Market Intelligence: -Interview Series

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – PlaneEnglish

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Muharrem Mane – CEO & Co-Founder of PlaneEnglish. PlaneEnglish developed ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator that enables pilots to learn, practice, and master aviation phraseology and voice communication in an interactive audio and visual simulation environment.

The conversation covers:

  • Introduction to PlaneEnglish and ARSim: PlaneEnglish, co-founded by Muharrem Mane in 2018, developed ARSim, an aviation radio simulator designed to help pilots master radio communication. The tool provides interactive audio and visual simulation environments to enhance aviation phraseology and voice communication skills. Since its launch, ARSim has gained over 700,000 users in 150+ countries.
  • Partnerships and Industry Collaborations: PlaneEnglish collaborates with both civilian and military aviation institutions. Notable partners include Lift Academy, Turkish Airlines Flight Academy, and several universities. The company also works with the U.S. Air Force, supporting undergraduate pilot training and providing English language training for international pilots through the Defense Language Institute.
  • Advancements in ARSim with AI and UI Enhancements: PlaneEnglish has continuously improved ARSim by integrating AI-powered Q&A features and intuitive UI enhancements. These features help pilots better understand aviation phraseology, interact with realistic flight displays, and receive AI-assisted feedback on their communication skills. The tool now supports VFR and IFR communications across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web.
  • Impact on Pilot Training and Industry Challenges: The aviation industry faces a high demand for pilots, with bottlenecks in instructor availability and aircraft shortages affecting training timelines. PlaneEnglish helps address these challenges by allowing students to practice radio communication before flight training, making them more confident and efficient in the cockpit. This reduces training time and enhances the learning experience.
  • Commitment to Safety and Efficiency: By enabling pilots to develop strong radio communication skills before flying, ARSim helps reduce cognitive load in real-flight scenarios, improving safety and efficiency. Instructors report that students using the simulator are more confident and require less time to grasp in-air communication, allowing them to focus on actual flight maneuvers and decision-making.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Padpilot

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Nathan Gray – CEO at Padpilot, one of the world’s leading digital publishers of pilot training material for flight training organisations and aspiring pilots.

The conversation covers:

  • Introduction to Padpilot: Leading provider of digital aviation learning resources that has been producing educational materials since 2011 to support pilot training worldwide.
  • Padpilot’s Products & Innovations: Padpilot offers various courses: Foundation, PPL(A), ATPL(A) and ATPL(H) theory teaching and learning resources available on all devices, and AI-powered tools such as the Padpilot Briefing Room. The company focuses on making aviation education more engaging through animations, simple English explanations, and 3D graphics.
  • Industry Partnerships & Market Presence: The company collaborates with over 160 Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) globally, including major players like Etihad Airways and Lufthansa. Its materials are available across different regulatory frameworks, including EASA and UK CAA.
  • Pilot Demand & Training Challenges: Nathan highlighted the growing global demand for pilots, estimating the need for 500,000–600,000 new pilots over the next decade. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality training, addressing instructor shortages, and ensuring lifelong learning rather than rote memorization.
  • Future Growth & Investment Support: Padpilot’s acquisition by Rose Street Partners has provided the company with the resources to expand into new markets and accelerate its growth. With this investment, Padpilot aims to enhance its offerings, develop new training solutions, and continue innovating in aviation education.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – INTUOS

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Carolina Gianardi – CEO & Co-Founder of INTUOS – AI-IoT software platform for managing aircraft operations and monitoring flight data, designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and pilot situational awareness within pilot training organisations.

The conversation covers:

  • Introduction to Intuos: Carolina Gianardi, CEO and co-founder of INTUOS, introduced the company as an Italian based technology provider revolutionizing aircraft operation management and flight data monitoring. With over three years of technological development, INTUOS aims to bridge the digital and data gap in aviation by offering an integrated platform that enhances efficiency, safety, and decision-making for fleet operators and pilot training organisations.
  • Core Products & Solutions: Intuos offers an integrated software platform, including an operations manager, IoT devices for real-time flight data collection, and analytics for fleet monitoring. The solution is tailored for light and ultralight aircraft, with a focus on flight schools and fleet owners.
  • Industry Trends & Challenges: Carolina highlighted the growing demand for pilots, challenges in training capacity, and the need for innovation in pilot training. She emphasized the role of automation, digitalization, and data-driven insights in improving efficiency and safety.
  • Competitive Edge: Intuos differentiates itself through a fully integrated software solution, real-time flight data transmission, and an AI-powered monitoring system that provides detailed analytics. Unlike traditional GPS trackers, their technology offers comprehensive real-time insights into flight maneuvers.
  • Growth and Industry Impact: Intuos is expanding beyond the Italian market, aiming to establish partnerships and enter the broader European and international aviation sectors. The company is focused on continuous innovation, incorporating customer feedback to refine its solutions and adapt to evolving industry needs. With the increasing demand for pilot training and operational efficiency, Intuos is positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of digital transformation in aviation.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Providing Accelerated Flight Training in the USA – 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Capt.Dr.Gema Goeyardi – Founder & CEO of 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy – a California flight training academy that conducts training under Part 61 to achieve accelerated flight training.

The conversation covers:

  • Unique training model: Captain Gema Goeyardi, the founder and CEO, shared his extensive aviation background and explained the academy’s unique accelerated training model, allowing students to obtain a private pilot license in just 14 days.
  • International Student Base: The academy primarily trains Asian students and offers structured programs from private pilot to commercial multi-engine certification, with additional guidance on courses such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 type ratings.
  • Fleet Growth: 14 Day Pilot Flight Academy has expanded its facilities and fleet to meet growing demand. It upgraded classrooms and added glass cockpit aircraft with autopilot and GPS, including five Piper planes, a Cessna 172, a Piper Seminole, and a Beechcraft Baron 855. A new AATD simulator allows students to complete instrument and flight time training more efficiently.
  • Part 142: The academy is also launching an FAA Part 142-approved type rating center in Orlando, initially offering Airbus A320 training, with plans to expand to Boeing 737.
  • Pilot Demand & Industry Trends: While pilot demand in the US and Indonesia has stabilized, opportunities remain strong in regions like the Middle East and India. Additionally, there is a growing interest in recreational aviation and general aviation training in Southeast Asia.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Latitude Aviation English Services

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Henry Emery – Managing Director at Latitude Aviation English Services Ltd. – an industry leading learning management provider dedicated to the design, development and delivery of quality Aviation English language training and testing solutions.

The conversation covers:

  • Background & History: Henry Emery started his career as an English language teacher and became involved in aviation English in the early 2000s. He co-authored books on aviation English and co-founded Latitude Aviation English Services in 2013. The company provides specialized aviation language training and assessment services.
  • Latitude Aviation’s Services & Clients: Latitude offers tailored English language training and testing solutions for aviation professionals, including pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight schools. Their clients include major airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Aegean Airlines), regulatory authorities (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia), air navigation service providers, flight training academies, and other organizations (CAE, Leonardo).
  • Trends in Aviation Training & AI’s Role: Henry highlighted the growing use of virtual reality (VR) and AI in aviation training, particularly for phraseology training. While AI can assist with structured communication, it still faces challenges in assessing and training spontaneous language use.
  • Future Outlook: Latitude Aviation, like the rest of the industry, experienced challenges during COVID-19 but has seen a strong recovery. The demand for pilot training is resurging, with significant aircraft orders and growing flight school enrollments. However, Henry emphasizes the need for adaptability in an industry that remains volatile due to global events.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

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Full Flight Simulator Manufacturer and Operator Feature – Avion Full Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Manoj Pandey – Group CEO at Avion Full Flight Simulators – a manufacturer and operator of full flight simulators around the globe.

The conversation covers:

  • Avion global presence and expansion: in addition to manufacturer of full-flight Level D simulators Avion is expanding into new markets, including India and the U.S. market in early 2026.
  • New Mumbai Training Center: Avion is launching a training center in Mumbai, featuring six to eight full-flight simulators. Strategically located near the airport, the facility aims to meet India’s increasing demand for pilots and is expected to begin operations by April 2025.
  • Technological advancements in pilot training: Avion is integrating AI into its simulators to enhance training realism. The industry is shifting towards localized training centers for cost-effective solutions, along with regulatory alignment, sustainability, and energy-efficient simulator technology.
  • Commitment to safety & customer service: Avion prioritizes safety by ensuring its simulators provide high-quality pilot training. The company has achieved over 99.8% reliability at its Luton training center and has key clients like Wizz Air and Jet2 actively using its simulators.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Expanding a Global Flight Training Group in 2025 – Airways Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Alexandre Alves – Chief Commercial and Chief Operating Officer at Airways Aviation Group – 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.

The conversation covers:

  • Global Operations and Services: Mr Alves gives an overview of the history of Airways Aviation and its current global pilot training infrastructure – now operating over 100 aircraft
  • 2025 Acquisitions and Growth: The group recently announced its acquisition of the Patria Pilot Training Unit (now called Airways Aviation Nordic) as well as key strategic partnerships with leading flight training organisations in Portugal and Morocco. In 2024 it acquired an Italian flight school to compliment its existing facilities in Italy.
  • Diverse Offering Mix: The group has focused on ensuring that it cater’s to a wide segment of stakeholders including defense, universities, airlines and individual aspiring pilots.
  • Industry Challenges: a large part of the flight training industry has not been increasing the price of flight training in order to cover the cost of training delivery putting significant risk on the European flight training industry in 2025.
  • Industry Outlook: Airways Aviation Group predicts a temporary slowdown in pilot demand in 2025, due to delayed aircraft deliveries to airline, but is focused on consolidating its recent acquisitions and integrating partnerships to prepare for the next industry growth cycle starting in 2025.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Growing Flight Training Infrastructure within India – Chimes Aviation Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Dev Punj – Vice President of Chimes Aviation Academy – one of the largest flight training organisations in India operating over 20 aircraft from 2 bases.

The conversation covers:

  • History: Chimes Aviation Academy was established in 2008 to address India’s shortage of quality pilot training infrastructure. The academy began with 10 aircraft during the global financial crisis, which posed significant challenges. Over the years, the academy has grown significantly and now operates two bases with a fleet of 24 aircraft, training over150 cadets.
  • Fleet Expansion and Future Plans: In 2024, Chimes Aviation Academy expanded its fleet by adding new aircraft, including the Tecnam P2010, Cessna 172, and multi-engine DA42. The academy is also planning to further grow its capacity, with an ambitious goal of adding up to 70 more aircraft in the coming years. To accommodate increasing demand, they are actively scouting locations for a third base in India.
  • Addressing Industry Challenges: The academy has taken proactive measures to address key challenges in the Indian aviation training sector. One key initiative is the Chimes Fight Instructor Retention Program, which ensures a stable pipeline of flight instructors by offering cadets a pathway to join Indigo after serving as instructors for two years.
  • Demand for Pilots in India: The demand for pilots in India continues to grow, with the domestic training infrastructure currently training only 40% of its pilot needs. With record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like Indigo and Air India, the industry is under pressure to meet increasing pilot requirements.
  • Global Collaborations: Chimes Aviation Academy has positioned itself as a global collaborator in the Indian pilot training sector – working with international flight schools to convert foreign pilot licenses for Indian cadets and maintain a reputation for high-quality, efficient training.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Delivering Airline Cadet Pilot Training Program in the Philippines – Airworks Aviation Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Vincent Charles Ong – Owner and President of Airworks Aviation Company – one of the largest flight training organisations in the Philippines.

The conversation covers:

  • Airworks Aviation Company Overview: Established 32 years ago in Cebu, Philippines, Airworks Aviation Company has grown to one of the largest flight training organisations of the country – catering to over 250 students including international student pilots from over 30 different countries using a fleet of 27 aircraft.
  • Strategic Partnerships: In 2024 Airworks Aviation Company was awarded the contract to deliver the Cebu Pacific Air cadetship abinitio pilot training program. This program expand’s the airline’s previous partnership with Airworks and signifies a potential shift in flight training locations in South East Asia – which was historically dominated by flight training organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
  • View of the Local Market Pilot demand and Challenges
  • Unique Advantages of Training in Cebu: Training takes place at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, offering real-world experience from day one, including exposure to international traffic and communication. Cebu’s low cost of living, English-speaking environment, and attractive lifestyle contribute to its appeal as an ideal hub for pilot training.
  • Future Goals: Airworks aims to secure cadet pilot partnerships with other international airlines, particularly in markets like India and Vietnam. The academy also plans to expand its Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program, addressing the high demand for aviation mechanics globally.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – FTD.aero

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Filip Witczak – Product Manager at FTD.aero, a Non-Motion Flight Training Devices Manufacturer based in Poland with expertise in designing and manufacturing flight simulators since 2009.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Background and Growth: FTD.aero, founded in 2009 by Filip Witczak, Cpt. Marcin Ambroziak and Krzysztof (Chris) Kimnes, began as a passion-driven startup in Poland and has grown into a 30-person team specializing in non-motion flight simulators. The company develops Boeing and Airbus-based simulators, offering both type-specific and type-representative devices for global clients, including airlines, flight schools, and universities.
  • Key Products and Innovations: FTD.aero provides EASA and FAA-compliant simulators, including the B737 MAX/NG and A320 models. Devices are tailored to client needs, offering high-fidelity cockpits with many original components for immersive, cost-effective training compared to Level D full-flight simulators. FTD.aero uses ARINC and CANBUS for compatibility with aviation standards and increased reliability. Their in-house engineering allows for full flexibility in configuration and future upgrades of each device built by them.
  • Partnerships and Projects: FTD.aero recently partnered with South Korean airline T’way Air to deliver a B738 simulator convertible to a B73M model to adapt to the airline’s changing fleet. Other successful long-term partnerships include LOT Polish Airlines, Urbe Aero Flight Academy (Italy) and VDL Aviation (Poland), reflecting strong customer satisfaction and trust.
  • Expansion and Market Outlook: The company is targeting international markets, including the booming Indian market, to meet increasing pilot training demands driven by aircraft orders and airline growth. Filip sees opportunities in advanced technologies like AI, VR, and AR to enhance pilot training and address instructor shortages.
  • Challenges and Vision: Filip highlighted regulatory delays as a challenge for adopting advanced training technologies and emphasized the need for updated standards. FTD.aero remains focused on providing tailored, high-quality solutions, emphasizing customer partnerships, long-term support, and cost-effective training for a global market.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

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