Market Intelligence: -Flight School

South Africa’s Skyhawk Aviation Acquired by Excellentia Airline Academy

South Africa — Skyhawk Aviation is pleased to announce that 100 percent of its shareholding has been acquired by new flight training group holding group Excellentia Airline Academy. This includes the entire fleet of twenty aircraft, simulator, both ATOs (Approved Training Organisations), being Lanseria and Grand Central, Approved Maintenance Organisation (Skyhawk Aviation Technical), as well as transport and accommodation divisions.

An extensive hand-over process is in place for the rest of the year.

This acquisition, alongside the acquisition of Aeronav Academy at Lanseria, will pave the way for Excellentia, as the holding company, to become the largest provider of pilot training on the continent, while maintaining the individual brands.

With a sound operational outlook as well as major financial backing, plans are firmly in place to take this venture to over one hundred aircraft within the next 18 months, with additional bases already being finalized in Gauteng.

Mike and Tracey Gough, who started Skyhawk over seventeen years ago, would like to thank their global network of consultants who have contributed to the massive success of the company and are excited to watch the next evolution as Skyhawk and Aeronav are ramped up to address the critical skills shortage in the aviation sector.

Source: Skyhawk Aviation

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Excellentia Airline Academy Acquires 2 Flight Training Organisations Commences Group Operations in South Africa

South Africa — Excellentia Airline Academy (EAA) is proud to announce that it has now formally completed the 100% acquisitions of both Aeronav Academy as well as Skyhawk Aviation, combining 2 long established flight training schools under the EAA umbrella, forming the fastest growing flight school in South Africa. The schools are based in both Lanseria and Grand Central (where EAA Head Office is located), giving excellent flexibility for flight training slots.

The South African aviation sector is highly respected in the global arena, and EAA are bringing a larger corporatised approach with proper economies of scale. EAA was founded by passionate aviation entrepreneurs, together with a management and ownership team including experienced aviators with both commercial and military experiences. EAA recognises the huge demand for newly qualified pilots in a post Covid world, and EAA is gearing up to cater for this growth requirement of newly qualified pilots – EAA is targeting to have trained over 6,000 pilots by 2030.

EAA combines the existing fleets of each school (primarily Cessna C-172’s, Pipers and Diamond aircraft currently), and then regularly adding new additional Sling 2 NGT aircraft every month, taking the aircraft training fleet from almost 30 currently to over 100 aircraft within the next 18 months, and 200 within 3 years. The Sling 2 NGT has a modern 100hp Rotax engine, spacious wide-view cockpit and a full suite of modern Garmin avionics. EAA’s trainers are ably supported by state-of-the-art flight simulators, allowing its students to obtain their CPL, and then be qualified to fly commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320/321 families.

Source: Excellentia Airline Academy

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Epic Flight Academy Opens 10th FAA Part 141 Flight Training Campus – Announces Pilot Pathway Program with Alpine Air Express

Utah, USA – Epic Flight Academy, the nation’s largest FAA Part 141 flight school, proudly announces the opening of its newest flight training campus, located at Provo Airport in Utah. The company held a grand opening of its 10th flight training school on Saturday, October 4, 2025. During the event, representatives from Epic and Alpine Air Express, a Utah-based FAA Part 135 cargo carrier, jointly announced their newly established Pilot Pathway Program.

This strategic expansion strengthens Epic’s nationwide network and underscores Epic’s commitment to providing aspiring pilots with world-class training, which directly supports the increasing needs of airlines. The new Provo campus serves a pivotal role in Epic’s Pilot Pathway Program with Alpine Air Express. Through this partnership, Epic graduates who meet eligibility requirements are offered an interview with Alpine Air, creating a direct bridge from flight school to the flight deck.

“Epic has always focused on creating clear career pathways for our students,” said Danny Perna, founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy. “With this new Provo campus, we’re not only expanding access to world-class flight training, but also strengthening our relationship with Alpine Air Express to ensure our graduates have a fast, reliable, and supported route into professional aviation careers. This collaboration extends to Epic’s aircraft mechanic graduates as well.”

Shawn Reeves, Director of Operations at Alpine Air Express, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Alpine Air Express is proud to partner with Epic Flight Academy to provide graduates with a clear and reliable pathway into aviation careers,” said Reeves. “From pilot training to maintenance opportunities, Epic students can transition into one of the largest Part 135 cargo operations in the country, supported by mentorship, structured pay, and defined career growth.”

About the Program

The Epic–Alpine Pilot Pathway Program:

  • Offers qualified Epic graduate an interview with Alpine Air Express.
  • Prepares candidates for Alpine’s interview and hiring process.
  • Offers straightforward pay and upgrade pathway.
  • Provides mentorships after the conditional job offer.

In 2025, Epic Flight Academy opened 5 new flight training campuses in Addison, TX; Englewood, CO; St. George, UT; Tuscaloosa, AL; and Provo, UT. Epic’s other pilot schools are in New Smyrna Beach, FL; Ocala, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Jacksonville, FL; and Tucson, AZ. Epic’s aircraft mechanic schools are in New Smyrna Beach, FL and Erlanger, KY at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

By aligning training with hiring pathways, Epic and Alpine are helping meet the growing demand for highly qualified aviation professionals.

About Epic Flight Academy
Founded in 1999, Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the United States. With multiple training locations, including two FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic schools, Epic specializes in advanced aviation education. Epic graduates are employed at airlines around the world, supported by career-focused programs.

About Alpine Air Express
Headquartered in Provo, Utah, Alpine Air Express is a leading Part 135 cargo carrier operating nationwide with a large fleet of Beechcraft aircraft, including Beech 1900D, Beech 1900C, and Beech 99 aircraft. Alpine provides reliable air cargo services while offering aviation professionals competitive career opportunities.

Source: Epic Flight Academy

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ELITE Installs PI-235 AATD Open Cockpit at ASW Flight Training Center in Warsaw, Indiana

Indiana, USA – Switzerland-headquartered flight simulator manufacturer ELITE Simulation Solutions has announced the installation of its ELITE PI-235 AATD (Advanced Aviation Training Device) at ASW Flight Training Center in Warsaw, Indiana. The deployment highlights ELITE’s growing footprint in the U.S. general aviation training market and its focus on enhancing accessibility and safety through simulation.

  • The ELITE PI-235 AATD will be used for both pilot training and community safety programs, supporting instruction in visual and instrument flight operations as well as a full range of emergency scenarios.

  • Four certified instructors at ASW Flight Training Center will conduct training from private pilot through ATP-level recurrent and emergency procedure courses.

  • Local business leaders Timothy J. Grissom and Steven Ashton are funding simulator access, allowing students and pilots to use the device free of charge — expanding training opportunities for the broader aviation community.

  • The simulator received FAA Letter of Approval certification in September 2025 under Advisory Circular 61-136A, confirming its qualification as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD).

Statements

  • “This installation at ASW Flight Training Center underscores ELITE’s expanded commitment to the U.S. general aviation sector,” said Rene Huddlestone, Director of Marketing & Sales at ELITE.
  • “By combining regulatory approval, performance capability, and community-minded access, we believe this site will become a regional hub for pilot proficiency, emergency procedure practice, and ultimately safer skies,” added Timothy J. Grissom of ASW Flight Training Center.

Source: ELITE

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USA’s Infinity Flight Group Announces Strong Enrollment for September 2025

New Jersey, United States – based Infinity Flight Group, one of the largest privately owned flight schools on the east coast of the United States, announced strong enrollment for September 2025 across its New Jersey and Florida campuses, reflecting the growing recognition of its high-quality, structured flight training programs.

“We’re grateful to see so many students placing their trust in our programs,” said Greg John, President of Infinity Flight Group. “Our strong enrollment is a reflection of the dedication of our instructors, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to helping each student succeed in their aviation career.”

Infinity Flight Group is one of the largest privately owned flight schools in the United States, operating FAA-approved Part 141 programs with campuses in New Jersey and Florida.  In addition to its growing B2C client base, Infinity partners with leading colleges and airlines (including being an American Airlines cadet program partner) to provide structured career pathways from private pilot to the airline cockpit.

Source: Infinity Flight Group

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