Market Intelligence: Europe

Avia Solutions Group Announces 2024 Appointment for Executive Vice Chairman of the Board

Irish-based Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, has appointed Tom Klein as Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board, a new role, effective immediately.

He will continue in his roles as Senior Managing Director at US -based Certares Management, a private equity investment firm which invested into the Group in 2021.

Klein brings to the Group extensive knowledge of the global aviation, travel, tourism and technology sectors. His main responsibilities will include leading on investor relations and advising on wider business development while his geographic location will allow for executive presence and a greater focus on activities in the Americas.

The appointment comes at a time when Avia Solutions Group is growing significantly, with the Group reporting first half of 2024 revenues of €1.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 29% and a 34% growth in EBITDA year-on-year to €179 million.

The Group has ongoing plans to further expand its global presence and ability to offer capacity solutions, particularly during peak seasons, to airlines around the world.

Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, said: “With his extensive experience in global aviation and travel sectors, and a proven track record in investor relations, Tom is a great addition to our senior leadership team. I look forward to working with him closely as we execute our long-term growth strategy.”

Tom Klein, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Avia Solutions Group, said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Executive Vice-Chairman. The demand for the Group’s services is increasing significantly, and I look forward to playing a key role in expanding our global customer base.”

Prior to joining Certares in 2018, Klein was the CEO and President of Sabre, a global technology company serving the travel industry. Klein led the successful IPO of Sabre in 2014. He served 7 years as a founding board member of Brand USA, culminating his tenure as Chairman. Klein has served on multiple boards and prior to Sabre, he held management positions at American Airlines and Consolidated Freightways

Avia Solutions Group currently operates a fleet of 214-aircraft, split between 174 passenger aircraft and 40 freighters.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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Spanish Airline First to Take Delivery of A321XLR

Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.

Marco Sansavini, CEO & Chairman at Iberia, said: “We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.”

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia. The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity. It is another proud “first” for all of us at Airbus in our constant quest to innovate and bring value to our customers. We are pleased to share this special moment with a special customer: gracias y felicidades Iberia.”

The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft.

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Aircraft Manufacturer Proposes CEO Renewal and Prepares for Management Changes in 2024 and 2025

The Board of Directors of Airbus SE will propose to the shareholders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting the renewal of Guillaume Faury as Executive member of the Board and Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

The Company is also announcing management transition steps in its Commercial Aircraft business. Lars Wagner, currently the CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, has been selected to join the Airbus Executive Committee, after finalising his term at MTU, to become the successor of Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“Christian and I are excited to have Lars Wagner, such a talented industry leader, coming back to the Airbus family in this key role,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Christian remains at the helm of the Commercial Aircraft business, supported by a great team, until the transition to Lars. Christian and I will continue to work closely together for the success of Airbus in the dynamic and complex environment we are operating in.”

“We have a clear plan for our Commercial Aircraft business and after 40 years at Airbus, I remain committed to the success of the Company,” said CEO Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer. “I believe that Lars, whom I have known for a long time, is the natural choice for Airbus as my successor. I very much welcome his nomination and look forward to working with him in this future transition.”

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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UK Headquartered Flight Training Group, Leading Edge Aviation, Invests GBP 2 Million in 16 Aspiring Pilots

United Kingdom headquartered pilot training group Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases both in the UK and in Spain, proudly announces the outcome of its Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor Training Programme, surpassing its initial goal by selecting double the number of candidates. With a £2M commitment, this initiative makes pilot training accessible to a more diverse range of aspiring pilots, covering up to 85%* of training costs.

Leading Edge Aviation’s groundbreaking training programme offers two distinct pathways to cater to different levels of experience. For those who already hold a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and have some flying experience, the Modular Route provides an unprecedented opportunity. This first-of-its-kind pathway for modular students offers significant financial support, making it more accessible for aspiring pilots to achieve their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and Flight Instructor qualification.

For individuals with no prior flying experience, the Integrated Route offers a comprehensive training journey from novice to expert. This pathway covers all the necessary training to obtain both the fATPL and Flight Instructor qualifications, ensuring a thorough and structured approach to becoming a professional pilot.

After graduation, both routes guarantee a two-year employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation, providing a secure and promising start to their aviation career.

Programme Highlights:

  • Significant Savings: Successful candidates will only need to fund £20,000 (for modular applicants with PPL) or £30,000 (for integrated applicants with no experience) for all training and accommodation costs.
  • First-of-its-Kind Opportunity for Modular Students: This programme offers modular students with a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) an exclusive chance to advance towards their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and become a Flight Instructor.
  • Comprehensive Training: Participants will achieve their fATPL and Flight Instructor qualification.
  • Guaranteed Employment: Graduates receive a two-year bonded employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation based in Alhama de Murcia base in Southern Spain.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Training will be conducted at Leading Edge Aviation’s premier facilities in Oxford and Alhama campus in Southern Spain.

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, commented, “We recognise that the cost of pilot training is a significant barrier for some talented individuals. Our new programme is designed to break down these financial barriers and provide a clear, affordable path to a rewarding career in aviation. We are committed to training the next generation of pilots and flight instructors, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the aviation industry while turning students’ dreams into reality.”

Applications were open to those aged 18 and over with a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (including Maths, English, and Science).

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. In addition to enjoying the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills (in industry circles now referred to as “The Whole Pilot”).

Based both at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.

Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking Solutions Provider, Private-Radar, Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Excellence

Private-Radar, a global leader in Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking Solutions, is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of pioneering innovation and outstanding service in the aviation training industry.

Since its founding in 2014, Private-Radar has transformed how flight schools and aero clubs manage and monitor their operations. Over the past decade, Private-Radar has evolved into a trusted and essential partner for aviation training institutions around the world, including several of the largest industry leaders. Today, Private Radar’s state-of-the-art solutions drive automation, enhance safety, and improve efficiency for over 100 partners across more than 30 countries.

It all started with a near miss

While earning his Private Pilot License in 2011, Prisque, the founder and CEO of Private-Radar, experienced a close call when his Cessna 172 narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with another small aircraft. This encounter highlighted a need for better flight safety measures and inspired Prisque to develop an advanced, real-time flight tracking system that would improve the safety of flight schools and optimize electronic flight records.

This led to the creation of Private-Radar, an innovative Flight School Management Software combined with an Aircraft Live Tracking Solution. Today, Private-Radar is the most advanced, fully featured Flight School Management Solution on the market. Streamlining operations and enhancing safety, by providing flight schools and aero clubs with effortless scheduling, hassle-free record-keeping, real-time aircraft tracking, fully synchronized flight data collection and much more.

Key achievements over the past decade

Global Expansion: Private-Radar has expanded its services to over 100 partners worldwide. We work with a wide array of organizations, including large scale leading pilot training operations, aero clubs, helicopter pilot schools and simulator only sites.

Tailored Solutions: Private-Radar’s dedication to customizing its platform to meet the specific needs of each partner has fostered a loyal user base and earned a reputation for excellence in service and support.

Continued Innovation: Private-Radar conduct an active dialogue and collaboration with their partners, ensuring the system evolves to meet their unique needs. By actively listening to feedback and prioritizing requested features, Private-Radar continuously enhances its platform with new updates and improvements that align with partner requirements.

Celebrate with Private-Radar at EATS 2024

To mark this milestone, we are inviting all EATS 2024 attendees to join us at Booth 514 to explore our latest upgrades, engage with our team, and participate in a very special 10th anniversary competition!

Prisque Lemble, Founder and CEO of Private-Radar, shared: “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the past ten years. Our success reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and service. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to delivering top-tier solutions for our partners and expanding to new flight schools or aero clubs, that are looking to streamline their operations.”

Source: Private-Radar
Photo Credit: Private-Radar

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Full Flight Simulator Manufacturer, AXIS Flight Simulation, Launches VR Solution for Business Jet Pilot Training

Austria – Full-flight simulator manufacturer AXIS Flight Simulation (AXIS), on October 31, 2024, unveiled its Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT), a cutting-edge training solution powered by virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) technologies.

Instantly available for business jet pilot training for a Bombardier CL350, AXIS can design tailored VPT solutions for different aircraft types upon request. The VPT headset uses state-of-the-art hand and eye tracking capabilities to offer a high level of immersion. The system can be used as a standalone product to deliver a flexible learning experience with minimal hardware requirements or be integrated into AXIS’ existing processes. It can be used at any stage of training for tasks such as system familiarisation, ground operations, flight procedures and emergency scenarios.

The built-in AI instructor provides real-time support by answering questions on aircraft systems, controls and functions. Using a hand gesture, trainees can activate the AI assistant to receive spoken guidance, supplemented by visuals and relevant manual sections.

Christian Theuermann, member of the executive board, AXIS Flight Simulation, says “Our VPT will significantly advance the realism and efficiency of pilot training. As one of the first manufacturers to offer VR training for business jets, coupled with innovative features such as hand-tracking, we are proud to offer this solution to the market.”

AXIS’ VPT was designed in collaboration with software development studio Propair Flight (Propair), an independent company within the AXIS Group.

Peter Kesmarki managing director, Propair Flight says: “Working with AXIS to deliver the VPT is hugely rewarding. Our joint expertise in VR and MR technologies ensures we are providing pilots with an advanced and immersive training tool that boosts preparedness and enhances safety standards across the industry.”

About AXIS Flight Simulation
AXIS Flight Simulation is the leading global provider of advanced flight training solutions. With a comprehensive product range covering ATRs, business jets, small turboprop aircraft, as well as specialized aircraft for SAR and research and measurement purposes, AXIS Flight Simulation offers a wide range of training devices and full flight simulators. Its suite of products set a new worldwide benchmark in availability and efficiency, and offer the most realistic flight experience possible for its customers.

Part of the larger AXIS Aviation group, AXIS Flight Simulation is headquartered in Austria and has offices in Canada and Hungary.

Source: AXIS Flight Simulation
Photo Credit: AXIS Flight Simulation

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Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training Launches MPL Pilot Training Program with Spanish Airline – First Batch in 2025

BAA Training, which operates full flight simulator training centers and flight schools around the world, has signed a contract with Spain’s Volotea, one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, to provide cadet pilot training, with the first cadet batch starting in February 2025. BAA Training aims to train around 30 students per year with the soon-to-launch cadet program.

The cadet program, in partnership with Volotea, will provide airline-specific, full-scope, competency-focused Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training to the cadets. The program covers theory, flight training on single- and multi-engine aircraft, and aircraft type-specific full flight simulator training. This will fully prepare them to operate within Volotea-specific procedures.

“We have a successful track record of running the MPL training programs, thus, we’re very happy to have signed the new partnership with Volotea, which will further solidify our experience in this particular field,” says Marijus Ravoitis, CEO at BAA Training. “We look forward to working with the airline to prepare qualified pilots for them, meet their needs, and, most importantly, ensure quality training.”

“We are pleased to partner with BAA Training in preparing a new generation of pilots trained directly within our airline’s standard operating procedures from day one. This approach ensures our MPL cadets develop both the technical skills, and the disciplined mindset required to uphold our high standards in safety and service, leading to a smooth transition into our operations,” says Merlan van der Panne, Head of Pilot Recruitment & Duty Pilot at Volotea.

The training will be held across a couple of BAA Training locations where the training academy has an established presence – ground school at either Vilnius, Lithuania or Lleida-Alguaire, Spain; flight school at the Lleida-Alguaire International Airport; and the simulator training center in Barcelona, Spain.

The program has a price of Euro 105,000

Source: BAA Training

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Symbiotics Reflects on Key Learnings and Insights from the European Association for Aviation Psychology Conference 2024

Members of Symbiotics’ psychology team – Associate Aviation Psychologist Aleksandra Kapela, Psychology Consultant Caroline Creane and Assistant Assessment Psychologist Klara Jirakova, headed out to the recent European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP) Conference, that happened over September 23-26 2024 in the beautiful city of Athens.

The EAAP Conference was its most successful gathering yet with over 350 attendees and showcasing the largest number of submitted papers to date. This event brought together a diverse mix of professionals, including psychologists, human factors personnel, airline HR representatives and industry experts, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Key Findings and Discussions

The conference centred around critical themes in aviation psychology, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as the hottest topic across multiple streams alongside increasing automation, training and cognitive skills, selection and mental well-being. The Monday workshop on selection allowed for an excellent exchange of ideas and expectations between industry professionals, coming after the hugely successful EAAP Selection Seminar in 2023 and the release of EASA’s findings report on the psychological assessment regulation implementation earlier this year.  Discussions within the Symbiotics team at the event also highlighted the demand for greater cabin crew visibility in the aviation psychology world, as the majority of talks primarily centred on pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC).

A notable presence of industry representatives, including key players like Qatar Airways, Wizz Air, SunExpress, and Turkish Airlines, underlined the growing interest in the intersection of psychology and aviation performance, and it was fantastic to see so many different nationalities at the conference, from Europe and beyond, coming together to share their expertise and build relationships with their peers.

Award-Winning Research & Invaluable Insights

The conference celebrated outstanding research contributions, with Monica Martinussen being awarded “Best Paper 2022” for her team’s longitudinal study on predicting commercial pilot training performance. This research demonstrated the predictive power of cognitive and psychomotor assessments, and it was great to see a predictive validity study taking centre stage, particularly when reflecting on the considerable challenges that come with collecting performance data beyond the point of selection.

There were other excellent papers on selection presented, including speakers from SunExpress and Mollymawk, DLR, and the Singapore Air Force, highlighting the importance of different aspects of performance when predicting pilot success, including cognitive abilities, academic test scores and simulator performance.

Our psychologists also appreciated the two highly insightful keynote speeches, delivered by Dr Kathy Abbott representing the FAA, and Dr. Kate Manderson of the Australian CASA. Both presentations provided a lot of food for thought, in understanding current human factors issues and trends within the industry and how different regional regulators may approach these, as well as the necessity of fostering a culture of trust to enhance safety through self-reporting.

On the last day of the conference, our psychologist Caroline Creane presented as part of the ‘Recruitment, Diversity and Generational differences’ stream alongside 5 other presenters, covering a range of topics from gender differences in pilot training to recruitment criteria for airport security. This session generated some excellent discussion around how practitioners can frame the topic of group differences in recruitment and selection going forward, which may help to reduce negative preconceptions.

Looking Ahead

The conference not only highlighted current industry challenges, but also sparked discussions on future directions, and the team came away energised with new ideas and different perspectives to carry forward into practice over the next couple of years, as well as looking towards EAAP 36 in 2026. There was significant interest in our own project gathering data around generational differences and expectations within selection as well as expanding this to include Cabin Crew personnel, as well as in exploring the implications of immersive technology and AI for selection processes, and we will be keeping a close eye on further development in the assessment field as the use of these technologies.

As the aviation industry moves forward and tackles new challenges in recruitment and selection, the emphasis should remain on the predictive validity of assessments, with ongoing conversations about the relevance of personality traits in predicting competency and performance beyond the traditional binary training success/failure. With AI also taking centre stage in the industry, the aviation psychology field will need to carefully consider implications for selection and training in the aviation sector.

Conclusion

The EAAP conference has set the stage for a collaborative future in aviation psychology, merging academic insights with practical applications. As the field evolves, the EAAP Conference remains dedicated to fostering dialogue, advancing research, and ultimately enhancing the psychological well-being of aviation professionals.

Caroline Creane, Psychologist Consultant for Symbiotics, who attended the event said:

“EAAP 35 was an excellent opportunity to engage with our peers within the aviation industry, both those working in the selection field and beyond; I/we enjoyed catching up with existing contacts and clients, as well as forming hopefully long-lasting relationships with new friends and colleagues. There was a wealth of scientific rigor on show through the presented papers and I/we were thankful for the opportunity to present alongside so many experienced and inspiring speakers from the industry. We have come away with valuable knowledge to inform best practice as well as ideas on what we can do to contribute to the knowledge base going forward, looking to the next EAAP conference and beyond.”

Source: Symbiotics
Photo Credit: Symbiotics

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