Market Intelligence: Europe

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Welcomes 20 New Speedbird Pilot Academy Trainees in February 2025

Gloucestershire, UK – Skyborne Airline Academy has welcomed Class CP43, comprising 20 new trainees from the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy, as they begin their journey toward a career with the UK’s flag carrier.

  • The trainees are part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, a fully funded cadet program designed to create a pathway for aspiring pilots.
  • Skyborne Airline Academy serves as one of the key training providers for the program, delivering high-quality flight training at Gloucestershire Airport and in the United States.

In early February, British Airways and Skyborne Airline Academy announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Speedbird Pilot Academy. Skyborne was announced as the official UK partner for the Speedbird Pilot Academy in September 2023.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Global Flight Training Group, Skyborne, Set for Growth with Second UK Training Facility

United Kingdom – Skyborne Airline Academy is announcing the addition of a second UK training centre at Bournemouth Airport (BOH), adding to the academy’s current bases at Gloucestershire Airport and Vero Beach, Florida, in the United States.

The expansion will enhance the academy’s ability to meet the growing demand for world-class airline pilots in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Since Skyborne’s inception, we have steadily grown trainee enrolment numbers and airline partnerships. This expansion has led Skyborne to develop and launch its second UK base.

Bournemouth Airport’s bustling commercial environment will give our trainees invaluable experience, developing them into well-rounded, highly skilled pilots ready for today’s airline industry. Supporting local economic growth, we will also be creating ground and flight instructor career opportunities, as well as maintenance and administrative roles in the South West.”

Carla Booth, UK Commercial Director, Skyborne, adds: “Our decision to invest in a new training centre reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality pilot training globally. With Bournemouth Airport home to airlines including TUI, Ryanair and Jet2.com, it will serve as a stable and strategic base for our airline programmes and future growth.

Having worked with Lee at Bournemouth Airport before I joined Skyborne, I know our trainees and staff will thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle and experience this location has to offer.”

Initially, the 14,000 sq ft Bournemouth facility will focus on ATPL ground school and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), with further training modules and programmes to follow. As Skyborne continues to expand, it remains dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to secure careers with the world’s leading airlines.

About Skyborne  
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training.

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged.

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimise additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew. 

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Cyprus Airways Flying Academy Places 2025 Order for 2 Tecnam Aircraft

Cyprus – Tecnam and Cyprus Airways Flying Academy (CAFA) announced at Pilot Expo 2025 the purchase agreement for two (2) Tecnam P2008JC single engine two-seater aircraft. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio training.

This new acquisition will innovate CAFA’s fleet, standardize the fleet, and increase ATO capacity. This new and significant investment is part of CAFA’s commitment to ensure that future commercial pilots are trained on modern aircraft such as the wide range of Tecnam models.

CAFA, based at Larnaka International Airport, already has a P2006T in its fleet and the ATO has trained hundreds of airline pilots serving the world’s leading carriers. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the Tecnams the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

Christos Limnatitis, Accountable Manager at CAFA, said: “This order marks a turning point in CAFA’s vision to strengthen its position among the leading Aviation Training Organizations within the EASA ecosystem. In addition to their undisputed flying qualities, the Tecnam aircraft are state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft that underscore CAFA’s commitment to quality and sustainability in aviation training.”

“Cyprus Airways Flying Academy’s choice of Tecnam is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation in flight training. We are delighted they’ve selected our aircraft for this expansion, recognizing that today’s students deserve a modern, technologically advanced platform to prepare them for the complexities of today’s airline environment. Tecnam aircraft provide that critical bridge, enabling a seamless transition into the professional cockpit,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence – a 60% reduction compared to a fleet using 100LL fuel across 155 flight hours, including 30 hours in a twin.

About Cyprus Airways Flying Academy
CAFA’s Mission is to provide exceptional aviation training through unwavering commitment to excellence, state of the art facilities and equipment, carefully chosen suppliers and a dedicated team of aviation professionals. Aiming to elevate students’ knowledge, skills and attitude to the highest standards.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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UK Flight Training Group Places Order for 14 New Aircraft During Pilot Expo 2025

United Kingdom – Tecnam together with their local (UK) dealer Oriens Aviation, and Aeros announced at Pilot Expo Brussels the purchase agreement for fourteen (14) Tecnam P-Mentor IFR single engine two-seater aircraft. The first six (6) aircraft will be delivered during 2025. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio and modular training for both PPL (Private Pilot Licence) and MPL (Multi Pilot Licence) courses. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the P-Mentor the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

The P-Mentor is a two-seat single engine piston aircraft fully IFR – is compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA & FAA requirements, allowing PBN/RNAV/AFCS capabilities. The modern flight school have today one platform to train students from their first flight up to CPL- IR, including Variable Pitch Propeller, Simulated Retractable Landing Gear and UPRT.

The P-Mentor has been designed to provide the best human-machine interface, resulting in the most effective VFR/IFR training, while the generous fuel tank allows flight schools to fly all day without refueling, improving operational value.

The lowest maintenance costs, lowest fuel consumption and the best value for money make this aircraft a unique profit opportunity for any flight school.

Nick Dunn, CEO at AEROS, said: “We set up a steering group of five senior engineers, managers and instructors to evaluate the three leading two-seater trainers currently available in the market. Tecnam came out on top in terms of quality, cost and after sales service.”

“We are very pleased that after much research Aeros has chosen the Tecnam P-Mentor as the training platform to conduct flight training. This decision underscores their commitment to providing student pilots with the most advanced, safe, and efficient training aircraft available today. As the global leader in flight training solutions,  and together with the Oriens Aviation,  Tecnam Dealer for the UK and Ireland, we look forward to working together with Aeros to ensure that it is a great success,” said Pasquale De Rosa, Tecnam’s Sales Manager Europe.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence.

About Aeros
Aeros ATO was founded in 1986 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. The academy has 600 students at four bases in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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AFormX’s Training Equipment Now Deployed for Over 1 Month at Slovenian Armed Forces

Slovenia – AFormX, a Slovenia-based aviation technology company, has delivered advanced VR and XR flight simulators to the Slovenian Armed Forces for training on the Pilatus PC-9 and Airbus Helicopters AS532 Cougar platforms. The simulators, delivered a month ago, aim to enhance military aviation training through high-fidelity virtual environments.

  • AFormX supplied VR and XR flight simulators for the PC-9 and AS532 Cougar aircraft to the Slovenian Armed Forces.
  • The simulators are equipped with Varjo headsets and utilize the X-Plane software developed by Laminar Research.
  • These systems aim to increase training realism, improve pilot immersion, and provide cost-effective solutions for military aviation training.
  • The integration of advanced VR and XR technologies sets a new benchmark in the Slovenian military’s pilot training capabilities.

About AFormX
Founded in 2008 and based in Slovenia, AFormX specializes in aerospace innovation, including simulation and airframe production. The company has worked on critical projects such as deploying 200 aircraft to the Indian Armed Forces and developing VR simulators for advanced training. Recognized by awards like the Royal Aeronautical Society Design Competition, AFormX continues to push boundaries in aviation technology.

Source: AFormX

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Portugal’s Sevenair Academy Highlights 2025 Full Sponsored EASA Flight Instructor Course

Portugal – Sevenair Academy has highlighted its 2025 offering of a full sponsored EASA Flight Instructor Rating (FI) course from its facilities at Ponte de Sor Airport (LPSO).

“We’re offering fully sponsored Flight Instructor Training, with a guaranteed job at Sevenair Academy bonded for two years after completion” shared Sevenair Academy.

  • The FI course duration is approximately 4 months, with ground school in Cascais and flight training in Ponte de Sor.
  • Minimum entry requirements include holding a CPL(A) or PPL with CPL theory completed, at least 200 total flight hours, and fulfilling various cross-country and PIC hour requirements.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old, fluent in English (ICAO level 4 minimum), and possess an EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
  • The academy will host an Open Day on March 22, featuring campus tours, instructor interactions, and introductory flights.

Source: Sevenair Academy
Photo Credit: Sevenair Academy

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Italian Pilot Training Group Aviomar Flight Academy Welcomes February 2025 Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Intake

Italy – Aviomar Flight Academy, which operates full flight simulator and abinitio flight training operations, has welcomed a new batch of students into the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Ab-initio course. The collaboration between Aviomar and Ryanair aims to streamline pilot recruitment and ensure a steady pipeline of qualified pilots for Europe’s largest low-cost carrier.

In November 2024 Aviomar Flight Academy announced that they will be opening a brand-new training centre for aspiring airline pilots at Parma International Airport in 2025. As part of this new investment plan, Aviomar will develop a purpose-built 2000sqm flight training centre in northern Italy with the capacity to train in excess of 150 trainees per year. The training facility will be primarily dedicated to the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy cadet training programmes.

The new base will feature a hangar for the new aircraft fleet and a training centre comprising of flight operations and maintenance offices, classrooms for theoretical instruction and two flight simulators (Diamond DA42 FSTD and Boeing 737-8200 MAX FSTD). The Flight Training Centre will be powered by solar energy produced by the 1,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels embedded in new eco-friendly hangar.

Aviomar Flight Academy has delivered ab-initio training to over a thousand pilots and is the preferred training provider for 12 European operators, including Ryanair, the No. 1 airline in Europe – Aviomar is the only Ryanair official training partner in Italy.

As part of this agreement, the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy flight training courses will be offered not only at the Rome Training Centres but also at the new Parma Flight Training Centre.

Source: Aviomar Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Aviomar Flight Academy

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