Angolan Operator Group Renews Pilot Training Partnership with Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE

Full flight simulator operator and pilot training solution provider CAE has shared that Angola headquartered Bestfly has renewed their training agreement with CAE for another 2 years. Bestfly, the largest BizAv operator based in Angola, will continue their training on Global Express, Gulfstream G550, Citation XLS, and Falcon 900B at CAE’s locations in Dubai, Dallas, UK, and New Jersey.

“We are proud to be their training partner of choice since 2022,” said CAE.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Norwegian Announces Partnership with 4 Flight Schools in December 2024

Norwegian has partnered with four key schools to train pilots to ensure future expertise and manpower in a critical industry. The agreement is a win-win for both Norwegian and the students who are offered jobs after graduation.

It’s a good way for us to attract pilots, and the cooperation agreements allow us to get to know the students during their education. The students who are given the opportunity to be employed with us can start working directly after completing the course. At the same time, they will receive courses in type rating for the aircraft type we operate in Norwegian, as well as other necessary theory and further education courses,” says Guro Poulsen, Executive Vice President of People at Norwegian.

The cooperation agreements are important to conclude now, as it is expected that the global aviation industry will have an increasing need for pilots in the coming years. This is partly due to the fact that many current pilots are approaching retirement age, an increased demand for air travel, and that the costs of pilot training, which you still have to pay yourself, are increasing and become a financial barrier for many who want a career as a pilot.

Norwegian has entered into agreements with the flight schools:

  • Center Air Pilot Academy (CAPA) in Denmark
  • Lund University Trafikflyghögskolan (TFHS) in Sweden
  • OSM Aviation Academy in Norway
  • FTEJerez in Spain

All four are highly recognized pilot schools with a strong connection to the industry, modern aircraft fleets and experienced instructors that make the schools attractive to future pilots.

Anna Kjær Thorsøe, representative from the Center Air Pilot Academy (CAPA), says:

We are very pleased with the collaboration with Norwegian. Center Air Pilot Academy has delivered pilots to Norwegian for many years, so we already know each other well. This strengthens our educational program and ensures that our students have a motivating and targeted educational journey. When an airline like Norwegian engages in pilot training, it both raises the standard in the industry and gives students a clear career path. For us as a pilot school, it is fantastic to be part of this process, where together we contribute to ensuring the expertise of the future in aviation.

Pilot schools ensure qualified labour for aviation

The pilot training takes about 20 months. The students that Norwegian gets to know along the way, and who are deemed to be a good fit for the company, will be offered a job immediately after graduation.

Aviation is critical infrastructure and is of great importance to society. It is important to ensure that the aviation industry has a stable supply of skilled employees in order to maintain excellence in the future. The aviation industry employs tens of thousands of people in the Nordic region – Norwegian alone employs almost 1,300 pilots, of which more than 200 of them are based in Denmark,” says Guro Poulsen.

Norwegian has around 800 employees in Denmark, making it both a large Danish workplace and the second largest airline in the country. The Norwegian Group, which consists of Norwegian and Widerøes Flyveselskap, has a total of 8,500 employees.

Source: Norwegian

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Elite Simulation Solutions

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Christopher Reville – Chief Commercial Officer at ELITE Simulation Solutions AG, a global provider of IFR train­ing soft­ware, flight con­trols and flight train­ing devices.

The conversation covers:

  1. Evolution and Product Range: ELITE Simulation Solutions, founded in 1987, began as a simulation software company and evolved into a global solution provider of flight training devices. They offer a wide range of products, from basic desktop simulators to advanced flight simulators for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, catering to civilian, military, and educational sectors.
  2. Customizable Solutions and Innovation: A key strength of ELITE is its ability to develop tailored solutions for clients, thanks to in-house control over both hardware and software. This agility enables the company to adapt quickly to specific customer needs, such as developing bespoke dual-pilot configurations or integrating unique avionics setups.
  3. Global Reach and Impact: With installations across the world, including in the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, ELITE’s devices serve various organizations, from universities and flight schools to government aviation authorities. Recent projects include the delivery of an FNPT II simulator to Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic, a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) for Cameroon’s Ministry of Interior Civil Aviation Authority, and an A320 FTD Level 4 simulator in Santiago, Chile.
  4. Commitment to Quality and Safety: ELITE emphasizes Swiss-engineered precision, ensuring high-quality flight models that meet and exceed regulatory standards. Their devices are designed to provide realistic training and enhance safety through accurate simulation of high-risk scenarios, thereby preparing pilots effectively.
  5. Industry Trends and Forward-Thinking Vision: The company is actively tracking trends like VR, mixed reality, and emerging aircraft types such as UAVs and EVTOLs. While cautious about adopting new technology, ELITE prioritizes meaningful advancements that improve training value, focusing on enhancing safety and cost efficiency for flight schools and aviation organizations.

For more information:

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

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Switzerland’s Fly 7 is Seeking to Hire a Chief Flight Instructor in December 2024

Lausanne, Switzerland – Fly 7, the largest commercial Pilatus PC-12 operator, is hiring a Chief Flight Instructor to lead its Approved Training Organization (ATO). This role combines instructor supervision, training standardization, and regulatory compliance in a dynamic and safety-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as commander for Fly 7’s commercial operations
  • Supervise and standardize flight and simulation training and instructors
  • Develop and implement instructor training and refresher programs
  • Ensure safe, effective training and analyze instructor performance
  • Align theoretical and flight training through pedagogical materials
  • Maintain training records and manage compliance with regulations
  • Address occurrences and deviations, implementing corrective actions
  • Foster a positive safety and compliance culture
  • Manage continuous education and career development for instructors

Candidate Requirements

  • CPL (A) with instructor qualification
  • Experience as a pilot and instructor in a multi-pilot environment
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
  • Fluent in English (French and/or German proficiency is a plus)
  • Pilatus PC-12 experience and examiner qualifications are advantages

To learn more about the role and to apply, please visit Fly 7’s job post.

Source: Fly 7

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UK-based Simulator Training Center Avion Completes Energy-Saving LED Installation

London, United Kingdom – Avion Flight Training Centre has taken another step toward sustainability by completing the replacement of all old light fittings with energy-efficient LED lighting at its facility. The project was executed seamlessly between training sessions, showcasing the team’s commitment to environmental responsibility without disrupting operations. Avion operates an Airbus A320 full flight simular at the Luton facility.

Source: Avion
Photo Credit: Avion

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Italy-based Intuos to Showcase Digital Aviation Solutions at Pilot Expo 2025 in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium – Intuos, a service provider specializing in digital solutions for aviation operators, will participate in the Pilot Expo 2025. The event, scheduled for February 21-22, 2025, will take place at SkyHall, Brussels Airport, Belgium.

About Intuos
Intuos provides a SaaS platform that leverages software, IoT devices, and machine learning analytics to digitize operational processes and monitor aircraft performance. We bring innovation to the Aviation Industry. We develop digital and data driven solutions for the Aviation operators, to transform asset management and increase safety and cost efficiency. https://intuos.it/

About Pilot Expo
Pilot Expo is an annual event designed for experienced pilots, recent flight school graduates, and aspiring future aviators, while also providing valuable opportunities for current and prospective cabin crew members, engineers, and other airline personnel. Whether you’re a pilot, cabin crew member, or engineer seeking your next career move, or a young enthusiast exploring flight schools or universities to launch your career in the airline industry, Pilot Expo serves as your ideal pathway to success in aviation.

Source: Intuos
Photo Credit: Pilot Expo

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Simulator Manufacturer, Entrol, Achieves Carbon Neutrality Ahead of 2025

  • Carbon neutrality, initially targeted for 2025, has been achieved ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in Entrol’s sustainability strategy.
  • Key initiatives include generating over 56% of annual energy needs through photovoltaic systems and exclusively using renewable energy sources.
  • This accomplishment underscores Entrol’s dedication to global energy transition efforts and combating climate change.
  • Entrol has been validated by the prestigious “Calculo, Compenso, Reduzco” seal awarded by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

Madrid, Spain – Entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, proudly announces that it has achieved carbon neutrality ahead of its original 2025 target. This milestone, part of the company’s ambitious “Entrol Zero” initiative, solidifies its leadership in sustainability within the aviation industry and highlights its commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener future. Additionally, this achievement is officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition with the award of the prestigious “Calculo, Compenso, Reduzco” seal, further reinforcing Entrol’s commitment to sustainability.

Concrete actions for sustainable impact

Entrol has implemented a wide range of measures to reduce its carbon footprint and optimize resource consumption, including:

  • Installing photovoltaic panels, which generated an average of 56.6% of the energy consumed in 2023.
  • Exclusively sourcing certified renewable energy for the remainder of its energy needs.
  • Energy efficiency measures, such as low-consumption lighting, motion sensors, climate control programming, and incorporating electric vehicles into the corporate fleet.

Luis Olarte, CEO and Founder of Entrol, commented: “Sustainability is not just a commitment; it’s a responsibility. Achieving carbon neutrality ahead of schedule reflects our continuous efforts to lead by example and contribute to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry and the planet.”

Significant contribution to sustainable development

Entrol’s journey to carbon neutrality has been supported by its Environmental Management System, certified by AENOR under the ISO 14001:2015 standard, which ensures continuous improvement in environmental performance. Additionally, the company has measured its carbon footprint annually since 2020 and set ambitious goals for reducing and offsetting emissions.

Recognized with the “Calculo, Compenso, Reduzco” seal

Entrol has been awarded the “Calculo, Compenso, Reduzco” seal by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). This recognition certifies Entrol’s success in calculating, reducing, and offsetting its carbon emissions, with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability under rigorous environmental standards.

Driving a green future

This achievement reinforces Entrol’s position as a company dedicated to the transition toward a low-carbon economy and resilience against climate change. With the success of “Entrol Zero” and its early fulfillment of carbon neutrality, the company reaffirms its leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices.

Source: Entrol
Photo Credit: Entrol

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