Market Intelligence: Europe

World’s Largest ACMI Provider and Aviation Conglomerate, Avia Solutions Group, Reports Revenues up 25% to €2 Billion for 9 Months 2024

Dublin, Ireland – Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, which operates a 221 aircraft fleet in total, split between 183 passenger aircraft and 38 freighters, has announced its financial results for the three quarters of this 2024.

The Group’s revenues increased by 25% to €2,06 billion compared to the same period last year, while net profit also rose to €83,3 million from €70,8 million. The group’s EBITDA for the period stands at €406 million, an 29% increase compared to the same period last year.

Over the first 9 months of 2024, the main revenue-generating regions for Avia Solutions Group were Europe (55,1%) and Asia (27,9%). The Americas, Africa, Australia and Pacific Islands represented 11,8%, 2,7%, and 1,2% of revenues respectively.

Avia Solutions Group has an ongoing strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet the continued strong demand from airlines globally for additional aircraft during their peak seasons. The Group completed the acquisition of Australian based Skytrans in the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of air operator certificates held by the Group to 11 and over the third quarter also established its first AOC in Thailand, Thai SmartLynx. The Group is planning to obtain further air operator certificates (AOCs) in Malaysia, Philippines and Brazil by the end of 2025.

Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group said: “Expanding into Southeast Asia and other counter cyclical markets represents a pivotal strategic direction for the group. These regions offer significant growth opportunities and enable us to optimize fleet utilization year-round. By leveraging the robust demand in these markets, particularly during Europe’s off-peak winter season, we can effectively balance seasonal variations, ensuring our aircraft remain active and profitable while supporting our global network and customer needs.”

According to Janukenas, the cargo market has proved challenging in 2024 due to overcapacity. However, the Group anticipates increasing activity in the cargo market in 2025.

To further the Group’s business development initiatives, Avia Solutions Group also successfully issued US$300 million of five-year senior unsecured bonds with a coupon of 9,75% in the first half of 2024.

Testament to investor confidence in the Group’s strategy is the increase of group equity capital by €300 million in 2024. This growth in group equity capital relates to US-based Certares Management LLC, a private equity investment firm which invested into Avia in 2021, electing to convert its preferred shares to ordinary shares.

In November, the Group placed its first direct order for 80 Boeing 737 MAX, split between 40 firm and 40 purchases rights. The deliveries will start in 2030.

Avia Solutions Group offers its services to customers including some of the largest airlines in the world. The group operates in 68 countries around the world and consists of 250+ companies providing a wide range of aviation services like aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and more. The group’s team encompasses 14,000 highly qualified aviation professionals.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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Italy’s Cantor Air Shares 30 Graduates Joining Leading Airlines in 2024

Bergamo, Italy – Cantor Air Flight School has announced a major milestone with 30 of its former students recently securing positions at leading airlines, including Air Dolomiti, Neos, Lufthansa City Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Challenge Air Cargo, and SmartLynx Airlines.

In February, Cantor Air announced the purchase of five new aircraft: three new P2010 TDIs and two additional P2008 JCs, a major step that would bring the flight school’s fleet to a total of 19 aircraft, along with a state-of-the-art flight simulator. On October 20, 2024, Cantor Air is proud to announce that the first P2010 has officially arrived, marking an important milestone for the flight school. This new aircraft not only increases Cantor Air’s operational capabilities and the comfort of their students, but also represents a major step forward towards environmental sustainability.

Source: Cantor Air Flight School
Photo Credit: Cantor Air Flight School

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Hungarian Pilot Training Organisation Highlights Physiological Advancements at Abu Dhabi’s Air Expo 2024

PharmaFlight Aviation Academy, a flight training organisation based in Debrecen, Hungary, participated in the Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, held in mid-November, showcasing its cutting-edge advancements in physiological measurement systems.

Representing PHARMAFLIGHT were research leader Gyula Győri, c. associate professor and scientific director; Kornél Szepessy, business development director; Dr. Botond Szűcs, leading biologist and life coach; and Gabriella Farkas, sales manager. The delegation highlighted the unique PHAPA physiological measurement system, designed to optimize selection processes, facilitate fatigue risk management, and support the safe retention of senior employees in aviation.

Key presentations were attended by high-ranking officials, including Didier Mary, main organizer of the Expo; Ziad Elmaamoun, advisor to the Director General of the Social Contribution Authority; representatives of Etihad Airways; UAE Ministry of Defense officials; and senior executives from Global Air Navigation Services (GANS). The delegation also expressed gratitude to Mr. Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Expo Organizing Committee and Emirates Aviation Association, for personally attending their presentation.

The three-day event underscored PHARMAFLIGHT’s commitment to advancing aviation safety and innovation, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.

Source: PHARMAFLIGHT
Photo Credit: PHARMAFLIGHT

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Greece Based Flight School Launches November 2024 Black Friday 15% Discount on Pilot Training Campaign

Skies Aviation Academy, a flight school based in Peraia, Greece, has announced an exclusive 15% discount on all pilot training courses as part of their November 2024 Black Friday promotion. This limited-time offer, available until December 8, 2024, provides aspiring and experienced pilots an opportunity to enhance their aviation careers at a reduced cost.

Courses eligible for the discount include:

  • Integrated ATPL Course
  • Modular PPL, CPL, and ATPL Courses
  • Flight Instructor (FI) Course

With a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to beginners and seasoned aviators alike, Skies Aviation Academy is committed to equipping students with the skills to achieve their aviation aspirations.

Skies Aviation Academy celebrated end of last year its 10-year anniversary of operational excellence, added a Tecnam P2008 JC to its fleet in June 2024.

Source: Skies Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Skies Aviation Academy

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – True Course Simulation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Brett Watts  – CEO of True Course Simulations, a simulator manufacturer that specializes in virtual reality flight training.

True Course Simulation offers a simple 3-step learning process that includes a pre-flight briefing, interactive simulations, and visual demonstrations of maneuvers.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Offerings: True Course Simulations (TCS) provides comprehensive VR-based flight training solutions that include hardware (immersive training devices), software (courseware), and data management tools. Originally focused on military contracts, the company has expanded to serve civilian flight schools globally, prioritizing innovation and efficiency in pilot training.
  • Global Expansion and Partnerships: TCS has established partnerships with flight training organizations worldwide, including recent device deployments to Nelson Aviation College (New Zealand), Embry-Riddle Asia (Singapore), and Sydney Flight College (Australia).
  • Key Trends in Pilot Training: Brett highlighted the increasing demand for efficiency due to rising costs and instructor shortages. Another trend is the growing adoption of automation and VR to supplement traditional training, reducing stress on students and instructors.
  • Impact on Training and Safety: TCS tools improve safety and efficiency by enabling students to master core skills in simulations before real-world training. This approach reduces cognitive overload and better prepares students for complex multitasking in the cockpit.
  • Mission: TCS stands out by offering an integrated system of VR labs, self-guided learning, and performance analytics. The company aims to empower students with confidence and proficiency while supporting partners in modernizing their training systems.

For more information:

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

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Emirates Flight Training Academy Partners with Greece’s Egnatia Aviation on Path to EASA Accreditation in 2025

In a significant move for aviation, Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has inked a strategic partnership with Egnatia Aviation, one of Europe’s leading flight training organisations, based in Greece. The partnership marks a brand-new chapter in EFTA’s international journey as it sets the academy well on its way to achieving European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025.

EASA certification is recognised globally in the aviation industry. The certification is mandatory to fly European-registered aircraft or to work for European airlines and opens doors to outstanding career opportunities worldwide.

All ATPL graduates requiring an EASA licence must complete Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME/IR) in an Approved Training Organisation  within the European Union. Thanks to the partnership, EFTA’s international cadets can undertake the additional 10-hour programme with Egnatia Aviation in Greece.

On graduating from EFTA, these cadets will receive both a GCAA and an EASA licence.  Once EFTA receives EASA approval, the academy will incorporate the agency’s approved curriculum in both ground school and flying programmes.

Having EASA accreditation under its belt marks a huge opportunity for EFTA as it looks to go global and appeal to a wider demographic.

Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President EFTA, explained the significance of the partnership: “EFTA’s next growth trajectory will have a major impact as we are set to provide a strong pipeline to an industry strapped for international pilot talent. The partnership with Egnatia Aviation marks a huge milestone in that growth journey. EASA ATO accreditation, our first-class infrastructure and futuristic learning technologies, along with being based in Dubai, one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, is the perfect combination for attracting the best talent to the academy.

It’s a significant stepping stone for the academy’s international cadets as they can now obtain the globally recognised EASA licence. We are extremely impressed with Egnatia Aviation’s quality, standards and product. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will open new avenues and empower the next generation of pilots.”

George Triantafyllidis, Chief Commercial Officer Egnatia Aviation said: “Cadets on the path to becoming EASA certified can look forward to beginning the course in 2025 and be ready to conduct their ME/IR in 2026 at Egnatia Aviation. Once completed, they will graduate with best-in-class knowledge, skills and expertise from a high quality ATO, in line with EU aviation standards.”

About Emirates Flight Training Academy
Located in Dubai South, the EFTA was launched by Emirates in 2017, initially to train UAE nationals, and later international students, to become pilots. The Academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying. EFTA’s fleet has 32 aircraft: 20 x Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston, 5 x Diamond DA42NG multi-engine piston, 2 x Gamebird GB1 for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training and 5 x Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets.

EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, which is equal to 200 football fields, boasts 36 modern classrooms, six 6-axis full-motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway with its own Instrument Landing System.

About Egnatia Aviation
Egnatia Aviation Flight Training Academy, part of Egnatia Aviation Group, is one of the leading Flight Training Organisations in Europe, providing pilots to numerous airlines across the world. Like EFTA, it has its own General Aviation airport (Lydia) and a fully functional, modern, European facility. This and the excellent location and weather factor enables it to deliver consistent training all year round.

In the span of 18 years, Egnatia Aviation has become one of the largest pilot academies in Europe with cadet contracts and self-sponsored students from all over the world.

Source: Emirates Flight Training Academy

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Simaero Highlights Engineer Services for Flight Simulator Upgrades

Simaero, a global leader in aviation training and simulator services, announced its comprehensive suite of flight simulator upgrade solutions. The Simaero Engineering team leverages years of expertise to deliver cost-effective and reliable enhancements to flight simulation systems worldwide. Simaero’s simulator upgrade services include:

  • Regulatory Upgrades
  • Avionics Upgrades
  • Performance Upgrades

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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