Market Intelligence: Europe

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 4^th 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