Market Intelligence: Middle East

Bristell to Showcase B23 IFR Aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025

United Arab Emirates – Czech aircraft manufacturer Bristell has announced its participation in the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2025, where it will showcase the Bristell B23 IFR, a modern light aircraft designed for both private and training use. The company will also introduce Aviation Home, its newly appointed Qatar-based dealer, marking an expansion of Bristell’s presence in the Middle East aviation training and general aviation markets.

The B23 IFR, certified under EASA CS-23, is optimized for flight training and IFR instruction, making it suitable for flight schools and private owners seeking advanced training aircraft options.

Source: Bristell

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Airbus Helicopters Supports Fred North’s Global Mentorship Program for Young Pilots

Global – Airbus Helicopters has partnered with veteran stunt pilot Fred North to sponsor the Helicopter Safety Mentorship Program, a global initiative designed to connect young aviators with experienced mentors to enhance safety and professional development across the rotorcraft industry.

  • The programme, founded by Fred North — one of the world’s most recognised helicopter pilots in film and television — links early-career pilots with seasoned peers to provide guidance on operational decision-making, safety practices, and career progression.

  • More than 350 pilots worldwide are currently enrolled, with a further 40 on the waiting list, representing participants from North America, Europe, South Asia, and Latin America.

  • The mentorship structure allows flexible engagement between mentors and mentees, typically involving short, periodic exchanges to discuss topics such as mission planning, stress management, and operational risk.

  • Airbus Helicopters views the initiative as part of its holistic aviation safety strategy, focusing not only on technical innovation but also on pilot mindset, training quality, and human factors.

  • The company’s Head of Aviation Safety and Quality, Florence Verlut, highlighted that Airbus’ support for the programme aligns with its Zero Accidents roadmap by encouraging knowledge transfer between generations of pilots.

  • Airbus test pilot Olivier Gensse is among the mentors participating in the programme, contributing decades of operational experience to the next generation of rotorcraft professionals.

Statements

  • “We’ve done so much mechanically in the past 40 years that today helicopters are really reliable, if you do the maintenance correctly. Now, the weak part is us, as pilots, as human beings,” said Fred North, founder of the Helicopter Safety Mentorship Program. “I would love every young pilot doing his commercial license to be part of the programme. It can help create a safer environment because they can ask questions now and not make that mistake eight years later.”
  • “Airbus’ strategy is holistic — to not only look at the product, but to look at everything that can enhance safety. Fred’s mentors can reach all types of pilots, and his willingness to think about the future by upskilling the new generation aligns with Airbus’ safety roadmap,” said Florence Verlut, Head of Aviation Safety and Quality at Airbus Helicopters.

Source: Airbus

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Blackshape and Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Jointly Exhibit at Dubai Airshow 2025

Europe & Middle East – Blackshape Aircraft, the Italian aircraft manufacturer known for its advanced composite training and surveillance platforms, is exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow 2025 in partnership with Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE). The two companies are showcasing their aircraft and pilot training offering at the Inspiration Zone, Booth 2027, from 17–21 November.

This appearance follows a year of active collaboration between the two organizations under their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abu Dhabi, which formalized a strategic partnership to expand training, defense, and civil aviation solutions across Europe and the Middle East.

In December 2024 AFM reported that Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) welcomed the arrival of the Blackshape Gabriél aircraft at its base in Cyprus. The aircraft underwent a series of test flights and assessments by IAE’s expert teams to explore its applications in firefighting and military training, surveillance, and specialized civil missions.

Learn more about Blackshape Aircraft by listening to its AFM interview earlier this year.

Source: Blackshape Aircraft & Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise
Photo Credit: Blackshape Aircraft

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Keyvan Aviation – Aeronautical and Navigation Database Solutions for Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Mehmet Keyvan, CEO & Chairman at Keyvan Aviation (Keyvan Group), offering Big Data solutions and services in the aviation field, including with the approved Aeronautical and Navigation Database for Aircraft Avionics Systems, Flight Simulators and Flight Planning systems, and many other tailored data solutions.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Origins & Mission: Mehmet Keyvan founded Keyvan Aviation to provide certified global aeronautical and navigation data essential for flight operations, avionics, and simulators. As an EASA Type 1 Data Provider, the company ensures aviation stakeholders have access to precise, regulatory-compliant databases used by airlines, flight schools, and simulator operators.
  • Commitment to Data Quality & Certification: Mehmet Keyvan emphasized that “flying without data is like flying with closed eyes,” highlighting the importance of reliable, certified information in aviation safety and training. The company’s focus is on delivering trustworthy, high-quality data tailored to each client’s specific system and operational needs.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Innovation: Keyvan Aviation collaborates with major simulator and tech firms like Quantum3D, Simnest, and HAVELSAN to integrate high-quality data into 3D simulations and AI-powered systems. These partnerships aim to improve training realism and data analytics, supporting the growing need for efficient, modern pilot training solutions.
  • AI, Digitalization & Data-Driven Training: Mehmet believes artificial intelligence and real-time data will transform how pilots are assessed and trained, enabling more targeted and adaptive learning. By analyzing simulator data, instructors can identify weaknesses and tailor future sessions, enhancing safety and operational readiness.
  • Vision & Competitive Edge: Keyvan Aviation differentiates itself through its global data coverage, competitive pricing, and 24/7 technical support. With coverage of over 55,000 aerodromes and heliports worldwide, the company combines certification, quality, and customer service to meet the evolving needs of the aviation training industry.

 For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Royal Jordanian Air Academy Announces 2025 Appointment for Chief Ground Instructor

Jordan – flight training organisation Royal Jordanian Air Academy (RJAA) has appointed Captain Aydam Al Turk as its new Chief Ground Instructor.

  • Captain Aydam Al Turk will lead RJAA’s team of Aviation Theoretical Instructors and oversee the modernisation of training methodologies, enhancement of aviation knowledge delivery, and elevation of student discipline and “aviators‑like” attitudes.

  • The appointment aligns with RJAA’s transformation strategy to “reinstate the longstanding legacy” of the academy, which has operated since 1966 and promotes itself as the “Home of Aviators”.

Source: RJAA
Photo Credit: RJAA

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Emirates Highlights Global Pilot Roadshow in 2026 Including Across Europe and Asia

United Arab Emirates – Emirates has announced the next phase of its global Pilot Roadshow campaign, aimed at attracting experienced flight crew across Europe and Asia. The upcoming events, spanning December 2025 to April 2026, will provide attendees with direct access to Emirates’ recruitment teams and insights into flight crew opportunities with the Dubai-based airline.

  • Emirates’ Pilot Roadshow will visit 20 cities in 17 countries over a five-month period, including key aviation hubs such as Frankfurt, Singapore, London, Milan, and Warsaw.

  • The initiative targets both type-rated experienced pilots and individuals exploring long-term career prospects with Emirates, offering detailed information on career progression, lifestyle in Dubai, and technical requirements.

  • The campaign supports Emirates’ ongoing recruitment strategy amid sustained post-pandemic fleet expansion and delivery of new aircraft, including A350s and 777Xs.

Roadshow Schedule

December 2025

  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Athens, Greece

  • Belgrade, Serbia

  • Budapest, Hungary

January 2026

  • Warsaw, Poland

  • Riga, Latvia

  • Prague, Czechia

February 2026

  • Manchester, UK

  • Belfast, UK

  • London Heathrow, UK

  • London Gatwick, UK

  • Brussels, Belgium

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

March 2026

  • Milan, Italy

  • Bucharest, Romania

  • Frankfurt, Germany

April 2026

  • Hong Kong SAR

  • Singapore

Source: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aircraft to Highlight Advanced Turboprop Trainer at Dubai Airshow 2025

Germany & UAE – Grob Aircraft SE has confirmed that it will participate in the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2025 (17–21 November) at Dubai World Central (DWC) via its UAE partner Remah International Group (RIG). A key highlight will be the static display of the G 120TP military‑trainer aircraft.

  • Grob will be present at Stand 1391 in the U.S. Pavilion, represented by Remah International Group.

  • The G 120TP will be used to showcase Grob’s “modern, scalable, and cost‑efficient integrated training solutions” aimed at air forces and training organisations across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.

Statement

  • “The Dubai Airshow provides a key opportunity to engage with regional and international Air Forces, defense leaders, and aerospace innovators,” said Ra’ad Atoom, Sales – Middle East/North Africa at Grob Aircraft SE. “Together with our partner Remah International Group, we look forward to strengthening our presence in the region and showcasing how the G 120TP supports mission-ready aircrew training worldwide.”

Source: Grob Aircraft
Photo Credit: Grob Aircraft

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Leading Provider of Fire Trainers Flame Aviation Unveils V10 Titan™ Fire Trainer for Long‑Haul Wide‑Body Crew Training

Netherlands – Flame Aviation, a global specialist in cabin fire and smoke training systems, has announced the development of the next‑generation fire trainer, the V10 Titan™, designed specifically to address the training requirements of long‑haul, wide‑body operations in collaboration with a major Middle East carrier.

  • The V10 Titan™ is positioned as a new benchmark in realism, system intelligence and crew training capability, aligned with wide‑body / long‑haul airline operational demands.

  • The product will be revealed in more detail during the upcoming European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) in Cascais, offering training‑centres and airlines an early view of the capabilities and implications.

Source: Robin Pignaker (Flame Aviation)
Photo Credit: Robin Pignaker (Flame Aviation)

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