New Indian Turboprop Operator Announces 2024 Appointment for Vice President of Operations

New Indian turboprop operator Air Kerala has appointed Captain CS Randhawa as its new Vice President of Operations. Bringing an unparalleled 48 years of experience in aviation with roles in DGCA, Air India, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and commuter airlines, Captain CS Randhawa joins Air Kerala as Vice President of Operations.

An alumnus of Saint Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a qualified A-2 QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor) from the Indian Air Force, Captain Randhawa has been a prominent figure in aviation operations and training. His expertise spans flight operations, safety, and airline management, having served as a Joint General Manager at Air India and Deputy Chief Flight Operations Inspector at DGCA. With extensive flying experience on multiple aircraft types, including the B-777 and A-310, and holding key positions such as President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, Captain Randhawa’s wealth of knowledge will significantly enhance Air Kerala’s operational standards and flight safety protocols.

About Air Kerala
Air Kerala is India’s first ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). Born from the vision of UAE entrepreneurs – Afi Ahmed (Chairman) and Ayub Kallada (Vice Chairman) operating under Zettfly Aviation Pvt Ltd. Air Kerala takes pride in its fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and market leadership. The airline started strong with three ATR 72-600s, with an ambitious plan to expand to 20 aircraft as it venture into international operations.

Source: Air Kerala

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Airbus Announces Commercial Aircraft Orders and Deliveries for the Month of September 2024

In September 2024, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus:

  • Delivered 50 aircraft to 29 customers
    • 1 A220-100
    • 4 A220-300
    • 1 A319neo
    • 12 A320neo
    • 28 A321neo
    • 1 A330-900
    • 2 A350-900
    • 1 A350-1000
  • Secured 235 orders
    • 35 A320neo
    • 190 A321neo
    • 5 A350-900
    • 5 A350-1000
  • Year to date Airbus has delivered 497 aircraft to 77 customers.

See last month’s stats here.

AFM Team Note – kindly contact us for a detailed Excel breakdown of orders and deliveries by airline.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Aviatize

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Tom Verbruggen – the Founder and CEO of Aviatize – all-in-one digital platform to manage all processes needed in a flight school, flying club, operator, or maintenance facility.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Overview: Tom Verbruggen, CEO of Aviatize, discussed the company’s history and growth. Aviatize provides an advanced all-in-one and customizable digital platform for flight schools to manage all key processes. They initially started with drone operators in 2015 and expanded to manned aviation in 2019.
  • Recent Developments: Aviatize recently partnered with LOT Polish Airlines Flight Academy as their TMS provider and established its commercial headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, to support rapid growth in the U.S. market.
  • Industry Trends: Tom noted increasing demand for pilots and pilot training, particularly in Asia, driven by rising air travel and the retirement of older pilots. He highlighted a trend towards the need for operational efficiency and the use of advanced software and technologies like augmented reality in pilot training.
  • Challenges for Flight Schools: Aviatize helps flight schools address the challenge of training more pilots efficiently and safely without increasing their administrative burden. It also offers tools for data-driven decision-making and improving safety through proactive measures.
  • Unique Selling Points: Aviatize offers a powerful advanced all-in-one platform designed to streamline flight school operations by integrating all key processes such as training planning and follow-up, billing, maintenance planning and execution, safety, documentation management and compliance into a single smart and adaptable system. With advanced features in each module, the platform caters to the needs of both small flight schools and large academies, offering highly configurable options that adapt to each organization’s unique workflows which often is not the case with other solutions. A standout feature is the mobile companion app, which allows students and instructors to access critical information and track and replay flights. By providing data-driven insights on most of the data points that are captured by the system, Aviatize helps schools make proactive, informed decisions, improving student progress, safety, and overall performance.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.
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Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Launches Flight Instructor Recruitment Campaign in October 2024

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 launched a recruitment campaign to expand its flight instructor team at Neemuch or Dhana. Please see an extract of the job post below.

“About Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA)

With a legacy spanning over 16 years, a modern fleet of 22 Aircraft (30 more on order) and two training bases located in Madhya Pradesh, Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) has solidified its position as India’s leading Flying Training Organization (FTO).

Globally, an FTO’s credibility is often measured by its Cadet Program approval from an airline, a testament to its commitment to top-notch training. CAA, hosting a yearly batch of 120 cadets, proudly holds the largest Cadet Pilot Program in partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading airline. CAA is also proud to be the only Indian owned FTO that IndiGo has partnered with for this program.

As a market leader in an exciting industry, CAA is poised for outstanding growth in times to come. We are building a team of committed and high energy individuals who are passionate about working for a world class flying school.

About the Role

Reporting into the Chief Flight Instructor, a Flight Instructor/Assistant Flight Instructor is responsible for delivering exceptional flight, simulator, and ground instruction to students in accordance with the rigorous standards set forth by Chimes Aviation Academy. With a steadfast commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism, the incumbent will guide students through comprehensive theoretical and practical flying lessons, setting a high standard through exemplary conduct and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

  • Providing instruction to students in practical and simulator training, while strictly adhering to Training and Safety Standards, Quality standards, and Company Directives.
  • Monitoring, planning, and assisting Cadets to ensure timely progress through the course, promptly and proactively addressing or escalating any challenges or delays
  • Achieving their planned quote of “Responsible Hours” by navigating and hand holding their assigned responsible cadets effectively through the system
  • Demonstrating and promoting safe behaviour consistently, ensuring students comprehend and practice all aspects of the Safety Management System.
  • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of student progress and flight-related administration, including exam planning
  • Exemplifying professionalism, discipline, and safety; serving as a role model to students and leading by example
  • Conducting regular inspections of aircraft and reporting any discrepancies to the appropriate authorities
  • Attending administrative meetings, standardisation sessions, and in-service training as assigned, and participating in outreach events as required.
  • Identifying and implementing enhancements for practical instruction and Training Standards, collaborating with stakeholders to elevate safety and quality standards

Additional Responsibility for Flying Instructor: Flight Authorizations, under the supervision of CFI

Key Processes to be followed:

  • Conducting practical and simulator flight training for students.
  • Completing student and flight-related administration accurately and promptly.
  • Upholding the Safety Management System in all aspects of instruction.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Ability to thrive in a structured environment with a strong team-oriented mindset
  • Results-driven with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Capability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Proficiency in MS Word, MS Outlook and flight logger applications
  • Hold a current Commercial Pilot License
  • Possess a Flight Instructor/Assistant Flight Instructor Rating
  • Endorsement on C172, PA28 & DA42 preferable

Work Experience Requirements

  • Minimum requirements as outlined in Training Standards and mandated by local aviation authorities.
  • Previous experience as a trainer is advantageous.

Salary on Offer

Salary is negotiable and will be commensurate to prior experience and skills

Performance Bonus- Performance Linked Bonuses”

For more information contact Chimes Aviation Academy.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy

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Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training Expands Presence in India with 3rd Consultancy Center

BAA Training, which operates full flight simulator training centers and flight schools around the world, achieved a significant milestone in September, 2024, with the opening of its third consultancy center in India, located in Bengaluru. This new center joins BAA Training’s other established centers in Gurugram and Mumbai, providing aspiring pilots with more accessible opportunities for advanced training.

The Bengaluru consultancy center already hosted a highly successful Open Door Day, drawing over 40 participants, including prospective student pilots and their families. The event showcased BAA Training’s renowned Indian Cadet Program, offering aspiring pilots the unique opportunity to obtain both EASA and DGCA dual licenses, equipping them to fly both domestically and internationally.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

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