Market Intelligence: -Flight School

Operating the Oldest and One of the Countries Largest Flight School’s – Greece’s Global Aviation SA

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Alexandros Tsaktanis – Managing Director of Global Aviation SA – a flight training organization founded in 1997 in Athens, Greece, which provides Pilot Training, Cabin Crew Training, Aircraft Sales and Maintenance Services.

The conversation covers:

  • Overview of Global Aviation: Founded in 1997 in Athens, Global Aviation is the country’s oldest pilot training organization, focusing primarily on fixed-wing commercial pilot training. It operates with 20 aircraft at Megara Airport, three simulators, and soon expanding to a private airfield, Icaros Airport, to meet growing demands.
  • Innovations and Partnerships: Global Aviation collaborates with Aegean Airlines for a Cadet Pilot Training Program, which restarted post-pandemic in 2023 and will continue till 2025. This partnership subsidizes costs, making pilot training more accessible. On another note, a new agreement with ATPL Questions enhances theoretical training by offering advanced learning resources and an LMS system to improve student outcomes.
  • Challenges and Solutions: According to Alex, flight schools face several significant challenges including congested airspace and airports (especially in Europe). Increased commercial flights activity has made it difficult to secure training slots at public airports. Another challenge is instructor availability. Global Aviation is addressing congested airports and instructor shortages through private airport investments and sponsored instructor training programs.
  • Safety and Training Standards: Global Aviation maintains an impeccable safety record and instills a rigorous safety-first mindset in students, preparing them for professional roles while prioritizing risk-free operations. The Greek flight school emphasizes preparing students for airline careers by aligning its training with the airline safety requirements.
  • Competitive Advantage: Global Aviation combines high-quality training with competitive pricing and efficient course durations. Graduates have strong employability, with 90% securing airline jobs within six months, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the aviation industry.

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Leading Edge Aviation Celebrates Over 100 Students “Tagged” by Major UK Airlines in 2024

Oxford, United Kingdom – Following a successful series of airline recruitment days at their Oxford campus, Leading Edge Aviation has reached a significant milestone. This year over 100 students have received conditional job offers from major UK airlines during their training. This achievement means that more than a quarter of their current students have been ‘tagged’ for future First Officer roles.

The Significance of Airline Tagging: Your Return on Investment

In response to the pilot shortage affecting all major UK airlines post-Covid, an increasing number of airlines are now ‘tagging’ students during their pilot training. This initiative aims to address the growing workforce gap. Through a rigorous recruitment process, airlines extend conditional job offers to students for positions following the completion of their training. These offers are contingent upon students meeting the required conditions.

Pilot training represents a significant investment, and for many, the uncertainty of securing a job afterward can be a deterrent to pursuing this career path. However, the current pilot shortage has created a valuable opportunity for both current and prospective students. With the assurance of a job upon completion of training, students can focus on their studies with greater confidence, knowing their dream job is already within reach.

Official UK Partners with Four Major Airlines

Earlier this year, Leading Edge Aviation announced its status as an official training partner with easyJet and Wizz Air, alongside its established partnerships with Titan Airways and British Airways.

Following a series of recruitment days at Leading Edge Aviation’s Oxford Campus, easyJet extended conditional job offers to an impressive 52 students, marking the highest number of ‘tagged’ candidates from any partner airline to date. With further assessment days scheduled, this figure is expected to grow.

British Airways and Wizz Air have also been actively tagging Leading Edge students, with British Airways incorporating students into its Self-Sponsored Pathway (SSP) and Wizz Air reinforcing its commitment to developing young aviation talent.

With more and more airlines expressing an interest in hiring Graduate pilots, Leading Edge are looking forward to welcoming more airline partners in 2025.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Tecnam and Polish Flight School, Smart Aviation, Announce Purchase Agreement during MEAC Middle East Aviation Career 2024

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tecnam and Smart Aviation announced during the MEAC Middle East Aviation Career the purchase agreement for three (3) additional Tecnam P2006T NG twin engine aircraft for its fleet expansion programme. The aircraft will be used for PPL – Private Pilot Licence – up to MCC/JOC – Multi Crew Cooperation Course/Jet Orientation Course, modules for ATPL courses.

Based in Poznan, Poland, Smart Aviation ATO has been training aspiring pilots from more than 50 nationalities for over a decade, to start their careers with the world’s major airlines.

Today, the Polish academy operates a Tecnam fleet of:

  • seven (7) Tecnam P2008-JC
  • four (4) Tecnam P2006T
  • one (1) Tecnam P2002-JF
  • one (1) Tecnam P2002-JR
  • one (1) Tecnam P-Mentor.

The two new P2006T NG will innovate the Smart Aviation fleet, standardize the fleet and increase the capacity of the ATO. This new and significant investment is part of Smart Aviation’s commitment to ensure that potential commercial pilots are being trained on state-of-the-art aircraft such as its wide range of Tecnam models.

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

The aircraft is also equipped with two-axis autopilot, for the most efficient MEP complex training.

Fitted with two Rotax 912iSc3 injected engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel savings and can be operated on AVGAS and MOGAS fuel, leading to huge cost savings, offering the best training for Multi Engine, Variable Pitch and Retractable Landing Gear ratings. The advanced avionic system offers VFR/ VFR Night, MEP, IR, PBN (LNAV, VNAV, LPV).

Mateusz Dzialynski, CEO and Head of Training at Smart Aviation, airline pilot on B737, said: “Our decision to invest in the latest Next Generation P2006T was based on the increasing demand for flight training in Europe and because it is one of the best trainers equipped with the most advanced avionics.”

“Smart Aviation is a clear example of Tecnam’s long-term commitment to innovating flight training. Our fleet solution is a market leading offering that provides reliability, cost control, intelligent training and low emissions,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer.

About Smart Aviation
ATO Smart Aviation from Poznan was established in 2013 and is now one of the largest flight schools in Poland. Smart Aviation is an EASA-approved training organisation offering modular training for pilots from zero to ATPL. Our graduates are employed by leading airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Enter Air, Air Malta, SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines and other renowned airlines worldwide. The school records over 10,000 flight hours per year.

About Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Air Expo Abu Dhabi is a premier aviation event, showcasing the latest developments, innovations, and future outlooks in the aviation industry. The event gathers industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to engage, share knowledge, and explore the forefront of aviation technology and solutions. For more information, visit www.adairexpo.com

Source: Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Photo Credit: Air Expo Abu Dhabi

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Greek Pilot Training Organisation, JETSTREAM Aviation Academy, Acquires 2 New Training Aircraft in November 2024

Greek pilot training organisation JETSTREAM Aviation Academy announced that its fleet is expanding! The academy has ordered the two brand-new Pipistrel Explorer aircraft, enhancing its training capabilities and providing an even better experience for its students.

These EASA-certified aircraft are among the best in their category as advanced trainers. They feature a dual touch-screen Garmin glass cockpit, top-of-the-line IFR avionics, advanced autopilot, a constant speed propeller, and air brakes. Additionally, they are equipped with enhanced safety systems, including a full airframe parachute system!

The new aircraft will be ready for training in January 2025.

About JETSTREAM Aviation Academy
JETSTREAM is a European (EASA) Approved Training Organization (EL.ATO.110, EL.147.17, EL.CCTO.110) by the Hellenic CAA offering professional courses for airline pilots, aviation engineers, and cabin crew. Our headquarters are in the Athens Intl Airport, Greece, with a Training Centre in Dubai, UAE. Since JETSTREAM opened in 2008, more than 4,000 trainees have graduated from courses for pilots, engineers, and cabin crew. A growing number of Airline Operators, Regulatory Authorities, Defence and Security forces, and individuals have partnered with JETSTREAM for training.

Source: JETSTREAM Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: JETSTREAM Aviation Academy

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