Market Intelligence: -Flight School

Turkish Flight Training Group AYJET Marks 20 years of Pilot Training Excellence

Türkiye – One of Turkey’s largest pilot training organisations AYJET Flight School, has celebrated its 20‑year anniversary, marking two decades of contribution to Turkish and international aviation through pilot training excellence.

  • A 20th Anniversary Gala Night was held, attended by alumni, instructors, and airline & aviation organisation representatives.

  • During the event, General Manager Celal Cingöz delivered a reflective speech highlighting AYJET’s journey, achievements and future vision.

  • AYJET, based in Istanbul and operating from multiple Turkish airports, offers integrated ATPL, MPL, modular and hour‑building programmes, and prides itself on its own maintenance organization (SHY‑145) and high safety standards.

Earlier this month AYJET had expanded its simulator training capabilities with the addition of a Diamond DA42-VI NG simulator, certified as FNPT II (MEP). Delivered directly by Diamond Aircraft, the device features full systems replication, including avionics identical to the DA42-VI NG used in Ayjet’s flight training fleet.

Last year AYJET Flight School has shared that it has been awarded Best Flight School 2024 by the Jury of the Bluesky Awards. More than 1,796 pilots have graduated since 2005 with over 1,687 of them were subsequently employed in airlines.

Source: Ayjet Flight School

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Italy’s Professional Aviation Expands Fleet with 3 New Tecnam Aircraft

Italy – Professional Aviation, one of the largest flight training organisations in the country, has expanded its training fleet with the delivery of three new Tecnam aircraft — two single-engine P2008JC and one multi-engine P2006T NG — reinforcing its commitment to continuous investment in pilot training capacity.

Earlier in the month Professional Aviation welcomed the final class of the year, inducting 40 new students into its pilot training programme.

Professional Aviation achieved 16,000 flight hours in 2024 and launched a new helicopter academy, expanding its training portfolio.

Curious to hear more about Professional Aviation – check out the interview with AFM here: Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Italy – Professional Aviation Academy – AFM.aero

Source:  Professional Aviation

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Chimes Aviation Academy Hosts LoI Signing Ceremony for 38 IndiGo Cadet Pilots in October 2025

India  – On October 24, 2025, thirty-eight cadets came together in Gurgaon for the Letter of Intent (LoI) signing ceremony under the Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, Batch 9 (ICP 09), marking the official start of their aviation journey.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dev Punj- VP, Chimes Aviation Academy, shared: “There’s something special about seeing potential turn into purpose. Each of these cadets represents the dedication and discipline that define great aviators. It’s an honor to guide them as they take their first real step toward the skies.”

Chimes Aviation Academy operates a number of flight training bases across India and is, as of 2025, the number one ranked flight training organisation in India according to the DGCA.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy

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US Flight Training Group Phoenix East Aviation Launches Recruitment Drive for A&P Mechanics – Offering Sign-On Bonus in 2025

Florida, United States – flight training group Phoenix East Aviation is seeking fully licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics, offering a $1,500 sign-on bonus, for Wayman College of Aeronautics. Wayman College of Aeronautics partners with Florida Memorial University, Miami Dade College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Liberty University, and the Greater Miami Aviation Association as well as 5 US and international airlines.

  • The position will be based at North Perry Airport (KHWO), where Wayman operates a fleet of more than 40 Cessna and Piper aircraft used for private, commercial, and instructor-level pilot training.

  • A&P Mechanics will perform line, scheduled, and unscheduled maintenance in accordance with FAA regulations and manufacturer airworthiness requirements, supporting both Wayman’s fleet and third-party general aviation customers.

  • Compensation begins at $25/hour for fully licensed A&P mechanics and $30/hour for those holding an Inspection Authorization (IA), with pay commensurate with experience.

  • Qualified applicants must have a valid FAA A&P certificate, at least three years of relevant experience, and familiarity with Cessna and Piper GA aircraft.

  • Employee benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and participation in Wayman’s Up-Lift Program, through which staff can earn either a Private or Instrument Rating or an associate degree after one year of full-time service.

  • The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for additional shifts and travel as needed.

Source: Phoenix East Aviation

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ELITE Simulation Solutions Delivers Convertible Diamond DA-40/DA-42 FAA AATD Flight Training Device to Nigerian College of Aviation Technology

Nigeria & Switzerland –  ELITE Simulation Solutions is proud to announce the successful installation of an ELITE Diamond DA-40/DA-42 FAA convertible AATD flight training device at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Nigeria. This milestone marks ELITE’s first Diamond DA-40/DA-42 installation in West Africa and underscores the company’s growing presence across the African continent.

Strengthening Pilot Training in Nigeria

Founded in 1964, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology is the premier aviation training institution in Nigeria and one of the most respected in Africa. The addition of ELITE’s advanced DA-42-class simulator significantly enhances NCAT’s training capabilities by providing students, instructors, and professional pilots with a high-fidelity, certified training environment.

The new DA-42 simulator bridges theoretical instruction and real-world flight experience in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner, empowering NCAT to continue producing highly qualified pilots to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation industries.

This latest installation highlights ELITE’s commitment to supporting aviation education and infrastructure development in Africa, contributing to the expansion of regional training capacity and aviation safety standards.

Technical Highlights & Capabilities

The ELITE Diamond FAA approved DA-40/DA-42 convertible platform is engineered for realism, flexibility, and ease of installation. In fact NCAT’s technicians installed the simulators themselves after having received training at ELITE’s HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.

Key features of the installed DA-40/DA-42 Advanced Aircraft Training Device include:

  • Garmin G1000 NXi replica avionics: Provides a fully accurate avionics suite identical to that of the real aircraft.
  • Compact, modular design: Allows for transport and installation through standard doorways, ideal for various training facility layouts.
  • Immersive visual system, with small footprint
  • Simple installation

While configured as a Diamond DA-42, the simulator is convertible to a DA-40 variant, ensuring long-term adaptability for future training needs.

Complete Solutions & Ongoing Support

ELITE provided end-to-end delivery, installation support and instructions, as well as instructor training. The company will continue to provide software updates, maintenance, and re-certification services to guarantee sustained performance and regulatory compliance.

This deployment exemplifies ELITE’s dedication to delivering complete, certified, and cost-efficient flight simulation solutions for aviation academies and training centers worldwide.

“We are proud to partner with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, an institution that has long been at the forefront of shaping West Africa’s aviation professionals. This installation marks a significant milestone in elevating pilot training standards across Nigeria and the wider region. The invaluable support of ELITE’s trusted Nigerian representative, Mahmoud Shehu of Transtek, has been instrumental in helping us extend our flight path across West Africa.” –  Rene Huddlestone, Sales Director, ELITE Simulation Solutions

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions
Photo Credit: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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Latvia’s airBaltic Graduates Largest Cadet Cohort Yet at Pilot Academy

Latvia – The pilot‑cadet training arm of Latvia’s flag carrier airBaltic, airBaltic Pilot Acadedmy, has achieved a new landmark as its in‑house academy graduates its largest cohort to date. In October 2025, the airline’s training division witnessed 33 students complete its full‑time airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) programme, marking a significant milestone for the airBaltic Pilot Academy.

  • The cohort includes individuals from Austria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania and Sweden.

  • At present, the academy has 141 active students — while primarily Baltic‑based, cadets also hail from other EU countries including Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy.

  • More than 10 % of the current student population are female.

  • Historically, 164 graduates have joined airBaltic as employees: most serving as First Officers, with several now working as training instructors. Four former graduates have been upgraded to Captain at the airline—making them the first academy‑alumni to reach that rank.

  • To support its growth and training capacity, airBaltic has deployed a second Airbus A220 full‑flight simulator, significantly enhancing its training infrastructure and aligning with its expanding fleet.

Statements

  • “We are proud to congratulate the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Each of them represents not only personal dedication and achievement but also the next generation of aviation professionals shaping the future of airBaltic and the broader industry. Many of them are now preparing to take the next steps in their training, paving way to join the airBaltic team. The success of any airline relies on having skilled and highly trained professionals, and we are committed to fostering such talent.” — Vilmantas Vaclovas Mažonas, CEO of airBaltic Training

Source: airBaltic
Photo Credit: airBaltic

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Portugal’s Sevenair Academy Appoints New Head of Training in 2025

Portugal – Sevenair Academy has announced the appointment of Victor Mendes as its new Head of Training. Mr Mendes was appointed Deputy Head of Training earlier in the year before being promoted in September 2025.

“I’m thrilled to share that I have been appointed as the new Head of Training at Sevenair Academy. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and responsibility placed in me to lead this fantastic team. Taking on this challenge at such a respected organization is a true honor. A special thank you to our Accountable Manager, Carlos Amaro, and our Chief Financial Officer, Martim Sacavém, for their invaluable support and for this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to get started and contribute to the future of such a renowned aviation training organization.” shared Mr Mendes.

Learn more about Sevenair Academy or Mr Mendes by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Victor Mendes (Sevenair Academy)

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Global Flight Training Group, Airways Aviation, Highlights 2026 Hour Building Offer in Portugal

Portugal – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has highlighted that Airways Aviation Portugal has announced new hour-building opportunities on its Diamond DA40 aircraft at Cascais (LPCS) and Ponte de Sor (LPSO), accompanied by a limited-time launch offer for bookings made before November 15, 2025. The initiative provides affordable flight time options for student and licensed pilots looking to progress toward commercial qualifications under EASA regulations.

  • Standard hourly rates (Rates include fuel and one landing fee; additional landings charged at aerodrome rates):

    • Cascais – €240/hour

    • Ponte de Sor – €230/hour

  • Introductory requirement: A one-hour adaptation flight with an instructor is required for first-time DA40 pilots (€80).

  • Discounted package options:

    • 10h–19h → €220/h (LPCS) | €210/h (LPSO)

    • 20h–49h → €200/h (LPCS) | €190/h (LPSO)

    • 50h+ → €180/h (LPCS) | €170/h (LPSO)

  • Special launch offer: €190/h (LPCS) and €180/h (LPSO) for 10-hour packages purchased before November 15, 2025.

  • Purchased flight hours must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.

For more information contact Airways Aviation.

Source: Airways Aviation

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Portuguese Flight School OMNI Aviation Training Center Partners with Training Provider to Launch Country’s First Advanced UPRT Program

Portugal — OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) has partnered with Unlimited Aerobatics (UA) to launch Portugal’s first Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) program. This collaboration integrates A-UPRT into all future OATC pilot training courses, while existing students will be given the option to upgrade.

  • The new A-UPRT initiative aims to elevate pilot preparedness and resilience by providing hands-on experience with dynamic stalls and full upset recovery scenarios.
  • Practical training will be conducted using the high-performance Extra 300 aircraft, offering real-world upset exposure with G-load capabilities up to +8/-8G — significantly beyond standard training aircraft.
  • A-UPRT exceeds regulatory requirements, addressing Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I), which remains the leading cause of airline fatalities globally.
  • The program is jointly coordinated by Jorge Loureiro (UA Portugal) and Cástor Fantoba, world champion aerobatic pilot and Director of UA Training.

Statements

  • “It’s a pleasure to have OMNI as a partner to train Portuguese pilots. UA Training seeks excellence, and it is an honour to work together with one of Portugal’s most important aviation groups.” — Jorge Loureiro, UA Training
  • “OATC is setting a new standard in pilot training. By partnering with Unlimited Aerobatics, we are delivering the most advanced and effective A-UPRT program in Portugal.” — Ricardo Cortez, OMNI Aviation Training Center
  • “We will together work to provide the best training for pilots in Portugal to give them a competitive advantage in the global aviation workplace.” — Cástor Fantoba, Unlimited Aerobatics

About OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC)
Established in 1998 and part of the OMNI Group, OATC is Portugal’s leading flight training academy. It operates the country’s only flight school with a connected airline, recently launched a fleet renewal program, and delivers EASA-compliant training from ab initio to commercial levels.

About Unlimited Aerobatics
Founded by world champion pilot Cástor Fantoba, Unlimited Aerobatics is a premier aerobatic and UPRT training provider. Operating in Spain and Portugal, UA delivers tailored upset training using high-performance aircraft and elite instructors from both competitive and airline aviation.

Source: OATC
Photo Credit: OATC

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