Market Intelligence: -Investments and Acquisitions

Global Aviation Group Sky One FZE Expands its India Footprint with Significant Acquisitions and Partnership Plans

UAE-based global aviation group Sky One FZE, is actively exploring expansion opportunities in India with significant acquisition plans and new partnerships. Led by Jaideep Mirchandani, the Chairman of Sky One FZE, the company aims to capitalize on India’s flourishing aviation market and contribute to its dynamic growth. With a diverse portfolio of aviation assets, including helicopter charter services under the aegis of Sky One Airways, Sky One FZE has already made its mark, particularly in the Northeast region.

Jaideep Mirchandani stated, “Recent studies highlight India’s immense potential as one of the largest aviation markets in the world, offering significant opportunities for financing in the aircraft leasing segment. Projections indicate that the country could see financing up to USD 100 billion in this sector over the next 20 years.”

These figures underscore the necessity for strategic and definitive actions to be implemented, particularly in the aircraft leasing segment, and Sky One FZE’s India expansion strategy aims to capitalize on these emerging opportunities. In 2023 Star9 Mobility, a consortium of Sky One Airway Pvt. Ltd and Sky One FZE bid (₹181.05 crore) to buy the government’s stake in helicopter services company Pawan Hans in India. 

Mr.Mirchandani believes that Sky One FZE’s commitment to uncompromising safety, reliability with a customer-centricity approach will position it as a valuable contributor to India’s aviation growth story and said, “By 2038, India’s airplane fleet is projected to quadruple in size and reach 2,300 aircraft, with single-aisle planes leading the demand and accounting for nearly 85 percent of new deliveries. Furthermore, by 2050, India’s commercial fleet size is expected to exceed 5,000 aircraft. As experts in leasing, we aim to expand collaborations in the burgeoning Indian aviation sector by partnering with additional aircraft providers to ensure safe and reliable travel for a broader range of customers. We are also exploring possibilities like the acquisition and revival of some partner airlines.”

The worldwide commercial aviation fleet is projected to expand by 33 percent, reaching over 36,000 aircraft by 2033. To meet the growing demand for trained aviation professionals, Sky One FZE’s Pier Seven Aviation has acquired a top aviation training organisation in Bucharest, Romania. Mr. Mirchandani said, “Our focus is to build a world-class workforce with an emphasis on providing ample opportunities to as many aspirants as possible. Most of the students in our academy are from India, and through this recent acquisition, we hope to provide high-quality training to aspiring professionals in India and around the world. With a quality-driven approach, we hope to span all aspects of premier training services and help create the next generation of aviators.”

He also added that Sky One FZE is committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders, industry partners, and regulatory authorities to ensure future initiatives align with India’s aviation vision and contribute to its sustainable growth. “The rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are vital components that we need to consider while planning. Fortunately, India provides a highly positive environment on all these components, which encourages more potential tie-ups to turn the country into a global aviation hub,” said Mr. Mirchandani.

Source: Sky One FZE Press Release

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Middle East Headquartered Full Flight Simulator Training Center Group Acquires European Training Organisation

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates based aviation training organisation and full flight simulator training center Pier Seven Aviation is pleased to announce the recent acquisition by its parent entity, Aerosiva Holdings Limited, of FLY LEVEL, a leading approved training organization based in Bucharest, Romania. This strategic move aims to provide comprehensive training solutions and further solidify its position as a global leader in aviation education.

FLY LEVEL, certified by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority as an Approved Training Organisation, has established itself as a trusted provider of premier training solutions for pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew members, and other aviation-related personnel. With a commitment to adhering to best practices and international rules and standards, FLY LEVEL has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional training programs.

Jaideep Mirchandani, founder and ultimate shareholder of Pier Seven Aviation and FLY LEVEL remarked, “We are delighted to welcome FLY LEVEL into our aviation family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of providing high-quality training and education to aspiring aviation professionals worldwide.”

Captain Abhishiek Nadkarni, CEO & Accountable Manager at Pier Seven Aviation, commented, “With FLY LEVEL’s expertise and reputation, we are confident that together we can offer an even greater range of training programs and continue to shape the future of aviation.”

The acquisition of FLY LEVEL is a significant milestone in the aviation training industry. Both FLY LEVEL and Pier Seven are committed to delivering exceptional training experiences and equipping individuals with the necessary skills and operational capability to succeed in their aviation careers and supporting the needs of Airlines.

FLY LEVEL’s esteemed reputation and certifications combined with Pier Seven Aviation’s state-of-the-art facility and experienced instructors, will further elevate the training offerings and broaden the geographical reach of both organizations. Additionally, this collaboration will allow us to deliver training and services at various new locations based on CAA approval.

About Pier Seven Aviation
With a strong focus on excellence, Pier Seven Aviation provides comprehensive training solutions for a wide range of aircraft types, including the Boeing 737NG, Airbus A320, and Boeing 747-400. Their world-class facilities and experienced instructors deliver industry-leading training programs that meet and exceed international regulatory standards. Pier Seven Aviation continues to invest in cutting-edge simulation technology, enabling pilots to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving aviation landscape. The company’s team of experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities provide a conducive learning environment, ensuring that pilots receive the highest quality training and preparation for real-world aviation challenges.

About FLY LEVEL
FLY LEVEL is a leading Approved Training Organization based in Bucharest, Romania. Certified by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Moldova, FLY LEVEL offers premier training solutions for Air Traffic Controllers, Pilots, Cabin Crew Members, and other aviation-related personnel.

Source: Sky One FZE
Photo Credit: Pier Seven Aviation (shown as meta image)

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Canadian Aviation College and Airport Invest $13 Million into World-Class Pilot Training Center

Aéroport exécutif Gatineau-Ottawa and well know pilot training organisation Collège Select Aviation / Select Aviation College announced the launch in Gatineau, Canada of a world-class pilot training center with investment costs of around $13.1 million. The investment to this pilot training center is a shared one coming from the federal government investing $4.1 million, the province of Quebec with $4.7 million, the City of Gatineau with $1.9 million, and the Gatineau airport itself with $2.4 million. “At the level of the Gatineau airport, we saw an immense potential at the level of the Government of Quebec on the possibility of making a flight school in the foreground and at the forefront,” said Chapleau, Mathieu Lévesque as quoted by local media.

Source: Select Aviation College
Photo Credit: Select Aviation College (shown as meta image)

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Global Pilot Training Group Secures Financing of EUR 27.5 Million to Acquire Additional Full Flight Simulators

Simaero, a French-rooted major player in airline pilot training worldwide, has secured financing of €27.5 million from the Eiffel Investment Group. The company plans to utilize the funding to acquire additional full-flight simulators. This will accelerate its expansion to better serve the continuously rising demand of the aviation industry. Eiffel’s financing commitment is subject to conditions that consider the positive impact on local employment and carbon footprint. These factors will modulate the cost of debt.

A significant player in the airline pilot training industry

Simaero is a French group specializing in airline pilot training on full-flight simulators. Approved and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and many other local authorities, the company offers a comprehensive range of training solutions to help pilots worldwide meet their regulatory requirements regarding simulator training hours.

Since its creation in 2002, the company has established itself as one of the global leading players in the industry. Today, Simaero provides its services to 250+ customers in 80+ countries, including major airlines such as Air France, Air Caraïbes, DHL, Flynas, and Air Algérie, and strategic public players such as the French Air Force.

A steady growth over the last five years

Since 2018 and the investment of RIVE Private Investment as part of a “Management Buy In,” Simaero has rapidly expanded in France and abroad, with local subsidiaries in South Africa, China, and, more recently, India. The group’s recognized expertise in its industry and ability to adapt to strict regulations set by local civil aviation authorities led to a revenue of over €25 million in its last financial year, an increase of +80% from the previous year.

€27.5M* to embark on a new phase of sustainable growth

Simaero management team and shareholders collaborated closely with the Eiffel team to create two Impact Covenants. These covenants demonstrate the company’s dedication to boosting employment in France and decreasing its carbon footprint throughout the financing period. These commitments also provide an incentive for the company, as their successful implementation can lead to a significant reduction in financing costs.

Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero, comments: “Our partnership with Eiffel marks an important milestone in our development. This financing will enable us to strengthen our position in the airline pilot training industry and meet the aviation industry’s growing demand for training and flight safety. We are glad to be working with Eiffel since their approach aligns with our dedication to enhancing our CSR practices.”

Edouard Grimm, Managing Director of Eiffel Investment Group, concludes: “Simaero holds a dominant and promising position in its market with its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia. We are delighted to support its expansion. This financing fully illustrates our strategy of supporting the development of the finest SMEs in France.”

About Simaero

Simaero is a leading player in Full Flight Simulators operations and Pilot Training worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, France, Simaero gives its 250 customers access to over 30 Full Flight Simulators in its five locations in Paris CDG and Dinard, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; Delhi, India and Zhengzhou, China. Simaero is an Approved Training Organization for pilots, certified by EASA and more than 40 other civil aviation authorities, including South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Brazil, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and UAE. Its academy offers a complete set of Type Rating training solutions covering a comprehensive range of aircraft types, including Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A350; Boeing 737, B757, B767, B777, B787; ATR 42/72-500/600, ERJ 145, Beech 1900, Dash 8, MD80/82, and Fokker 100.  Simaero also provides Simulator Engineering Services to numerous customers across the world. The service includes simulator relocation, repair, upgrade, and preparation for certification and operation. In Joint Venture with HNCA, Simaero provides simulator engineering and maintenance services in China.

About Eiffel Investment Group

Eiffel Investment Group is an asset manager with ca. €5 billion under management (data as of end of 2022, including undrawn commitments). Eiffel Investment Group’s clients are large institutional investors (insurers, mutual funds, pension funds, banks, large family offices, and public investors) as well as individuals, through intermediary distribution. Eiffel Investment Group cultivates a strong industrial expertise, particularly in the field of energy transition, but also in health, agri-food and digital. It finances companies and their assets through four main strategies: private debt, energy transition infrastructure, private equity, and listed equities and credit. Eiffel Investment Group’s mission is to invest for a sustainable world. Its investment strategies aim to generate not only a strong financial performance but also a positive impact on the environment and society. The Eiffel Investment Group team has approximately 80 talented employees, mainly in Paris, with presence in Amsterdam, Warsaw, and New York. The Eiffel Transition Infrastructure fund is exclusively reserved for professional clients.

Source: Simaero Press Release

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