Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Reports Record Flying Hours, New Programs, and Fleet Growth in Transformative 2024

India – Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India and recently announced an order to expand its fleet with additional training aircraft, has reported a record year in 2024 with several transformative achievements across operations, fleet expansion, and training programs. As the academy prepares for 2025, it is focused on sustained growth, innovation, and maintaining its high safety standards.

2024 Achievements

  • Fleet Expansion: Added one (1) Multi-Engine aircraft and five (5) Single-Engine aircraft to the training fleet.
  • Operational Milestones:
    • Flew over 29,000 hours, equivalent to training 145 ab initio commercial pilots.
    • Set a single-day flying record of 220+ hours in October.
    • Achieved the academy’s best-ever aircraft productivity in annual flying hours.
  • Pilot Training Programs:
    • Launched a Flying Instructor Program in partnership with IndiGo, inducting six instructors.
    • Enrolled 100+ IndiGo Cadet Pilots and achieved excellent pass rates for DGCA ground school exams.
  • Technological Advancements:
    • Implemented an industry-first integrated paperless platform for CAMO, inventory, and engineering operations.
    • Eliminated inefficiencies, streamlining operations to support the increase in scale.
  • Expansion Plans: Initiated discussions with state governments and private companies for establishing a third airbase.

Statement:

“2024 will go down as a transformational year in the rich and glorious history of CAA,” said Aniruddha Bose, VP for Operation at Chimes Aviation Academy. “We move into 2025 with renewed energy, focus, and dedication to continue on our growth trajectory while upholding the highest standards of safety in the industry,”

Source: Aniruddha Bose (Chimes Aviation Academy)
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy)

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider, CPaT, Announces December 2024 Promotion for Marketing & Communications Specialist

USA – headquartered CPaT Global, a leading provider of aviation training solutions, has announced the promotion of Ariana Jones to Marketing & Communications Specialist. Since joining the company in 2022, Jones has demonstrated exceptional skill, dependability, and a results-driven approach in advancing CPaT’s marketing and communications strategies.

Learn more about CPaT Global or Jones by connecting with her through her LinkedIn profile here.

Source: CPaT
Photo Credit: CPaT

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New Indian Pilot Training Group Announces 2025 Appointment for Head of Training

India – Back in October 2024 pilot training group Marigold Aviation together with Indian airline Indigo announced a new Cadet Pilot Program, in which flight training would initially take place in Thailand. Marigold Aviation has now announced the appointment of Capt. Srinivas Rao FRAeS as its new Head of Training. Capt. Rao brings extensive experience in aviation training and leadership, including most recently being Head of Training at Alpha Aviation Group ACAT (India).

Source: Capt. Srinivas Rao FRAeS (MariGold Aviation)

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Global Aircraft Lessor Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nordic Aviation Capital

Dubai, U.A.E. – Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd (“DAE”) announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the Nordic Aviation Capital group of companies (“NAC” or “Nordic Aviation Capital”), an aircraft leasing company formed over 30 years ago. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As of September 2024, NAC’s fleet comprised of 252 owned and committed assets on lease to approximately 60 airline customers in approximately 40 countries.

On a pro forma basis, DAE Capital’s fleet will comprise of approximately 750 owned, managed and committed aircraft with a total value of approximately US$22 billion on lease to approximately 170 airline customers in approximately 70 countries.

Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, commented, “We are delighted at this opportunity to add NAC’s capabilities, complementary market presence, and people to our platform. This transaction will allow us to provide more cost-effective solutions to a larger group of customers.”

The transaction will be appropriately capitalized and funded by internal resources and committed debt financing. Consequently, DAE’s leverage and funding metrics will remain comfortably within the levels consistent with DAE’s credit ratings. The transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals and approval of the shareholders of NAC Holdings Limited and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

DAE was advised by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP and KPMG.

About DAE
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd is a globally recognized aviation services corporation with two divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, DAE serves over 170 airline customers in over 65 countries from its seven office locations in Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, Miami, New York, and Seattle.

DAE Capital is an award-winning aircraft lessor with an owned, managed, and committed fleet of approximately 500 Airbus, ATR, and Boeing aircraft with a fleet value of US$18 billion. DAE Engineering provides regional MRO services to customers in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia from its state-of-the-art facility in Amman, Jordan, accommodating up to 17 wide and narrow body aircraft. It is authorized to work on 15 aircraft types and has regulatory approval from over 25 regulators globally.

Source: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
Photo Credit: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise

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Pilot Training and Flight Equipment Supplier, Pooleys, to Attend Key Aviation Events in 2025

UK – Pooleys, a United Kingdom headquartered leading manufacturer and publisher of aviation, pilot training content and flight equipment supplier, has announced its schedule of event appearances for 2025. The company will participate in a variety of aviation and pilot training events across Europe, South Africa, and the UK to engage with industry stakeholders.

  • Event Schedule 2025:
    • 18th January – Future Pilot Skills Event, University of West London, UK
    • 21st – 22nd February – Pilot Expo, Brussels Airport, Belgium
    • 22nd February – British Gliding Association Conference, Loughborough University, UK
    • 22nd March – Pilot Careers Live, London, UK
    • 9th – 12th April – Aero Friedrichshafen, Germany
    • 3rd – 4th May – Microlight Trade Show, Popham, UK
    • 10th – 11th May – Pooleys Air Days, Compton Abbas, UK
    • 16th – 17th May – Private Flyer London, Wycombe Air Park, UK
    • 5th – 7th June – France Air Expo, Lyon Bron, France
    • 25th – 27th June – AERO South Africa, Wonderboom Airport, South Africa
    • 29th – 31st August – LAA Rally, Leicester, UK
    • TBC – Pilot Careers Live, London, UK

Note: Pooleys highlights that event dates and participation are subject to change without notice.

About Pooleys
Pooleys, headquartered in the UK, is a leading supplier of aviation equipment and training materials, serving pilots, flight schools, and aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its high-quality products, Pooleys actively participates in industry events to engage with the aviation community.

Source: Pooleys

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