Market Intelligence: Middle East

New UAE Based Flight Training Academy Announces Second Base (Al Ain) Plan for 2026

United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy UAE (IAA UAE), the global headquarters of the FlyIAA network, has announced an expansion of its upcoming national training infrastructure with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Falcon Air Strip during the Dubai Airshow 2025. The agreement will seek to establish a second operational base in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, significantly increasing the Academy’s training capacity which is set to begin in Ras Al Khaimah.

  • Operations at the new Al Ain base are scheduled to begin in February 2026, coinciding with the arrival of IAA’s new Diamond Aircraft fleet, which will enter service in early 2026.

  • The expansion will give IAA UAE two fully operational UAE training bases — Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Al Ain

  • Recent strong student intake prompted IAA to target a second base

Source: IAA

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UAE-based Pilot Training Organization Pier Seven Aviation Partners with Wefly 7 Aviation

United Arab Emirates – Pier Seven Aviation, a full flight simulator training center and Approved Training Organization (ATO), has signed an MoU with Wefly7 Aviation to launch a new unmanned-aircraft pilot-training framework in support of autonomous air-cargo operations planned to commence from Dubai in 2027. The partnership marks a significant step toward integrating UAS-based air-cargo solutions into the region’s aviation ecosystem.

  • The collaboration aims to develop comprehensive UAS pilot-training programmes aligned with regulatory requirements set by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and ICAO’s international UAS guidelines.

  • Under the MoU, Pier Seven Aviation will leverage its established training infrastructure—traditionally focused on full-flight simulator programmes for commercial airlines—to expand into the unmanned aviation sector.

  • Wefly7 Aviation, which is preparing for the launch of autonomous cargo services from Dubai in 2027, will collaborate on curriculum development, operational-readiness standards, and pilot-competency requirements tailored specifically for unmanned cargo systems.

The MoU was signed by Capt. Abhishek Nadkarni, CEO and Accountable Manager of Pier Seven Aviation, alongside Shahbaz Zahoor, Head of Sales, and Mr. Ali Al Ameemi, CEO and Vice Chairman of Wefly7 Aviation. The ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Shaikh Rashid Saeed Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman of Pier Seven and Sky One Group.

Pier Seven Aviation operates a fleet of six dynamic simulators, including the A320 NEO, A320 CEO, B737 CL, B737 NG, and B747.

Source: Pier Seven Aviation
Photo Credit: Pier Seven Aviation

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CAE Implements CBTA Principles Across Business Aviation Recurrent Training Offering in 2026

Global – CAE has announced the implementation of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) principles across its Business Aviation recurrent training programs, beginning January 2026.

  • CAE will roll out CBTA-based recurrent training starting with Phase A of the EASA curriculum in January 2026.

  • Clients will have the option to choose between CBTA-based or traditional training formats.

  • CBTA is internationally recognised by FAA, EASA, UK CAA, and Transport Canada, and is championed by ICAO and IATA.

  • The CORe (Continuously Optimized Recurrent) model will structure delivery, embedding scenario-based modules and continuous data-driven assessments.

  • CAE began instructor development for CBTA implementation over a year ago, incorporating mentorship and standardized teaching protocols.

CBTA benefits include:

  • A stronger focus on real-world competency, decision-making, teamwork, and situational awareness.

  • Improved training engagement through modular and scenario-based learning.

  • Enhanced safety and measurable performance feedback aligned with modern operational realities.

Statements:

  • “The adoption of CBTA-Principles is a testament to CAE’s ongoing commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in business aviation,” said Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, “Our advanced training solutions are designed to help pilots and operators thrive in an ever-changing aviation landscape.”

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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AeroGuard Flight Training Center Prepares for First Batch of Cadets from Qatar Aeronautical Academy

USA – global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center (AeroGuard) is enrolling its first batch of cadets from the school’s strategic agreement with Qatar Aeronautical Academy to jointly professionally prepare future commercial airline pilots. Through this partnership, AeroGuard will support Qatar Aeronautical Academy’s mission to develop world class pilots, equipped with expertise and confidence to meet the demands of the aviation industry.

As a leading provider of initial pilot training for airlines and universities across the globe, AeroGuard offers a high-quality curriculum and professional standards that establishes the next generation of commercial airline pilots. Its comprehensive training program for Qatar Aeronautical Academy cadets will prepare these students with the highest standards of safety and student support, bringing them from zero prior flight experience to airline ready.

Qatar Aeronautical Academy’s cadets will train at AeroGuard’s Phoenix, Arizona, USA campus, where they will benefit from over 360 flying days a year with consistent weather and extensive airspace complexity for a well-rounded, valuable flight experience. Arizona is the most popular flight training destination for aspiring pilots, airlines, and universities across the globe due to its expansive aviation infrastructure and ideal flying conditions year-round.

Joel Davidson, AeroGuard CEO, shared “AeroGuard is pleased to partner with Qatar Aeronautical Academy to provide our professionally focused flight training to their cadets, as this agreement reflects our shared commitment to preparing the highest quality pilots. Together, we will continue to set a standard for international flight training excellence.”

QAA’s cadets will earn their QCAA Commercial Pilot Licenses with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings, further establishing AeroGuard’s Phoenix campus as a global training location for the aviation academy. These cadets will train alongside other future pilots from AeroGuard’s international partners Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Air India, and Air New Zealand, as well as its U.S. programs with SkyWest Airlines, Arizona State University, and the United States Air Force.

This agreement is a part of AeroGuard’s ongoing efforts to partner with leading aviation organizations on a global scale, preparing the next generation of career-focused pilots for years to come, while supporting the industry’s growing demand for highly trained professionals.

About AeroGuard Flight Training Center
AeroGuard Flight Training Center is a global leader in ab initio flight training with three U.S. campuses that offer accelerated commercial pilot training programs to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard’s high quality and career-focused curriculum has established airline-ready cadets for over 25 years with more than one million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 8,000 cadets.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Photo Credit: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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Emirates Orders Additional 8 A350‑900 Aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025

United Arab Emirates – Emirates Airline has placed a new order for eight additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft during the 2025 Dubai Airshow, reinforcing its long-haul fleet expansion strategy.

  • Emirates confirmed a US$ 3.4 billion order for eight more Airbus A350-900 aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines.
  • This brings Emirates’ total A350-900 orders to 73 units, of which 13 have already been delivered.
  • The newly ordered aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2031.
  • The airline’s combined orders for Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-9 now total 375 wide-body aircraft.

Statements

  • “The Emirates A350’s entry into service last November has given us welcome additional capacity. It has also enabled us to introduce Emirates’ latest inflight products to more customers, including our popular Premium Economy seats. We look forward working closely with Airbus on the delivery of our remaining aircraft including the new units that we have ordered today.” – HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group
  • “We are pleased to see our long-standing partner Emirates renewing its commitment to the Airbus A350, which continues to set the benchmark for long-haul travel. We look forward to supporting Emirates as it expands its operations with one of the world’s most modern widebody aircraft in the market.” – Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Airbus
  • “The Trent XWB-84 has been setting the industry benchmark for large aero-engines for ten years, demonstrating outstanding durability and low fuel consumption. We extend our gratitude to Emirates for their continued trust in Rolls-Royce and are proud to continue our long-standing relationship.” – Omar Ali Adib, Senior Vice President, Customer – Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, Rolls-Royce

Source: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates

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flydubai Signs MoU at Dubai Airshow 2025 for Additional 75 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

United Arab Emirates – flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for 75 additional 737 MAX aircraft, with options for 75 more, reinforcing its growth strategy.

  • This marks the airline’s fourth 737 MAX order, further solidifying its commitment to the type.
  • The airline currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 aircraft and serves over 135 destinations.
  • The agreement allows flydubai to leverage the range and size flexibility of the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 variants.
  • The order complements flydubai’s 2023 announcement of its first widebody order—30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners—indicating future training diversification needs.
  • The MoU aligns with long-term Middle Eastern market forecasts where single-aisle fleet size is expected to more than double by 2045.

Statements

  • “We are pleased to announce a new aircraft order agreement with Boeing. Looking ahead, proactive fleet planning is essential to ensuring we are well-placed to meet the rising demand for travel… Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to that principle.” – His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai
  • “We are proud to place another 737 MAX order with Boeing, a trusted partner that has played a key role in growing our network… This agreement ensures we remain well-positioned for future growth… including playing a key role in Dubai World Central’s expansion plans.” – His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai
  • “flydubai is one of the world’s first 737 MAX operators and their plan to place yet another order – their fourth order to date – reflects the 737 MAX’s market-leading value and versatility.” – Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing

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Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Places 2025 Order for 10 New Diamond Aircraft

UAE – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), the parent company of the fast-expanding flight training group Intercontinental Aviation Academies (IAA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with training aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft for the acquisition of 10 new training aircraft, underscoring its commitment to growing its multinational pilot training operations.

  • The MoU includes eight DA40 NG and two DA42-VI aircraft, strategically configured for both A6 (UAE) and EASA registrations, supporting fleet standardisation across IAE’s training operations in the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Lebanon, Greece, and Portugal.

  • Initial deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q2 2026, beginning with six DA40 NG and one DA42-VI aircraft, with delivery timelines to be finalised in upcoming negotiations.

  • The partnership includes comprehensive support services such as instructor familiarisation, maintenance training, documentation packages, and spare parts provisioning to ensure operational readiness.

  • The initial aircraft are expected to enter service at IAE’s new UAE facilities as the first batches of local cadets begin flight training in 2026

Statements

  • “This agreement marks another milestone in our expansion strategy. Diamond Aircraft’s modern fleet supports our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and globally standardised pilot training across all our bases. With demand accelerating, this partnership enables us to scale with confidence,” said Capt. Wissam Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise.

  • “We are delighted to support IAE’s growth with our DA40 and DA42 platforms. Their multi-base training model aligns perfectly with our aircraft’s capabilities, efficiency, and safety profile. We look forward to advancing this partnership through the final Purchase Agreement,” said Anton Chirkovski, Head of Civil Aircraft Sales, Diamond Aircraft.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Czech Flight School Training Group F AIR Strengthens Global Ties at Dubai Airshow 2025

Czech Republic & UAE – F AIR, one of Central Europe’s largest flight training group’s, actively participated in Dubai Airshow 2025 to enhance its international partnership footprint and explore advancements in pilot training training solutions.

F AIR’s Head of Training Captain Miroslav Srnec and CCO Viliam Visokai represented the organisation which is already active in the United Arab Emirates through being a flight training partner to Air Arabia Academy’s Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program.

Source: F AIR
Photo Credit: F AIR

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