Market Intelligence: Middle East

Blackshape Aircraft Signs Saudi Arabia Partnership in 2025

Saudi Arabia – Italian aircraft manufacturer Blackshape Aircraft, part of Angel Holding, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi conglomerate Al-Qahtani during the Italy–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Riyadh, establishing a new commercial partnership for the promotion of Blackshape Aircraft’s Prime and Gabriel training aircraft in the Kingdom. The agreement represents a strategic step in Blackshape’s expansion into the Middle East and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for military and ab-initio training platforms.

  • Under the MoU, Al-Qahtani will serve as Blackshape’s partner for marketing the Prime and Gabriel aircraft across Saudi Arabia, with discussions already underway for potential future local production of Italian-built aircraft in the Kingdom.

  • The agreement was signed by Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni and Abdullah Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Vice President of Al-Qahtani, in the presence of senior leadership from both Angel Holding and Al-Qahtani Group.

  • According to media reports Blackshape Aircraft is also reported to be in active negotiations with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) regarding the potential supply of more than 30 Gabriel aircraft for basic military pilot training.

  • A preliminary phase of the proposed contract would include initial RSAF pilot training in Italy, conducted at Blackshape’s training base located at Grottaglie Airport.

Source: Italian Media Reporting

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Emirates Highlights National Pilot Growth At Dubai Airshow with Nearly 900 Emirati in Workforce

United Arab Emirates – During Dubai Airshow 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, convened with a delegation of Emirati pilots from Emirates Airline, reaffirming the carrier’s strategic focus on developing national talent within its flight deck community.

  • The meeting, held at the Royal Pavilion, included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman & CEO of Emirates.

  • Approximately 40 Emirati pilots — among them two women — met with Sheikh Mohammed and presented their contributions to Emirates’ global operations.

  • Emirates currently has nearly 900 UAE Nationals serving as Captains and First Officers across its fleet.

  • More than 300 Emirati cadets are enrolled at the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), reflecting the airline’s broad investment in home‑grown pilot development.

  • This initiative aligns with Emirates’ broader growth strategy, which includes plans to hire over 1,500 new pilots in the next two years to support fleet and network expansion.

Source: Emirates & Local Media Reporting
Photo Credit: Emirates

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Emirates Flight Training Academy Expands Fleet in 2025 with UPRT Aircraft

United Arab Emirates – The Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), based at Dubai World Central, has incorporated two Gamebird GB1 aircraft into its upset recovery training programme as part of an expanded strategy to prepare ab-initio cadets for advanced airline operations. The addition strengthens the academy’s existing fleet of Cirrus SR22 G6, Diamond DA42NG and Embraer Phenom 100EV aircraft and enhances exposure to high-performance manoeuvring essential for modern airline pilot readiness.

  • The UK-built Gamebird GB1, originally developed by Game Aerospace for aerobatic operations, is being used for five hours of dedicated upset recovery instruction, leveraging its +10g / –10g load factor capability and responsive handling characteristics.

  • The two-seat aircraft is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A engine and equipped with Garmin GX3 avionics and a GFC 500 autopilot, enabling both conventional and advanced manoeuvre training.

  • EFTA recently graduated 85 cadets and currently trains approximately 300 students representing 26 nationalities. Since the academy’s establishment in 2017, 273 graduates have progressed to first officer roles with Emirates.

  • The academy’s wider facilities include 36 classrooms, six full-motion simulators, a dedicated 5,900-foot runway and independent air traffic control services.

  • EFTA operates a fleet comprising 20 Cirrus SR22 G6 piston singles, five Diamond DA42NG piston twins, five Embraer Phenom 100EV light jets, and now two GB1 aerobatic aircraft to reinforce advanced handling skills.

Statements

  • “We’ve adopted a game-changing approach with our training: equip our cadets with the latest tools and technology, recalibrate regularly to prepare for future challenges, and ensure there are zero gaps. We are committed to ensuring our cadets are fully prepared and can contribute in their aviation careers from day one.” – Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President, EFTA

Source: Emirates Flight Training Academy

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer ALSIM Receives Airliner Device Order From Fujairah Aviation Academy

United Arab Emirates – Fujairah Aviation Academy has become the first operator in the Middle East to acquire the ALSIM Airliner, marking a major regional milestone in advanced airline-oriented simulator training. Alongside the Airliner, the Academy has also added an ALSIM AL172 to its fleet, significantly expanding its simulation capability across both ab initio and airline-preparatory training stages.

  • The ALSIM Airliner, certified as an FNPT II MCC device, is a hybrid simulator combining fly-by-wire and conventional flight controls. Designed specifically around APS MCC and MPL Phase II objectives, it develops critical airline competencies such as automation management, crew coordination, leadership, and threat and error management.

  • Its generic airliner architecture supports broad skill transfer, making it suited for cadets transitioning into any future type rating—an important advantage for UAE-based ATOs training multinational student cohorts.

  • The ALSIM AL172, a high-fidelity replica of the Cessna 172SP equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi, GFC 700 autopilot, force-feedback controls, and latest-generation VFR-VS visuals, is certified across EASA FNPT II, FAA AATD/FTD 5 and Transport Canada FTD Level 2 standards. The device strengthens PPL, CPL and IR/SE training availability at the Academy.

  • Fujairah Aviation Academy’s decision builds on a long-standing partnership with ALSIM dating back to its first AL42 acquisition in 2006 and ALX in 2012. With the Airliner and AL172, the Academy now operates simulators representing ALSIM’s full product range.

  • ALSIM highlighted that this delivery represents the first Airliner device in the UAE, bringing total global Airliner orders to 15.

Statements

  • “After evaluating several options, we selected ALSIM because of its strong reputation for reliability, support and realistic flight models. The AL172 is an excellent fit for our single-engine training fleet and allows us to replicate our Cessna 172 environment with a very high level of fidelity, which is essential for ab-initio and instrument training. The ALSIM Airliner simulator provides an advanced platform for MCC, jet orientation and airline-style procedures training. Its flexible configuration, high-quality visuals and robust instructor operating station support our goal of preparing cadets for a smooth transition to airline operations. In addition, ALSIM’s responsive technical support, comprehensive maintenance philosophy and continuous software/hardware upgrades were key factors in our decision, as they ensure long-term value and minimum downtime for our training programs,” shared Captain Jose Sebastian, Compliance Monitoring Manager at Fujairah Aviation Academy.

  • Audrey Jeffroy, Sales and Marketing Director at ALSIM, states: “Since 2006, with the acquisition of their first AL42, followed in 2012 by an ALX, FUJAA and Captain Yalha have shown us continuous and invaluable trust. Today, with the addition of an AL172 and an Airliner, their fleet now spans our entire product range, reflecting their bold and visionary decision to embrace each of our developments. We are especially delighted to welcome our very first Airliner in the UAE region, bringing the total number of Airliner orders worldwide to 15. This new milestone confirms the strength of our partnership with Captain Yalha and the strategic importance of FUJAA in ALSIM’s journey.”

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators. ALSIM is well recognized for its experience and know-how since 1994. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our clients’ needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology. Today, we have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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Oman Aviation Academy Announces the Appointment of Adil Bin Hamood Al Hasani as CEO

Oman – Oman Aviation Academy (OAA) has announced the appointment of Adil Bin Hamood Al Hasani as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the Sultanate’s only flight training organisation.

Last month OAA, based in Sohar, marked the start of a new training cycle with the induction of Batch 013, officially welcoming a fresh group of cadets under both EASA and CAA Oman pathways. This milestone underscores OAA’s continuing expansion as a dual-approval pilot training provider in the region. The batch consists of almost 20 students.

Oman Aviation Academy had received ATO EASA certification in February 2024.

Source: Oman Aviation Academy

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