Market Intelligence: -Investments and Acquisitions

Global Flight Training Group, Airways Aviation, Acquires Italian Flight Training Organisation Professione Volare

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has shared that it has acquired Professione Volare, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious commercial Flight Training Schools. Announcement from Airways Aviation below.

“This acquisition represents a major milestone in the history of Airways Aviation and aligns with our strategic vision to maintain our position as one of the world’s leading providers of aviation education and training.

Founded in 1994, Professione Volare has long been recognised as a cornerstone of aviation education in Italy. With a legacy that now spans 30 years, the institution has built an outstanding reputation for its commitment to excellence in training aspiring Commercial Pilots. By acquiring Professione Volare, Airways Aviation not only extends its footprint in Europe but also enhances its ability to deliver top-tier aviation training through a combination of advanced technology, experienced faculty, and a rich tradition of quality instruction.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Professione Volare into the Airways Aviation family. This acquisition represents a significant advancement in our mission to expand our footprint and provide our world-class flight training across Europe and the surrounding regions. Professione Volare has a proud and long history of producing exceptional pilots and we are eager to build on this solid foundation as we continue to grow our global network and industry partnerships. We look forward to the continued success that this acquisition and expansion promises to bring,” said Mauro Calvano, CEO of Airways Aviation Italy.

Airways Aviation’s strategic enhancement of its European operations now includes:

  • Professione Volare’s Approved Training Organisation (IT ATO 020), fully certified for ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) training,
  • Maintenance Organisation (IT CAO 024 – formerly a Diamond Service Centre).

This facility is fully approved and equipped for comprehensive maintenance on the Diamond fleet, further supporting the operational efficiency and safety of Airways Aviation’s training aircraft.

The Airways Aviation European fleet has now expanded by nine aircraft, including Diamond DA42, DA40, and DA20 models, all renowned for their reliability and advanced technology. Notably, Professione Volare was one of the first operators of Diamond training aircraft in Italy, and its expertise in this area will greatly benefit Airways Aviation’s training programs, further solidifying its position as the operator of the largest Diamond Aircraft fleet in Europe.

In addition to expanding its fleet, enhancing its capabilities, and ensuring that students have access to the best training equipment across multiple locations, Airways Aviation has acquired ownership of Professione Volare’s hangars, classrooms, operations, and administrative buildings, as well as an additional ALSIM ALX simulator for its training resources in Italy. These additions complement the existing and expanding number of owned and operated facilities and equipment across Airways Aviation globally.

In further news, Airways Aviation Professione Volare is finalising the renovations and fit-out of its new Aviation Theory / Ground Training Centre located within Volandia (Italys largest Aeronautical Museum) adjacent to Milan Malpensa International Airport. Upon completion, this facility will deliver EASA-certified Theory Programs to complement the practical flying facilities in both Forli and a new fair-weather base in Southern Italy.

This acquisition is not just about expanding physical assets; it is part of a global vision for aviation excellence with a strong, strategic European presence. It supports management, staff, and airline industry needs by providing the right professional quality of training and resources, while enriching the educational experience for aviation cadets and students worldwide. By integrating Professione Volare’s esteemed program into its offerings, Airways Aviation is poised to continue delivering an unparalleled level of well located resources, ensuring that the aviation industry is supplied with graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

“The acquisition of Professione Volare is yet another pivotal moment in our journey to redefine aviation education and training on a global scale. This strategic move not only strengthens our presence in Europe but also deepens our commitment to the aviation industry generally. As we integrate decades of quintessentially Italian expertise into our global network, Professione Volare’s legacy of excellence, combined with Airways Aviation’s unique business model, innovative approach and global reach, ensures that we are uniquely positioned to continue to shape the future of aviation.,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of the Airways Aviation Group.

About Airways Aviation

With over 45 years of international experience and a growing number of education & training locations strategically positioned across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, the Airways Aviation Group boasts being the largest privately owned group of multidisciplinary aviation academies of its kind delivering first class Military and Commercial Pilot training. Our advanced education & training programs couple practical & theory techniques within courses that are designed to match the rapidly increasing demand for Military and Civil clients seeking optimum training and licensing outcomes. The Airways Aviation Group has trained more than 10,000 EASA and CASA certified commercial pilots, graduated over 25,000 cabin, ground handling and maintenance professionals, and maintains Europe’s largest fleet of Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42 aircraft along with multiple Cessna 172, Cessna 182, and Piper Seminole aircraft with a diverse range of avionics systems and retractable undercarriage.

About Professione Volare

Founded in 1994, Professione Volare is one of Italy’s most respected flight training institutions. With decades of experience, the school has a proven track record of producing highly skilled commercial pilots who are well-prepared for careers in aviation. For 30 years, Professione Volare has been a reference point in Italy for aeronautical training, having trained numerous professional pilots who have obtained their licenses and ratings and now work as Commanders or First Officers in airlines around the world.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

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Flight Training Financing Provider Stratus Financial Announces New Up to $50 Million Forward Flow Facility

Stratus Financial LLC, a trusted consumer finance platform committed to providing student loans to aspiring student pilots at all levels of experience, announced a forward flow facility of up to $50 million from funds managed by Monachil Capital Partners LP (“Monachil”). Stratus intends to use the new financing to originate new student loans, further diversifying its existing base of capital providers. The new financing partnership includes an initial sale of Stratus’ existing portfolio of loans and will primarily support the origination of new loans.

“This level of partnership with Monachil Capital Partners represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our capital markets strategies. This partnership not only underscores the growing sophistication of our approach but also reflects our commitment to fostering institutional relationships that drive our mission forward,” said Alan Rios, Chief Investment Officer at Stratus.

“Stratus has built an impressive origination and servicing platform serving a highly-attractive niche in consumer lending. Stratus has a unique business model and generates attractive assets in an underserved market, providing much-needed solutions to consumers,” said Jacob Zeldin, Portfolio Manager at Monachil. “We believe strongly in the Company’s mission and look forward to supporting its growth plans with this new partnership.”

“This new financing agreement with Monachil Capital Partners aligns Stratus with a capital partner that shares our vision and enhances our ability to deliver impactful solutions to the aviation education market,” said Anthony Geraci, CEO and Co-Founder of Stratus. “Monachil has proven to be a valuable partner, demonstrating a deep understanding of our business and values. We are excited to build this partnership and continuing to provide our borrowers with a seamless and exceptional lending experience.”

“This new round of funding will empower more aspiring aviators to earn their wings in 2024, solidifying Stratus’ position as the premier provider of flight training financing,” said Brandon Martini, COO and Co-Founder of Stratus. The Monachil partnership supports future growth at Stratus, which since inception, has originated more than 600 loans and is currently working with more than 260 FAA-chartered flight schools throughout North America. Stratus has also been recognized for its particular focus on super-prime borrowers giving the Company an edge over other consumer finance strategies. Edgar Matthews & Co. LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Stratus on the transaction.

About Monachil
Founded in 2019, Monachil Capital Partners LP is a Greenwich, CT based private credit manager focused on opportunistic investing. The firm specializes in providing bespoke funding to global lending and tech-enabled platforms that operate in the alternative lending space and are participating in the disintermediation of the traditional banking complex. Monachil leverages proprietary technology to create an interface with borrowers’ platforms, enabling the consumption of real-time data and allowing for the active management of inherent risks.

About Stratus Financial
Founded in 2020 by FAA Certified Flight and Ground Instructors who are passionate about helping others achieve their dreams of flight, Stratus is a consumer finance platform providing flexible and innovative educational funding solutions to students pursuing aviation education and training. Stratus is fully geared to marry Student Success and School Success with several programs designed for Flight Schools, by Flight Schools and is on a mission to help aspiring pilots achieve their flight dreams as swiftly as possible through hassle-free flight school loan programs.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial

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Middle East Based Pilot Training Operator Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Planning on Investing Up to $20 Million Over Next 5 Years

Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), a subsidiary of Mehyou Group, which operates Airways Aviation branded flight training organisations in Lebanon and Cyprus has shared in an interview that it is aiming on investing up to USD 20 million over the next five years

“We are actively studying multiple geographic locations to identify promising investment opportunities, aiming to invest up to $20 million in the next five years. By prioritising markets with high demand and a lack of adequate training infrastructure, we aim to significantly impact the future of aviation education and the development of skilled professionals across diverse regions,” shared Wissam Mehyou, CEO and Chairman of IAE.

For its new training base in Larnaca, Cyprus IAE is procuring a new and efficient fleet and is “we are actively exploring avenues such as electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels,” according to Mr Mehyou.

Further announcements will be made towards the end of 2024 with IAE following a plan to invest up to USD 4 million in new training centers in the Middle East.

Source: IAE

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TXT Acquires Majority Stake in Flight Simulation Software Provider ProSim Training Solutions

  • TXT e-solutions S.p.A. (“TXT”) announces a further investment in ProSim Training Solutions (ProSim-TS) through the exercise of the option to purchase 20% of the company’s capital, as a result of which TXT holds a majority stake of 60%;
  • ProSim-TS is recognized as an emerging tech entity in the Aerospace & Defence training market thanks to a high business growth rate that has led to over 300 simulator installations worldwide based on innovative technologies;
  • ProSim-TS’s innovative tools are synergistically integrated into the proprietary solutions portfolio of the PACE Group, fostering the international growth of TXT’s Smart Solutions division;
  • For 2024, ProSim-TS’s revenue is expected to exceed EUR 3.5 million, growing by over 30% compared to 2023, generated from the sale of proprietary software, with expected profitability of 15% despite significant investments in product portfolio innovation exceeding EUR 1.5 million, which will be fully expensed in the year;
  • For the 2025-2026 biennium, ProSim-TS’s industrial plan anticipates sustained business growth driven by synergies within the PACE Group and the commercialization of new proprietary solutions, with expected revenue CAGR exceeding 30%;
  • Following the option exercised by TXT today, the investment agreement includes further Put/Call options expiring upon approval of the financial statements closing on Decem ber 31, 2025, under which TXT will acquire the remaining 40% of ProSim-TS, with additional earn-outs for the selling shareholders.

TXT e-solutions S.p.A. (“TXT”), a company listed on the STAR Segment of the Electronic Stock Market organized and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., announces that on July 8, 2024, it exercised the option to purchase an additional 20% of the capital of ProSim Train ing Solutions (ProSim-TS), as a result of which TXT holds a majority stake in ProSim-TS amounting to 60% of its capital. TXT will consolidate the results of ProSim-TS starting from July 1, 2024.

Hanne Koole, CEO and shareholder of ProSim-TS commented “we have further strength ened our cooperation with our colleagues from TXT by them acquiring a second tranche of shares into ProSim. Over the past two years, they have significantly contributed to our growth both on the business side as well as technical capability, looking forward to con tinuing value creation and strengthen our positioning as leader in the Aerospace & Defence market”.

“An important step in our international growth plan that leads to the consolidation of our Smart Solutions portfolio” commented Daniele Misani, CEO of TXT Group, “We are creating an excellent team and a unique offering to increase our global presence in a market that has always been strategic for TXT”.

TXT is an international IT Group, end-to-end provider of consultancy, software services and solutions, supporting the digital trans formation of customers’ products and core processes. With a proprietary software portfolio and deep expertise in vertical domains, TXT operates across different markets, with a growing footprint in Aerospace, Aviation, Defense, Industrial, Government and Fintech. TXT is headquartered in Milan and has subsidiaries in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore and the United States of America. The holding company TXT e-solutions S.p.A, has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, STAR segment (TXT.MI), since July 2000.

Source: TXT Group

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Indian Airport Development Company Signs Agreement with Flag Carrier to Establish India’s Largest Flight Training Organisation

Amravati, India – MADC (Maharashtra Airport Development Company) and India’s flag carrier Air India proudly announce an agreement to establish the largest Flying Training Organization (FTO) in South Asia at Amravati Airport, Maharashtra. This pioneering initiative marks the first FTO established by any airline in India.

  • Project timeline: Flight training operations are set to begin by April-May 2025, with full functionality expected by mid-2026.
  • Pilot training capacity: The DGCA-licensed FTO will aim to train 180 commercial pilots annually, utilizing 31 single-engine and three twin-engine aircraft, totaling over 36,000 flight hours each year.
  • Economic Impact: The project is anticipated to boost the economic prospects of the Vidarbha region, creating over 3,000 jobs in the aviation sector and allied industries.

Key features of the location:

  1. Superior visibility: Amravati offers more than 300 days of clear visibility for flight training, surpassing many other regions in India.
  2. Optimal airspace: The location provides optimal airspace for training activities.
  3. World-class runway: Constructed by MADC, the runway meets international standards.
  4. Instrument approach landing: The airport is equipped with instrument approach landing capabilities, enhancing training quality.
  5. Night landing capabilities: These features make Amravati’s aviation infrastructure one of the best for aspiring pilots.
  6. UDAN-RCS Scheme: Amravati Airport is included in the UDAN-RCS scheme, with plans for an Alliance Air (regional operator) route connecting Amravati to Mumbai, further boosting regional connectivity.

Statements

  • “This DGCA-licensed FTO, the first of its kind established by an airline in India, represents a significant step towards addressing the pilot shortage in the Indian aviation industry,” said an Air India spokesperson.
  • “The project is expected to generate over 3,000 jobs and significantly contribute to the economic development of the Vidarbha region,” noted a representative from MADC.

About MADC

Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is dedicated to the development and management of aviation infrastructure in Maharashtra, fostering economic growth and connectivity in the region.

Source: MADC

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