Market Intelligence: Europe

Italy & Greece – Tecnam and FSTC EUROPE announced the purchase of six (6) Tecnam aircraft (four (4) P-MENTOR and two (2) P2006T NG twin-engine aircraft), as part of a total of twenty-five (25) brand new training aircraft, to be progressively acquired by the end of 2027.

Under a new name brand expected to be announced soon, FSTC EUROPE will be one of the leading European P-MENTOR fleet operators.

The aircraft will be used for training towards a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), as well as for advanced commercial pilot training such as a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MEP).

FSTC EUROPE plans to enrol more than two hundred cadets per year by the end of 2028.

As a long-term partner and operator of Tecnam, this acquisition will strengthen FSTC’s position in the ATO market in Europe. Future pilots and airline cadets will benefit from the latest technologies offered by this renowned aircraft manufacturer.

FSTC EUROPE chose Tecnam as its main aircraft supplier and partner because Tecnam offers the most modern and efficient fleet solution for a modern flight school, covering all its needs. This includes single-engine two-seater aircraft with full IFR equipment for ab initio training, as well as twin-engine aircraft for multi-engine piston and complex ratings.

The latest version of the P2006T, the P2006T NG (Next Generation), is one of the smartest twin-engine aircraft on the market. It offers unbeatable value and an innovative design, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high-definition LCDs via a modern Garmin avionics suite.

The aircraft is also equipped with a two-axis autopilot for highly efficient MEP complex training.

Fitted with two Rotax 912iSc3 injected engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel savings and can be operated using AVGAS or MOGAS, which leads to significant cost savings and offers the best training for multi-engine, variable pitch and retractable landing gear ratings. The advanced avionics system supports both VFR and IFR, Day and Night, MEP, IR and PBN (LNAV/VNAV and LPV).

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 is designed to offer 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 long without refueling, no interruption is equal to improve operational value. Lowest cost of maintenance, lowest fuel consumption, and the greatest value for money, make this aircraft a unique profit opportunity for any Flight School.

“We are very proud to be collaborating with Tecnam, a leading training aircraft manufacturer. With our years of experience in pilot training, and with Tecnam aircraft now being ordered with the most advanced additional upgrades, such as ACAS, synthetic vision and PBN capabilities, we are confident that we can enhance the professionalism and quality of future aviators,” said Capt Kostas Katsikias, CEO of FSTC EUROPE.

Walter Da Costa, CSO at Tecnam, said: “The key to success for a flying school is to offer students modern aircraft with low operating and running costs, an innovative design, and Italian style. FSTC EUROPE has proven how to innovate flight training and set new standards.”

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 FSTC EUROPE
FSTC EUROPE is a Greece-based Aviation Training Organization (ATO) offering comprehensive training solutions for pilots, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineers, and ground staff. Recognized as one of the most reputable aviation training providers in Europe, FSTC EUROPE has established a strong presence in the industry through its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. The company’s headquarters are located in Elefsina, approximately 20 kilometers west of Athens, the capital of Greece. In 2022, FSTC EUROPE was honored by the Chamber of Tradesmen and the Ministry of Development for its rapid expansion and its strategic global partnerships and networking initiatives.

Driven by a profound passion for aviation, knowledge, professionalism, and business excellence, the organization stands out in the field. A unique strength of FSTC EUROPE lies in its leadership: all members of the Management Board are active pilots, flying both commercial and military aircraft. Their extensive experience is demonstrated by years of service in the aviation industry and thousands of flight hours, underscoring their deep understanding of real-world aviation demands.

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