Market Intelligence: -Flight School

Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training Announces New Airline Abinitio Pilot Training Program Partnership in 2024

BAA Training, a leading international aviation training provider, has partnered with Luxair, the flag carrier of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Under the signed agreement, Luxair will send independently selected pilots to be trained at BAA Training’s facilities in Lleida-Alguaire, Spain, through an ATPL Integrated program. Luxair will pre-finance this training on behalf of these students.

Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training emphasized, “This partnership arrives when the industry faces a critical shortage of pilots. Luxair’s initiative to pre-finance the training of its pilots is a direct and innovative response to this escalating need for skilled aviators. We are prepared to address this demand utilizing our know-how, the expanding training infrastructure, and resources in Spain.”

The candidates carefully shortlisted by the airline will be sent to BAA Training on an annual basis. The first group commenced their training in April 2024.

BAA Training’s primary flight base is at Lleida-Alguaire International Airport, where Luxair’s pilots will undergo training. Additional flight bases are scheduled for launch in the second half of 2024, with further openings in 2025 and 2026 across other parts of Europe. The company has recently placed an order for 48 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft to expand its fleet.

BAA Training is part of the Irish company Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 212 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and various associated services. Supported by 12,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates worldwide.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

Related Posts

Spanish Flight Training Group FlyBy Becomes Launch Customer for New Training Aircraft

Burgos, Spain headquartered flight training organisation FlyBy announced at Aero Friedrichshafen 2024 that it has bough 2 new Tecnam Aircraft P2006T NG (the new version launched by the training aircraft manufacturer).

“We are happy to announce being the launch customer of the new Tecnam P2006T NG. We have bought 2 units that will be delivered before the end of 2024 to bring our fleet of P2006Ts to a total of 5 units.” shared FlyBy CEO Alex Alvarez.

In 2019, FlyBy had 11 aircraft operating. About four years later, the flight school more than doubled its fleet.

Source: Alex Alvarez (FlyBy)
Photo Credit: Alex Alvarez

Related Posts

US Aviation and Pilot Training Group Epic Flight Academy Opens New Aircraft Mechanic School at CVG Airport

Florida, United States headquartered aviation and pilot training group Epic Flight Academy opened its 32,000-square-foot, $8 million aircraft mechanic school on the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport’s (CVG) campus on April 22, 2024. Staff, students, and guests celebrated the opening of the new FAA Part 147-certified school with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Students who complete the program will have the opportunity to become FAA-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) aviation mechanics, which are in high demand, and will be able to seek direct employment in the aviation industry. The new school and training areas offer students the opportunity to get hands-on experience working on aircraft engines and to learn how to repair plane and helicopter equipment, in addition to completing other coursework.

“Workforce development is the most important and proactive step we can take for the future of Kentucky’s economy,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “This new training facility from Epic Flight Academy will train workers at CVG, helping prepare thousands of Kentuckians to make an impact in their communities, while also supporting their families through skilled, well-paying jobs. We’re committed to building a pipeline for a skilled workforce and this is the latest example of that commitment.”

“This collaboration has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re thrilled to welcome our inaugural class of approximately 20 students,” said Danny Perna, chief executive officer and founder, Epic Flight Academy. “We are excited to see dreams come true and careers take off at CVG.”

“We are pleased to welcome Epic Flight Academy to CVG, and we look forward to seeing this partnership grow,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “Aircraft mechanics are in high demand, and Epic Flight Academy will open doors for students across our region who represent the future of the aviation industry and who we know will one day be employed at CVG.”

“We are proud to partner with Epic Flight Academy to establish an A&P school at CVG Airport,” said Cam Murphy, president of FEAM Aero. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to shaping the future of aviation maintenance and building a skilled workforce for the industry. Together, we are excited to provide aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Technicians with the training and resources they need to succeed in this dynamic field.”

Josh Rawlins, Epic COO and director of aircraft mechanics added, “I can’t say enough about the team effort in meeting deadlines to prepare for the FAA inspection. Our first class is well underway, and today we celebrate everyone’s hard work.”

Epic Flight Academy is offering year-round open enrollment and has rolling start dates for classes. Eligible students must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, amongst other requirements.

About Epic Flight Academy

Epic Flight Academy’s main campus is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Established in 1999 by CEO Danny Perna, Epic offers Part 141 pilot training and Part 147 aircraft mechanic training. Epic employs 200+ people and trains hundreds of pilots and aircraft mechanics each year. The company maintains hiring partnerships with numerous airlines and aviation companies.

About CVG Airport

CVG welcomed 8.7 million travelers in 2023, which represents a 15%+ increase over 2022 and offers the lowest airfares in the region and 50+ nonstop destinations with 14 airlines/tour operators. The airport boasts two nonstop transatlantic flights to London via British Airways, as well as Paris-CDG through Delta Air Lines. CVG is the 6th largest cargo airport in North America with two global air hubs on campus continuing to drive growth: Amazon Air’s Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas. With an annual impact of $9.3 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in aviation innovation.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

Related Posts

UK Flight School to Acquire New Elixir Aircraft for Training Fleet

United Kingdom based flight training organization, Rubric Aviation, will fly Elixir Aircraft for its Scottish center, the Fife Flight Centre at Fife Airport, Scotland.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Elixir aircraft for our clients in the UK,” said Ian A Henderson, CEO of Rubric Aviation. “The addition of these exceptional planes to our fleet underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled aviation experiences and ushering in a new era of aviation excellence. Elixir planes embody the pinnacle of innovation, performance, and reliability.”

Emmanuel Gil, Head of Sales Elixir Aircraft Europe commented “We are delighted that Rubric Aviation has chosen the Elixir Aircraft to add to their fleet. This underlines the confidence ATO’s have in the Elixir and its perfect fit for the professional flight training organizations.”

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

Related Posts

Spanish Flight School Renews Fleet with Elixir Aircraft

France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft has shared that Spain based flight training group Panamedia has placed its trusts in the 4th generation Elixir training airplane for its bases of Valencia, Castellón and Mallorca. They were particularly attracted by its main features: a full glass cockpit, landing gear with shock absorbers, and an integrated BRS parachute.

“When I first read the technical characteristics of the Elixir, I wanted to fly it personally to feel it. Therefore, I traveled to La Rochelle where the Elixir Aircraft team welcomed me with open arms and explained everything to me in detail before taking a beautiful flight. For our Panamedia ATO, the Elixir more than meets our expectations and we intend to renew our fleet with many Elixir,” declared José Parejo Navas, Director of Panamedia International Flight School.

Emmanuel Gil, Head of Sales Elixir Aircraft Europe commented “We are delighted that Panamedia has chosen the Elixir Aircraft to add to their fleet This underlines the confidence ATO’s have in the Elixir and its perfect fit for the professional flight training organizations.”

Elixir Aircraft’s order book now includes 200+ orders, pre-orders and LOI.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

Related Posts

Scottish Pilot Training Organisation ACS Aviation Qualifies 2 New Flight ALSIM Flight Simulators in 2024

France headquartered flight simulator manufacturer ALSIM is delighted to share that Scotland’s leading Flight Training Organisation, ACS Aviation is now in possession of three certified ALSIM simulators. Both their second AL42, as well as their ALX, are now successfully qualified, respectively as FNPT II and FNPT II MCC by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.

The AL42 is an exact replica of the Diamond DA42, built using genuine aircraft parts and equipped with the latest real-world Garmin G1000 avionics suite. It also comes with the latest generation visual system, KAP140 autopilot and PBN/LPV capabilities.

The ALSIM ALX provides up to four classes of aircraft from single-engine piston, twin engine piston, twin turbine up to medium category twin jet. The device is designed and approved for Advanced Pilot Training and Multi Crew Training in compliance with all current regulatory standards. The ALX offers advanced technology simulation equipment tailored to all specific training requirements. In addition, it has a proven track record for cost-effectiveness and helps save numerous aircraft hours. The ALX will be used by ACS Aviation for airline simulator assessments, command training, Airline Pilot Standard (APS), Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Orientation Courses.

Craig McDonald, Technical Director at ACS Aviation, proudly announces the acquisition of the cutting-edge ALSIM AL42 and ALX Flight Simulator. With a strong reputation for innovation and quality in flight simulator development, ALSIM was the natural choice for ACS Aviation’s commitment to excellence in pilot training.

Craig McDonald expresses, “At ACS Aviation, our primary goal is to equip our students with the latest and most advanced tools to best prepare them for successful careers as airline pilots. We are excited to introduce the new additions of the AL42 and the state-of-the-art ALX simulator to our training academy, confident that they will enhance the training experience for both our airline partners and student pilots alike.”

Anna Lezoray, adds: “We have been working with ACS Aviation since 2017, when they have bought their first AL42 device from ALSIM. We are extremely happy and thrilled to be part of their successful and impressive growth on the UK pilot training market. We look proudly at our fruitfull cooperation. Thank you to Craig, Graeme and the whole team for their continuous trust in ALSIM devices and services.”

About ACS Aviation

Established in 2007, ACS Aviation has been training more than 1000 pilots and is the UK’s leading Flight Training Organisation. ACS Aviation offers a range of flight training services at Perth Airport, along with onsite engineering and operation of the entire airfield. They also offer specialist aircraft maintenance services through their engineering division, ACS Engineering. ACS Aviation is a fully approved CAA Part CAO aircraft maintenance provider in Scotland, specialising in the support of fixed wing piston aircraft.

About ALSIM

ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. Alsim is well recognized for its know-how, based on 30 years of experience. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. Alsim’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our client’s needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology.

Today, ALSIM has more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

Related Posts

Global Aviation and Pilot Training Group Airways Aviation Announces Airline Pilot Foundation Program for Morocco

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has announced that its France base ESMA Airways Aviation, which boasts a 45-year history in pilot training, is launching a Pilot Foundation Program in Casablanca, Morocco. This initiative, the first of its kind in North Africa, marks a significant milestone in global aviation education and is projected to start on June 10, 2024, at La Capital Centre on Boulevard Abdelmoumen, one of the main arteries of the city.

ESMA Airways Aviation – France is one of only three European pilot training academies approved by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), having trained hundreds of Moroccan pilots over the years.

The bespoke Foundation Program is designed to assess, select, and equip aspiring aviation students at the early stages of earning their EASA Air Transport Pilot License. It addresses the critical need for well-trained pilots, anticipated due to independent forecasts of a severe pilot shortage and growing accessibility of air travel including Morocco’s middle class expands globally and air travel becomes more accessible to the masses.

Students will benefit from a curriculum developed and delivered by industry professionals that provides a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. The program aims to prepare students thoroughly before they advance to commercial theory and full flight training phases at the ESMA Airways Aviation Academy in Montpellier, France.

In addition to pilot training, ESMA Airways Aviation also offers a path to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in collaboration with Montpellier Business School, providing dual qualifications—an EASA fATPL and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business—upon completion of studies in France.

“Morocco is a strategic location that bridges Africa and Europe and plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development of the country. We are excited to be able to help start and participate in the journey create the next generation of aviation professionals from Casablanca. We see opening here as an investment into the future of aviation in Morocco,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder & Chairman of the ESMA Airways Aviation Group.

Alexandre Alves, CCO and COO of the ESMA Airways Aviation Group, emphasized the global perspective: “We believe that our unique Foundation program will set a new standard in supporting aviation training from grass roots through to the professional level and help address the urgent global need for qualified Pilots, Cabin Crew and other aviation professionals.”

About Airways Aviation

With over 45 years of international experience and educational sites across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, Dubai-headquartered Airways Aviation is recognized as the largest privately-owned multidisciplinary aviation academy globally. Our comprehensive education and training programs combine practical and theoretical techniques to meet the increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals certified by EASA, CASA, ICAO, and IATA.

The Airways Aviation Group has trained over 9,000 commercial pilots and graduated more than 25,000 cabin crew, ground handling, and maintenance professionals. It also maintains a diverse fleet of over 70 aircraft, including Europe’s largest fleet of Diamond DA40 and Diamond DA42, along with various Cessna and Piper models equipped with advanced avionic systems.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

Related Posts