Market Intelligence: -Flight School

Spanish Private Equity Firm Announces Major Acquisition of Spanish Flight Training Group

Madrid, Spain – Sherpa Capital, the leading private equity firm in Iberia, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 80% of FlyBy, one of the largest flight training groups in Spain.

This strategic investment marks the beginning of a new growth phase for FlyBy, with an ambitious expansion plan that includes both internationalization and inorganic growth, as well as strengthening its position as a leading training center.

Statement:

“We would like to thank Alex Alvarez for the trust placed in Sherpa Capital by choosing us as a strategic partner to drive the company’s future growth, as well as our advisors in this transaction: Grant Thornton España, Pérez-Llorca M&A and Squire Patton Boggs,” Sherpa Capital said.

About Sherpa Capital
Sherpa Capital, with over 14 years of experience, is a leading private equity firm in Iberia. Its investment strategy, Operational Value, focuses on mid-sized companies with strategic and operational challenges. It manages over 350 million euros, standing out for its model of sustainable value creation through business improvements. Its team of 40 experts with deep operational knowledge works closely with portfolio companies, employing a unique methodology that allows for the development of plans tailored to different challenges. This approach ensures the scalability and long-term evolution of businesses, positioning Sherpa as a benchmark in business transformation and value creation.

Source: Sherpa Capital
Photo Credit: Sherpa Capital

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Shaping the Future of Military Flight Training: KF Aerospace’s Role in Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program

Canada – KF Aerospace is playing a significant role in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program, a 25-year initiative that will modernize and enhance Canada’s military flight training capabilities. Beyond its partnership with CAE under SkyAlyne, KF Aerospace has been subcontracted to SkyAlyne for key tasks that leverage our expertise in aircraft acquisition, training, and airworthiness. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll be doing as part of this important program:

Southport Base Operations and Multi-Engine Training Program

KF Aerospace will continue managing the Southport Base and we will take responsibility for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME) using the new Textron/Beechcraft King Air 260 (left) aircraft (a newer, larger and more advanced version of the King Air C-90Bs we currently operate).

While they previously handled Grob aircraft training, this will now be managed by CAE in Moose Jaw as part of the Basic Flying Training. The continued work at Southport will include:

  • Scheduling of simulator and classroom training
  • Flight Operations and Dispatch
  • Training administration and continuous improvement
  • Office-related functions and management of subcontractors

Although SkyAlyne will operate as the overarching brand, KF Aerospace will remain integral to day-to-day training operations at Southport, ensuring seamless support for Canada’s future aircrew.

There will also be a significant ramp-up period at Southport over the next few years, during which we will oversee the construction of new facilities and the delivery of new training equipment and aircraft.

Aircraft Acquisition

KF Aerospace is responsible for acquiring five training fleets to be used across three training sites (Southport, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg). These aircraft were selected to meet the diverse training needs of future aircrew:

  • Grob G120TP for Basic Flying Training (BFT)
  • Pilatus PC-21 for Advanced Flying Training (AFT) and Advanced Flying Training – Jet (AFT-J)
  • Beechcraft/Textron King Air 260 for Advanced Flying Training – Multi-Engine (AFT-ME)
  • Airbus H135 Helicopter for all Rotary-Wing Flying Training (AFT-RW)
  • De Havilland Dash 8-400 for training Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators in Winnipeg (ACSO/AESOp)

Each aircraft was chosen based on its performance, safety features, and suitability for military training. They will be critical for ensuring that future RCAF aircrew receive high-quality, mission-focused training that prepares them for real-world operations.

Airworthiness and Engineering (ATO)

In addition to Southport management and aircraft acquisition, KF Aerospace will ensure the airworthiness of all training aircraft. This includes overseeing the Acceptable Technical Organization (ATO), and ensuring that our fleet meets the stringent safety and operational standards required for military use.

Source: KF Aerospace
Photo Credit: KF Aerospace

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Grob Aircraft Contracted by SkyAlyne to Deliver 23 New Grob G 120TP Aircraft for RCAF Pilot Training

Ottawa, Canada — On November 19, 2024, SkyAlyne is pleased to announce the successful signing of a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The Grob G 120TP is an upgraded version of the Grob G 120A, which is currently in use by the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program, operated by KF Aerospace and the RCAF for RCAF Pilot training. The TP variant features updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful turboprop engine.

“The new Grob G 120TP will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft for the FAcT program, which means every RCAF Pilot who gets their wings will begin their flying training on this aircraft. Selecting the right aircraft for this role is tremendously significant to ensure that RCAF pilots have the best foundation to build upon,” explained SkyAlyne’s senior executive, Kevin Lemke. “Together with our partners across Team SkyAlyne, we are dedicated to building a world-leading pilot and aircrew solution for the RCAF. We are honoured each and every day to be entrusted to partner with the RCAF to deliver the FAcT program.”

The signing of the purchase agreement between SkyAlyne and Grob Aircraft confirms production slots and manufacturing schedule. Factory acceptance of aircraft is expected to begin in August 2025.

The Grob G 120TP is currently in use by numerous other militaries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In total, over 200 Grob G 120TPs have been delivered worldwide to-date.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are merged into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, SkyAlyne will manage and maintain the fleet while providing instructors to serve alongside RCAF instructional personnel. The Grob fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force. SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

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Lufthansa Aviation Training Becomes First ATO to Receive Certificate Directly from EASA

  • Lufthansa Aviation Training transitions regulatory authority in pilot training
  • EASA-ATO certification is a testament to the high quality of training at LAT
  • EASA certification provides increased flexibility and agility, as well as a common platform for approved training courses.

Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) has become the first Approved Training Organization (ATO) from an EASA member state to receive certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The award was presented last Friday at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne and came into effect on November 15, 2024.

With the EASA certification, LAT strengthens its position in the European and international market, creating a unified foundation for all approved training programs. The elimination of national certifications allows new programs and modules to be implemented more rapidly across all LAT locations. EASA will take over the supervisory role previously held nationally, simplifying collaboration and approval processes within the Lufthansa Group.

This certification also enables LAT to deploy highly qualified instructors from the entire DACH region flexibly, further enhancing the international orientation of the Lufthansa Group.

Philipp Heinbockel (Accountable Manager EASA ATO): “The EASA-ATO of LAT offers significant advantages to the Lufthansa Group and our customers through increased flexibility and agility, as well as a common platform for approved training courses. In the future, it will also facilitate the integration of additional Lufthansa Group ATOs, thereby enhancing efficiency and collaboration.”

Francesco Gaetani, Head of Aircrew & Medical Department, Chief Pilot: “We welcome Lufthansa Aviation Training as the first EASA-Approved Training Organisation ATO located in the EU Member States. This transfer to EASA from the national authority was made possible due to close collaboration between LAT, EASA and the German Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA) over the last 12 months. The EASA team is looking forward to working together with LAT to ensure the safe delivery of aviation training to the highest international standards.”

The EASA certification marks a critical step in the strategic development of LAT and underscores the company’s commitment to the highest standards of pilot training at the European level.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training
With its competencies in training flight and cabin crews at ten training locations worldwide, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is among the world leaders in the field of aviation training. The company is headquartered at Munich Airport and employs around 800 people at all its locations. Its client portfolio encompasses more than 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, among them the Lufthansa Group airlines. LAT operates close to 200 training devices. These include training aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators for all common aircraft types for pilot training, as well as emergency and service mock-ups for cabin crews. The flight schools of the Lufthansa Group are joined under LAT’s brand European Flight Academy (EFA). 

Source: Lufthansa Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Aviation Training

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Netherlands Based Orbit Groundschool Receives 2024 Approval for New FNPT II Flight Simulator

Arnhem, Netherlands –  Orbit Groundschool is proud to announce that its FNPT2 flight simulator has been officially approved by aviation authorities. This approval marks an important milestone for the school and its students, as the simulator can now be put into full use for multiple training purposes.

The simulator provides a realistic and safe environment in which pilots of all levels can learn and/or sharpen their skills. The latest technologies allow students to practice different weather conditions, emergency procedures and complex approaches. The simulator is suitable for both instrument flying for the benefit of aspiring pilots as well as Enhanced MCC (APS) for experienced pilots who want to refresh or broaden their knowledge.

About the simulator

The Alsim ALX is a simulator that can simulate multiple models, making it suitable for education regarding various instrument flight training, as well as MPL Basic Phase. Orbit can thereby assist their entire customer base; from the first lessons in the PPL phase to the final steps of an ATPL in which the MCC (APS) will be taken.

Book your training session now

The flight simulator is available for booking. You are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity and take flying skills to the next level. “We are proud that this simulator can simulate not one but three models, allowing us to guide students in their SEP, MEP and medium JET courses,” said Orbit Groundschool management. “This approval is recognion of our commitment to safety and quality in pilot training. We look forward to welcoming both aspiring and experienced pilots to our sim.”

About Orbit Groundschool Flight School
Orbit Groundschool is known for its commitment to high-quality pilot training and aviation safety. With a team of experienced instructors and modern facilities, the school offers comprehensive training programs that meet the highest quality standards in the aviation training industry. For more information regarding renting the simulator or booking a session, please contact Orbit Groundschool at info@orbit-groundschool.nl.

Source: Orbit Groundschool
Photo Credit: Orbit Groundschool

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Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation Celebrates 2024 Order for 12 New Elixir Aircraft

One of Greece’s largest flight training organisation’s Egnatia Aviation is delighted to share its successful participation at the 22nd European Airline Training Symposium (EATS 2024), held from November 5th to 7th at the Estoril Congress Centre in Cascais, Portugal. This prestigious event brought together over 1,000 professionals from more than 50 countries, cementing its status as the leading forum for advancing pilot and cabin crew training. Egnatia Aviation’s presence at EATS 2024 exemplifies its ongoing commitment to thought leadership and connecting with the broader aviation training community.

A highlight of Egnatia’s presence at EATS 2024 was the announcement of its exciting new collaboration with Elixir Aircraft. Egnatia Aviation’s acquisition of twelve Elixir aircraft, with an option for three more, represents a significant investment in its training capabilities. This strategic move aligns with its commitment to providing world-class training experience using state-of-the-art technology and sustainable solutions. Boasting an innovative carbon structure and unparalleled safety features, the Elixir aircraft will elevate its fleet to new heights, reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in the industry.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia Aviation

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