Market Intelligence: -Investments and Acquisitions

New Texas FTO Acquisition Rebranded to Spartan Flight Academy

Texas, USA – Spartan Education Group (SEG) has formally rebranded Aviator Air Flight School as Spartan Flight Academy, following its acquisition of the long-standing Texas-based flight training provider. This move reinforces SEG’s strategic expansion into the U.S. Southwest and aligns the location with its growing nationwide network of aviation training institutions.

  • The rebranding of Aviator Air to Spartan Flight Academy reflects the integration of the Grand Prairie-based flight school into the SEG portfolio, which now includes over 160 training aircraft across multiple states.

  • The acquisition was completed on October 15, 2025, with SEG assuming full operational control of the FAA Part 61 training facility located at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM).

  • The academy will retain its experienced team and student-focused approach, while gaining access to SEG’s network, industry partnerships, and training infrastructure.

  • The location offers training towards five FAA certificates and ratings: Private Pilot (ASEL), Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

  • SEG’s expansion into Texas complements its existing schools in Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, and California, furthering its mission to address growing global pilot demand.

  • Rob Polston, CEO of SEG, noted that with the addition of Spartan Flight Academy, SEG’s training network now operates one of the largest U.S. flight training fleets.

Statements

  • “We are thrilled to welcome Aviator Air to Spartan Education Group… Spartan’s aviation training network now includes more than 160 aircraft… making it one of the nation’s larger flight training networks,” said Rob Polston, CEO of SEG.

Source: Spartan Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Spartan Flight Academy

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Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Expands Investment in Greece

Greece – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), through its training division Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), has announced an expansion of its Greek operations, including infrastructure investments at Heraklion Airport and a strategic intake initiative targeting GCC aspiring pilots.

  • IAE will invest further in Greece, particularly at Heraklion Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis), where enhancements include aircraft fleet upgrades aimed at improving operational efficiency and service quality.

  • Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA), in collaboration with local partner Cretan Eagle Aviation, is launching an exclusive intake program for aspiring pilots from the GCC region.

  • Beginning January 2026, limited EASA pilot training seats will be reserved for students from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar.

  • The Greece-based FlyIAA Academy offers an accelerated ATPL programme with a 16–18 month timeline, leveraging favourable Mediterranean flying conditions and modern training infrastructure.

  • The fleet includes Diamond DA40s, Piper Seneca PA-34s, and the AL250 FNPT II simulator—supporting both VFR/IFR and multi-engine training.

  • This move aligns with FlyIAA’s multi-base expansion model, which includes facilities in the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, targeting global and regional pilot training markets.

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise
Photo Credit: Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise

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FlyIAA Global Expands into Europe Through Share-Exchange Agreement with CAFA

United Arab Emirates & Cyprus – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) and MA Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, establishing a board-level partnership through a mutual share-exchange between Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA Global) and CAFA – Cyprus Airways Flying Academy. The agreement positions CAFA as a new European base within the FlyIAA Global training network and marks a significant expansion of IAE’s international footprint.

  • The collaboration grants FlyIAA Global an operational presence in Europe while integrating CAFA into a wider global training structure spanning the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

  • A Joint Integration Board will oversee the partnership, guiding brand alignment, fleet-modernisation plans, new training-programme development, and the establishment of additional satellite training bases.

  • The alliance aims to strengthen CAFA’s position within the European training market and support FlyIAA Global’s long-term vision for scalable, multi-continent aviation-training operations.

Statements

  • “This is more than a partnership; it is a milestone that reshapes our global footprint. Cyprus will become one of the most important hubs in our network, powered by a new fleet, new programs, and a strategic vision aligned with FlyIAA Global’s future.” Wissam Mehyou, CEO, Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise.

  • “By joining forces with IAE and FlyIAA Global, CAFA takes a decisive step toward becoming a leading European aviation academy. This partnership brings new strength, clear direction, and a global horizon.” Mikhael Alenkin, Owner, MA Group.

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy

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InstructAir and Skyfarer Academy Finalize Acquisition, Uniting Two Aviation Training Innovators

USA — Skyfarer Academy, a fast-growing aviation training platform, has completed its acquisition of InstructAir, a digital marketplace previously dedicated to connecting flight instructors and pilots. The integration consolidates two platforms into a single nationwide system aimed at improving access to instruction, modernising administrative workflows, and reducing fragmentation in the flight-training environment.

  • InstructAir’s standalone website and app have been retired, with active instructor profiles, listings, and non-sensitive data migrated to the Skyfarer platform.

  • The combined platform offers a unified destination for discovering and booking flight instructors, accessing training resources, and engaging in mentorship across the contiguous United States.

  • Skyfarer Academy notes that flight-instructor turnover remains high, with an estimated 80–90% of new instructors leaving within one to two years for airline or corporate roles—creating persistent gaps for student pilots seeking consistent instruction.

  • Skyfarer’s system integrates instructor listings, scheduling, payments, and transparent qualification profiles, helping reduce inefficiencies associated with outdated instructor directories and unstructured communication.

  • Following the migration, Skyfarer now supports instructors and schools across 48 states and covers a wide range of training categories, including SEL, MEL, seaplane, rotorcraft, glider, and small UAS.

  • The platform has expanded through partnerships with flight schools, flying clubs, and industry organisations, including a recent cooperation with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

  • Skyfarer plans to launch a dedicated Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) category to improve checkride scheduling transparency and streamline certification access for students nationwide.

  • A new Concierge Service has been introduced to match students directly with suitable instructors, providing personalised support and reducing the effort required to find qualified, available instructors.

Statements

  • “InstructAir began with a mission to make finding a flight instructor easier and to reengage inactive instructors. We’re proud to see that vision expand under Skyfarer Academy—helping more pilots connect, learn, and grow.” Adam Skinner, Founder, InstructAir.

  • “Students frequently tell us how hard it is to find the right instructor—not just someone nearby, but someone who’s truly available and a good fit for their goals. Our approach is to close that gap—to build a better, more reliable connection between students and instructors.” Nick Tsang, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyfarer Academy.

  • “This is about making aviation education smarter, more transparent, and more human. We want to empower both sides—giving students confidence in who they train with, and giving instructors the systems they need to succeed.” Nick Tsang, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyfarer Academy.

For more information visit the Skyfarer Academy website.

Source: Skyfarer Academy
Photo Credit: Skyfarer Academy

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