for the 2025 intake, making this a selective and competitive opportunity for aspiring pilots.

  • ASL Airlines Ireland are proud partners of FedEx, DHL, and Amazon.
  • Fixed Rosters and generous time off.
  • Secure Employment with long-term opportunities.
  • Competitive Salary and away-from-base allowances.
  • Career Progression into command, training, safety roles, and more.
  • Supportive Culture that values its people.

About Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA)
Based in Cork, Ireland, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is a leading pilot training organization in Europe, offering a range of flight training programs tailored to develop high-quality commercial pilots for the global aviation market.

Source: Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Photo Credit: Atlantic Flight Training Academy

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