Market Intelligence: Europe

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – H55 – Electrifying the Flight Training Industry

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Axel Doffey – Sales & Business Development Manager at H55 – a Swiss company which is developing certified electric propulsion systems for the aviation and pilot training industry, which are clean, quiet, safe, and affordable.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Background & Mission: H55 is a Swiss-based aerospace company born from the Solar Impulse Project, aiming to revolutionize aviation with certified electric propulsion systems. With a team that grew to 120+ employees across Switzerland and Canada, H55 focuses on integrating electric propulsion systems including its batteries systems and controls into aircraft to support clean, safe, and affordable aviation. Their flagship electric propulsion system is designed to be certified under EASA in 2026 and FAA regulations in 2027.
  • Key Partnerships & Applications: H55 is collaborating with multiple aircraft manufacturers and operators, including BRM Aero (B23 Energic electric trainer), CAE and Piper (electrifying the Piper Archer), Harbour Air (electric seaplane project), and Pratt & Whitney Canada (hybrid-electric Dash 8 project). These initiatives aim to cover applications from pilot training to regional commuter aircraft, with a focus on reducing CO₂ emissions and operational costs.
  • B23 Energic US Tour & Feedback: H55 and BRM Aero undertook a high-profile U.S. tour showcasing the B23 Energic, which included stops at major aviation hubs and universities. With over 100 electric landings, the aircraft demonstrated strong performance, reliability, and operational benefits, like reduced noise and better communication between students and instructors. Its all-electric system provides consistent performance regardless of altitude and is well-suited for flight schools.
  • Economic & Environmental Advantages: The electric aircraft with H55’s powerplant offers significant benefits for flight schools: lower direct operational costs, longer intervals between major maintenance (e.g., battery replacement after 1500 hours), and quieter operation—an asset in noise-sensitive airport areas. Electric training also appeals to environmentally conscious students seeking sustainable paths to becoming pilots.
  • Future Vision & AFM Collaboration: H55 aims to expand access to electric flight training with partners like AeroVolt, supporting both aircraft supply and the growing electric charging infrastructure. The company views AFM as a strategic platform to connect with the global pilot training industry, increase awareness of its offerings, and support the transition to sustainable aviation through technology and community engagement.

For more information:

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Flight Training Group Leading Edge Aviation Welcomes New Student Groups in June 2025

United Kingdom – headquartered Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases across the UK and Spain, has proudly welcomed two new training groups, LEAP-063 and LPP-043 of 8 students.

This follows the flight training group launching its dedicated airline partner webpages, highlighting its collaborations with major airlines to provide structured career pathways for aspiring pilots.​

  • The new webpages offer detailed insights into partnerships with various airlines, outlining the opportunities available to students and graduates.
  • The academy has formal partnerships with Wizz Air, easyJet, British Airways, TUI, and Titan Airways

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Cessna 172 Skyhawk Celebrates 70 Years as World’s Leading Trainer Aircraft

USA – The Cessna 172 Skyhawk marks 70 years of flight this month, as it continues to lead the industry as the most popular aircraft in the world. The iconic high-wing Cessna 172, now known as the Skyhawk, first took flight in June 1955. Through the intervening decades, more than 45,000 172s have been delivered to customers across the globe.

“As the most popular aircraft in aviation history, the Cessna Skyhawk’s 70 years of success in pilot training and aviation programs highlight the aircraft’s exceptional design and enduring performance,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “With our ongoing dedication to innovation, including the recent enhancements to the Cessna piston lineup, we look forward to seeing the Skyhawk continue to inspire the journey of flight as the go-to aircraft for flight schools and private pilots across the world.”

Customers taking delivery of the aircraft today enjoy new, modern features added to the legendary aircraft last year, including powered headset jacks, black instrument panels and upgraded seats for comfort and durability.

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training. In 2015, Textron Aviation introduced the Top Hawk program to provide students with access to Skyhawks, the world’s most popular trainer aircraft. The program connects students from flight schools and universities with factory-new Cessna Skyhawks, supporting the industry with a robust pipeline of skilled aviators. Nearly 50 Cessna Skyhawks have been placed with various flight schools and universities as part of the program, both in the U.S. and the first U.K. recipient this year.

Source: Cessna
Photo Credit: Cessna

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Italian Flight School Professional Aviation Hosts Lindbergh Flying School in June 2025

Bologna, Italy – Professional Aviation, one of the largest flight schools in the country, hosted students from Lindbergh Flying School for an immersive aviation experience at its training facility. The visit provided hands-on exposure to real-world flight operations, including simulator sessions, a Cirrus aircraft flight, and guided navigation and maintenance tours—designed to inspire the next generation of aviators.

Source: Professional Aviation
Photo Credit: Professional Aviation

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34 airBaltic Employees Become Pilots Through airBaltic Pilot Academy

Riga, Latvia – airBaltic has announced that 34 of its employees from various departments have taken a transformative step by enrolling in the airBaltic Pilot Academy, transitioning into careers as pilots. This remarkable initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to internal talent development and its dedication to nurturing a passionate, homegrown pilot workforce. From former cabin crew to marketing and engineering professionals, these individuals highlight the power of career mobility within the aviation industry.

Source: airBaltic
Photo Credit: airBaltic

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Greece’s Egnatia Aviation Recruiting 7 New Instrument Rating Instructors in 2025

Greece – Egnatia Aviation, one of the country’s largest flight training organisations, is actively seeking qualified Instrument Rating Instructors (IRIs) to join its growing team in Kavala, Greece.

  • Vacancies Available: 7

  • Remuneration Package Includes:

    • Euro 70,000 – 80,000 annual salary

    • Monthly food and fuel

    • Generous performance bonuses

  • Additional Benefits:

    • Relocation allowance and sign-on bonus

    • Private group health insurance

    • Rating and medical revalidation support

Requirements:

  • Valid EASA CPL and FI/IRI rating

  • Valid EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate

  • Valid ICAO English Language Proficiency

  • EU citizenship or legal right to live and work in the EU/Greece

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver high-quality flight instruction in aircraft and FNPT II simulators

  • Guide students through structured syllabus with a focus on excellence

  • Collaborate with the CFI to meet training outcomes and timeframes

  • Maintain professional standards aligned with industry and academy expectations

For more information kindly contact Egnatia Aviation.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia

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