Market Intelligence: Europe

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Partners with Elevate(her) to Diversify the Flight Deck

Global – Skyborne Airline Academy announced a partnership with Elevate(her), a community-led initiative dedicated to empowering women in aviation worldwide, to expand access to flight training and drive greater female representation in the cockpit.

With women accounting for fewer than 6% of airline pilots*, the partnership aims to encourage aspiring female aviators and accelerate efforts to create a more inclusive industry. This collaboration will see Skyborne and Elevate(her) deliver global targeted outreach, mentorship and free online resources designed to support women at every stage of their aviation journey – from first interest to professional training.

Carla Booth, commercial director, Skyborne, says: “Greater diversity in aviation requires real action. At Skyborne, we’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all trainees and inspiring people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in aviation. Working with Elevate(her) will allow us to broaden our reach in the UK and US, and offer more tailored support to our female trainees.”

Katherine Moloney, founder, Elevate(her), adds: “Our goal has always been to break down cultural and structural barriers and give women the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in aviation. Working with Skyborne provides us with a global platform and a partner that truly understands the importance of representation at every level of the industry. Together, we’ll provide even greater support and visibility for the next generation of women in aviation.”

This collaboration builds on Skyborne’s wider commitment to expanding diversity in the flight deck, following its recent announcement partnering with Jet2.com on its fully-funded Jet2FlightPath programme. 

*Women pilots represent around 6% of the global pilot population.

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.

About Elevate(her)
Elevate(her) is an online resource platform and global community that is dedicated to raising the percentage of women in aviation careers globally, from pilots to engineers and air traffic controllers. They offer cost-free access to events, resources, membership for Elevate (her) for life. This ensures the widest possible global access to the group’s benefits. They also conduct research and outreach to schools, colleges, and universities. Reflective of the demand for the work done by Elevate (her) Aviation, has grown to thousands of members across 63 countries, with popular in-person and online events held globally. On Instagram Elevate (her) reached 8 million people with 28k followers worldwide.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Brunner Releases Fact Sheet on World’s First Qualified Mixed Reality Flight Simulator

Switzerland – Brunner Elektronik has released the official fact sheet for the NOVASIM MR DA42:

The NOVASIM MR DA42 is the worlds first qualified mixed reality flight simulator specifically developed for professional training on the twin-engine Diamond DA42 aircraft. It represents a fundamental shift in aviation training technology, merging a fully tactile, real-world cockpit with an immersive 360-degree virtual environment. This revolutionary system enables pilots to experience a level of realism and immersion previously unattainable in traditional simulation platforms.

At the core of the NOVASIM MR DA42 is the VITAL 1150 Level-D image generator, presented through the Varjo XR4 mixed reality headset. Combined with the BRUNNER compact 6DOF motion system, these technologies deliver a highly immersive training environment where physical and digital elements are seamlessly integrated— enhancing both realism and training effectiveness.

The pilot operates real avionics, flight controls, and all desired tools like EFB, maps or tablets while the surrounding world such as scenery, airports, weather, and traffic is rendered in ultra-high resolution with accurate spatial depth and full environmental dynamics.

This combination of physical accuracy and visual immersion makes the NOVASIM MR DA42 a uniquely effective platform for high-quality procedural and decision-making training. Pilots are able to perceive motion and distance naturally, enhancing situational awareness and response time under realistic visual and cognitive conditions. The simulator supports the full range of flight operations – from normal checklists to complex emergency scenarios within a compact, efficient setup that eliminates the logistical and cost burdens of traditional full-flight simulators.

Features:

  • Real DA42 cockpit hardware
  • Fully immersive 360° virtual view
  • Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition High Resolution HMD
  • FlightSafety International’s VITAL 1150
  • Unrestricted 360° visuals with natural head tracking
  • Dynamic weather, lighting, terrain, and traffic
  • Compact size
  • 6DOF Motion System
  • Swiss Made
  • 2 year Warranty

IOS Features

  • Eye Tracking Insight ➔ See exactly where the student is looking in real time.
  • In-Headset Pointer ➔ Highlight any control or instrument directly in the trainee’s view.
  • One-Click Control ➔ Instantly change time, weather, or trigger failures during training.
  • Session Recording ➔ Capture visuals and actions for detailed debrief and analysis.
  • Instructor centered User Interface ➔ Simple, intuitive controls for efficient session management.

To see the full official fact sheet, click here.

Source: Brunner Elektronik
Photo Credit: Brunner Elektronik

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Two European Organizations ENAC and Mermoz Academy Renew Partnership – Announce 2027 ATPL Theory Material Edition

France – ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile), Europe’s premier civil aviation university, and pilot training organisation Mermoz Academy have officially renewed their long-standing partnership, originally established in 2015. This collaboration, which led to the creation of the widely respected ATPL theoretical works collection, is set to enter a new phase with a fully revised edition launching in 2027.

Recognized by EASA as one of only four approved theoretical collections, the new edition will feature updated content, enhanced visual aids, and key concept syntheses to better support the evolving needs of student pilots across Europe and beyond.

Source: Mermoz Academy
Photo Credit: Mermoz Academy

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FTD.aero’s A320 FNPT II MCC FSTD at Urbe Aero ATO Certified by ENAC

Rome, Italy – flight simulator device manufacturer FTD.aero has completed the EASA FNPT II MCC certification of an A320 Flight Simulation Training Device for Urbe Aero ATO, based in Rome, Italy.

The certification process was carried out smoothly and successfully with no unacceptable items, no reservations, and no significant findings noted by the ENAC inspectors. The inspectors expressed strong satisfaction with the technical quality, fidelity, and operational readiness of the device.

The newly certified A320 simulator will be operated alongside the B73M FSTD, also manufactured and delivered by FTD.aero and certified in Rome in 2023. Together, the two high-fidelity flight simulation training devices provide Urbe Aero ATO with a robust, multi-aircraft platform to support modern pilot training programs.

Both devices will be used for:

  • APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation) courses,
  • MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence) programs with leading European airlines,
  • Integrated training of cadets to airline-ready standards.

This dual-simulator setup enables Urbe Aero ATO to offer a highly realistic and regulation-compliant training experience in the immersive environment of the most popular jetliner types – preparing students to seamlessly transition to type-specific training and ultimately enter airline flight decks with confidence and competence.

Source: FTD.aero
Photo Credit: FTD.aero

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Deutsche Aircraft Appoints New CEO, Unveils Strategic Vision at Paris Airshow 2025

Germany – Deutsche Aircraft has announced a significant leadership transition at the 2025 Paris Airshow, appointing Nico Neumann as Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Aircraft and Deutsche Aircraft Leipzig, effective July 1, 2025. Neumann, previously Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer, will take over day-to-day leadership from Dave Jackson, who transitions to CEO of Deutsche Aircraft Group. This move represents a carefully managed succession aimed at guiding the company through its next phase of strategic growth, including the continued development of the D328eco® aircraft and the completion of its carbon-neutral assembly facility in Leipzig.

  • Program Milestones: Neumann has been instrumental in the D328eco® program and will now steer its market introduction.

  • Facility Expansion: Carbon-neutral Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport to be completed by Q4 2025.

  • Strategic Pillars for 2025:

    • Advancement of the D328eco® regional aircraft.

    • Completion of the Leipzig Final Assembly Line.

    • Strengthening strategic partnerships.

Statements:

“This is an inspiring moment for Deutsche Aircraft, having worked so closely with Nico I am confident that with his strong leadership skills and alignment with our core values, the company is positioned to reach new heights. I look forward to developing our broader strategic goals and supporting Nico and the team to achieve our long-term success.”
— Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft Group

“It is a privilege to lead Deutsche Aircraft at this exciting stage of growth. As we prepare for the market introduction of the D328eco, I remain committed to our mission of advancing sustainable regional aviation. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and trusted partners to realize our shared vision.”
— Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft

About Deutsche Aircraft
Deutsche Aircraft is a German original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that designs, develops, and manufactures aircraft solutions tailored for sustainable regional aviation. Building on the heritage of the Dornier 328 platform, the company is focused on bringing the next-generation D328eco® aircraft to market, with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Source: Deutsche Aircraft
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft

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Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) Deploys New FFS to Madrid for E2 Customers

Madrid, Spain – aircraft manufacturer Embraer and global pilot training solution provider CAE are expanding their full-flight simulator network with the deployment of a state-of-the-art E2 full-flight simulator (FFS) at the CAE Madrid training centre, located close to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The new E2 simulator will be operated by Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) and will be their first simulator to support the growing E2 family fleet in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

“With this new simulator in Madrid, CAE is expanding its partnership with Embraer and reinforcing its commitment to support E2 customers in EMEA,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE’s Division President, Commercial Aviation. “The advanced training offered in Madrid, featuring CAE’s competency-based training assessment (CBTA) courseware and CAE Simfinity virtual simulator, will enhance classroom training. This, combined with the latest generation simulator, ensures our E2-trained pilots have the skills and confidence for safe operation of the E2 aircraft.”

“This is a significant milestone for our partnership with CAE that will support the growing E2 fleet in EMEA. At CAE Madrid, our customers will benefit from world-class training and state-of-the-art technology – closer to home. Embraer is very pleased with this deployment, and we will keep working every day to be wherever our customers need us to be,” says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.

This is the second E2 simulator to be deployed in the ECTS network, joining the E2 FFS in operation at the CAE Singapore training centre. ECTS operates nine Phenom-family full-flight simulators at CAE business aviation training centres in Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Burgess Hill, United Kingdom; São Paulo, Brazil; and Vienna, Austria, where training begins this summer.

About Embraer
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high- value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

About CAE
At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness—today and tomorrow.

Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer

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Egnatia Aviation Advances Aviation Safety Research Through DEMOQUAS Partnership

Greece – aviation and flight training group Egnatia Aviation participated in the fifth General Assembly of the DEMOQUAS Project, a Horizon Europe-backed initiative advancing aviation safety through innovative uncertainty quantification frameworks. The event, hosted at Netherlands based TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, gathered top European industry and academic leaders—including SAFRAN, Rolls-Royce, and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki—to evaluate technical progress and enhance collaboration across safety-driven aviation research. Egnatia Aviation’s involvement reflects its strategic commitment to future-ready aviation training, safety, and sustainability.

  • Project Scope: DEMOQUAS focuses on Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) to improve safety in aircraft design and next-gen propulsion systems (e.g., SAF, liquid hydrogen).

  • Technical Highlights:

    • Review of lifecycle safety tools and progress across all Work Packages.

    • Sessions on model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital twins, and atmospheric modeling.

  • Egnatia’s Role: Active contributor to strategic development, reinforcing its positioning beyond pilot training into European aviation innovation.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia Aviation

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