United Kingdom – Skyborne, a global pilot training group which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and the United States, has promoted Debi Unwin as their new Group Head of Compliance as of February 2025. Previously holding the role of Safety and Compliance Monitoring Manager the new role will see the overseeing of compliance across all Skyborne bases (including two in the United Kingdom and one in the USA).
Source: Debi Unwin (Skyborne)
Spain – flight training group Flyschool Air Academy Miguel del Moral Negugogor as its new General Director as part of its broader strategy to expand nationally and internationally in the pilot training sector. He will work in close coordination with CEO Rafael López to strengthen Flyschool’s market position and lead its strategic growth.
The academy aims to consolidate its training bases in Madrid and Mallorca as key centers for pilot education.
Statements
“At Flyschool Air Academy we continue to be committed to growth and excellence. We are pleased to announce the incorporation of Miguel del Moral Negugogor as the new General Director of the school.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to cutting-edge training, aligned with the needs of the sector and focused on preparing highly trained pilots ready for the challenges of today’s aviation.”
Students train on Flyschool’s fleet of 20 aircraft, six simulators, and benefit from a state-of-the-art maintenance center and a prestigious international teaching team.
About Flyschool Air Academy
Flyschool Air Academy is a flight training organization based in Spain, operating training bases in Madrid and Mallorca. It provides integrated and modular pilot training programs with a focus on international student markets.
Source: Flyschool Air Academy
Photo Credit: Flyschool Air Academy
Global – BAA Training, one of the leading global aviation training organizations delivering both Ab Initio and Type Rating training, has signed a landmark five-year agreement with Qatar Airways Group, one of the world’s most prestigious airlines renowned for setting global aviation standards. Through this strategic partnership, BAA Training will deliver Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) training for up to 150 cadets annually, with the first group beginning in April 2025.
“Partnering with Qatar Airways Group is a defining milestone for BAA Training, and one we accept with great pride and responsibility. With our deep MPL expertise and an integrated, all-inclusive training solution, we are committed to delivering exceptional results at scale. This agreement not only reflects the trust Qatar Airways Group has placed in us but also establishes the foundation for a strong, long-term partnership,” said Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training.
Qatar Airways Chief Flight Operations Officer, Clifford Chetcuti, said: “Flight training is the first step to be eligible to navigate the skies, marking this partnership an important collaboration between Qatar Airways and BAA Training. We invest significantly in cultivating expertise amongst our esteemed roster of pilots that will uphold and expand our extensive network. We look forward to equipping our pilots with top tier training that will ensure our cadets graduate with competencies required for proficient and secured flying operations.“
The program is designed to deliver airline-tailored, competency-based MPL training, ensuring cadets master both technical skills and the core competencies required for safe and proficient operations. The training pathway includes theoretical instruction, single-engine flight training, multi-engine practice on FNPT II devices, and Type Rating on A320 full flight simulators and FTD Level 2 devices.
Upon graduation, cadets will be fully qualified to step directly into First Officer roles with Qatar Airways, entering the flight deck equipped with industry-leading preparation and career security.
Training will be delivered at BAA Training’s state-of-the-art facilities in Lithuania and Spain. An all-inclusive service package, covering accommodation and catering, guarantees a seamless, high-quality experience from start to finish.
Source: BAA Training
Amravati, India – Air India’s Flight Training Academy is seeking to expand its flight instructional team as it plans to start operations in 2025.
For more information and to apply check out this job post.
Source: Air India
Photo Credit: Air India
Lebanon – Beirut Wings, Lebanon’s premier flight training organization, has officially adopted FlightLogger’s digital platform to enhance its training operations. This strategic move reflects Beirut Wings’ commitment to delivering top-tier aviation education through efficient, technology-driven solutions.
A Legacy of Excellence in Aviation Training
Founded in 2006, Beirut Wings has established itself as a leading aviation training institution in the Middle East. Certified by the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), the academy offers a comprehensive suite of courses, including Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-Engine Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) programs. With a modern fleet and advanced simulators, Beirut Wings provides an immersive learning environment that emphasizes hands-on experience and individualized training.
FlightLogger: Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The integration of FlightLogger’s cloud-based platform marks a significant upgrade in Beirut Wings’ operational management. The software offers:
By adopting FlightLogger, Beirut Wings not only enhances its internal operations but also ensures compliance with aviation authorities, including the LCAA.
Aligning with Beirut Wings’ Vision
Beirut Wings’ decision to implement FlightLogger aligns with its focus on efficient training and student support. The academy offers comprehensive assistance from admission to graduation, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their pilot training. This holistic approach ensures that students can focus entirely on their pilot training.
The academy’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its dedication to maintenance management, guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and airworthiness.
A Step Towards the Future
With FlightLogger’s implementation, Beirut Wings reinforces its dedication to safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This move ensures that the academy continues to deliver world-class pilot training, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the aviation industry.
Source: FlightLogger
Photo Credit: Beirut Wings
Greece – Announced on 9 April 2025, at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show in Germany, Elixir Aircraft has shared that it has delivered the first of the Elixir ordered in 2024 to the Greek flying school, Egnatia Aviation. The aircraft, in the livery of its new operator and of the aircraft rental company Green Aerolease, was flown from La Rochelle. It is part of the first batch of six aircraft to be delivered in 2025 and will be based at Kavala-Amygdaleon airport.
Egnatia Aviation ordered twelve Elixir aircraft in October 2024. Elixir Aircraft reception pilots ferried the first one from La Rochelle to Friedrichshafen for delivery on Wednesday 9 April. The keys to this Elixir in the livery of the Greek school were handed over by Cyril Champenois, co-founder and Sales Director of Elixir Aircraft, to Dimitris Lymperakis, President of Egnatia Aviation.
On display alongside two other Elixir aircraft with the same ‘school’ configuration (Rotax 912 100 hp engine, glass cockpit), this first aircraft will be flying to its ‘Lydia’ base in Kavala-Amygdaleon, Greece, as soon as the show closes. A further five aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with the second batch of six in 2026.
“We’re delighted to take delivery of our first Elixir at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show. This aircraft meets our operational needs perfectly, as it will give our cadets the same flying experience as that which awaits them in their careers as professional pilots. I would like to thank Elixir Aircraft for meeting the delivery deadline and for this magnificent livery,” said Dimitris Lymperakis, President of Egnatia Aviation.
“This first delivery to Egnatia Aviation is an important step in the growth of Elixir Aircraft. The Elixir aircraft operated by this renowned school will train pilots for more than sixty airlines around the world. I would like to thank Egnatia Aviation for the confidence it has shown in us by renewing its fleet,” said Cyril Champenois, co-founder and Sales Director of Elixir Aircraft.
Aircraft deliveries elsewhere in Europe and soon beyond
The growing demand for new airline pilots (500,000 pilots to be recruited between now and 2050, according to IATA) means that schools around the world need to maintain a fully operational fleet, while anticipating its renewal by 4th generation aircraft. The Elixir, with its low parts count and lightweight all-carbon structure offering low operating costs, fuel consumption and maintenance, has arrived on the world market at just the right time.
With thirty aircraft already in operation in France, European deliveries in progress (Scotland, Spain, Greece) and signs of interest from other continents (200 orders in the United States, discussions in Asia), Elixir Aircraft is asserting its globalisation strategy. The acceleration of production rates and the extension of industrial infrastructures are in line with this ambition.
Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
Belgium – based flight training organisation Skywings Flight Training has appointed Pieter Brantegem as its new Chief Executive Officer as of November 2024. The company, which is headquartered and provides high-quality airline pilot training in a modern facility at Antwerp Airport, is positioning itself for further growth under the new leadership.
Earlier in the year Skywings Flight Training recapped a dynamic 2024 filled with key accomplishments and outlined its ambitious plans for 2025. From program expansions to new partnerships and investments, the organization demonstrated its continued commitment to high-quality pilot training.
Source: Pieter Brantegem (Skywings Flight Training)
Photo Credit: Skywings Flight Training (shown as meta image)
San José, Costa Rica – Instituto de Formación Aeronáutica (IFA), a leading aviation training organization in Central America, proudly announces the acquisition of the region’s first Cessna 208B (C208B) Flight Training Device (FTD) Level 4 compliant simulator. This state-of-the-art device, developed by Flightdeck Solutions Ltd. (FDS), represents a groundbreaking advancement for aviation training in the region and is scheduled to be operational in Q2 2025.
Designed to provide an unparalleled level of realism and functionality, the FTD Level 4 simulator will significantly enhance IFA’s ability to deliver high-quality training for pilots operating the versatile and widely used Cessna 208B aircraft. This acquisition underscores IFA’s commitment to advancing aviation training standards and meeting the growing demand for highly skilled pilots.
“This is a landmark moment for IFA and the aviation industry in our region,” said Rodolfo Valverde, CEO of Instituto de Formación Aeronáutica. “By acquiring the first C208B FTD Level 4 compliant simulator we are not only elevating our training capabilities but also reinforcing our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions that prepare pilots for the demands of modern aviation.”
The simulator, built by Flightdeck Solutions Ltd., integrates the latest advancements in simulation technology. Its compliance with Level 4 standards ensures exceptional fidelity in flight performance, system operations, and immersive training environments. The device is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the C208B Grand Caravan, making it an invaluable tool for both initial and recurrent training programs.
“We are delighted to support IFA’s training infrastructure with our highly capable C208 Grand Caravan flight training device,” said Peter Cos, CEO of Flightdeck Solutions. “The C208B trainer, built to closely mirror actual airline equipment, helps organizations like IFA optimize their training investment while preparing pilots effectively for real-world operations.”
The C208B FTD Level 4 simulator will be installed at IFA’s training center in Heredia, Costa Rica. It will serve a diverse clientele, including commercial operators, private pilots, and flight schools seeking world-class training solutions.
This milestone reflects IFA’s ongoing dedication to excellence and innovation in aviation education. The organization’s investment in cutting-edge technology ensures that its students and partners benefit from training experiences that align with the highest industry standards.
About Instituto de Formación Aeronáutica (IFA)
Instituto de Formación Aeronáutica (IFA) is a premier aviation training institution in Central America, committed to delivering world-class education and training solutions for aspiring and professional aviators. Founded in 1995, IFA celebrates 30 years of providing aeronautical education to the local and international aviation industry. The institution proudly trains professionals in all areas, such as Pilots, Flight Attendants, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and Airport Operations. With a focus on innovation, safety, and excellence, IFA is dedicated to shaping the future of aviation through comprehensive training programs and advanced technology.
About Flightdeck Solutions
Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) is a global provider to the aerospace and aviation industry for a wide range of flight simulation products and services. Over its 24-year history FDS has gained worldwide trust for producing high quality, immersive and fully tactile FTD trainers, becoming the solution of choice for companies and educational institutions around the world. With devices such as the B737MAX, B737NG, A320, B787, B777, and B747, and trusted by companies like Boeing, Honeywell, and CAE, FDS has built a reputation for providing both custom hardware solutions and turnkey offerings, delivering excellence in quality while maintaining financial responsibility.
Source: Flightdeck Solutions
Photo Credit: Flightdeck Solutions
Germany – Diamond Aircraft announced the successful handover of the seventh and final DA42-VI aircraft for leading flight training provider CAE, completing an order signed with the company in 2024. In addition, Diamond Aircraft has signed a further contract with CAE to provide six new DA40 NG aircraft.
“We are honoured that CAE has chosen to invest in Diamond Aircraft for its renowned flight training programs,” said Jane Wang, Director for Sales, Marketing, and Flight Operations at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “CAE have operated Diamond aircraft in their flight schools for some time. That they’ve chosen to upgrade their fleet is testament to the DA40 and DA42 series’ efficiency, safety, and technological advancement – in short, their perfect suitability for professional flight training.”
Diamond Aircraft’s DA40 and DA42 series rank among the most popular aircraft for flight schools around the world. The seven DA42 aircraft delivered to CAE feature a bespoke CAE livery and will be stationed at CAE’s Bremen Flight Training Centre in Germany. Similarly, CAE will upgrade its DA40 fleet in Montpellier, France, to the new DA40 NG aircraft, ensuring that students there also benefit from the latest advancements to enhance their training experience.
CAE provides world-class training services through the Initial Flight Training Deutschland program since 2022, offering comprehensive ab-initio flight training, including academic, simulator, and live-flying sessions in Bremen, Germany, and Montpellier, France.
The next-generation Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft feature the latest technical, avionic, and interior options, improving training effectiveness and safety. They support single and multi-engine live-flying training requirements, delivering an enhanced training experience.
Source: Diamond Aircraft
