Market Intelligence: North America

Avenger Flight Group Announces 2025 Appointment for Director of Business Development

USA – Avenger Flight Group (AFG), an operator of full flight simulator training centers around the globe, has announced the appointment of Justin Kinckle as its new Director of Business Development. Kinckle brings a wealth of experience in aviation training and sales, having held key roles at major industry players such as CAE, UAS International, and FlightSafety International.

  • Justin Kinckle began his aviation journey as a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines and holds a B.Sc. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

  • He was recognized by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as one of its Top 40 Under 40 for his leadership and impact within the industry.

Learn more about Avenger Flight Group or Mr. Kinckle by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Avenger Flight Group
Photo Credit: Avenger Flight Group

Related Posts

Elixir Aircraft Signs MoU with Flight Simulator Manufacturer ALSIM to Complement its Integrated Flight Training Solution

France / USA – Elixir Aircraft, the 4th generation training aircraft and ALSIM, the global leader in certified flight training devices, are proud to announce a MoU to deliver a complete and next generation flight training solution combining real aircraft cockpit and high-fidelity flight model for pilot training.

This flight training device will include Garmin® G3X touch avionics, GTN750, GFC 500, GNC 355 and G5 backup instruments. The full cockpit replica of the Elixir aircraft includes single lever, a single throttle control, double slotted flaps switch, ballistic parachute and a landing gear simulator.

The simulator will apply for FTD, AATD (FAA) and FNPT II (EASA) certification standards.

In this agreement, Elixir Aircraft will provide access to aircraft data to develop high fidelity flight model. ALSIM will bring its experience to not only develop best in class simulator but also provide the appropriate service to follow the evolution on time.

Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft, explains: “We are very happy to sign this MoU. As our fleet grows, especially among flight schools aiming to improve their training tools with limited costs and environmental footprint, our customers are asking us to provide a high-quality FNPT II/AATD/FTD5 solution. Elixir Aircraft chose ALSIM based on its high quality immersive simulation for flight training and user experience.”

Jean-Pierre Simon, managing director of ALSIM, adds: “We have built a strong relationship with Elixir Aircraft over the years, united by our shared commitment to equipping pilots with cutting-edge, high-quality training technology. We are excited to further this collaboration as we develop innovative flight training solutions.” 

The flight schools interested in pre order their Elixir Aircraft flight training simulator can contact either ALSIM or Elixir Aircraft sales team.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 200 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020 and very soon FAA FAR Part-23. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs ($50/h fuel and maintenance). There are 35 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. In June 2025, Elixir Aircraft was chosen by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) to renew its fleet of VFR aircraft. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. ALSIM is widely acknowledged for its know-how, built on over 30 years of experience in flight simulation. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. Innovation is at the heart of ALSIM’s mission. By continuously anticipating the evolving needs of flight schools and training centers, the company remains at the forefront of pilot training technology. To date, over 450 ALSIM simulators are installed and certified in more than 60 countries, serving a network of more than 400 clients worldwide.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

Related Posts

Piper Aircraft Receives USD 155 Million Up to 188 Aircraft Order from UND Aerospace

USA — Piper Aircraft is proud to announce a historic new fleet agreement for up to 188 aircraft, valued at approximately $155M, with the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace). This contract solidifies a partnership of nearly four decades that will continue to shape the future of pilot training for the next eight-to-ten years, positioning both organizations at the forefront of aviation training and innovation.

The contract includes an initial order of 145 aircraft, comprised of both the Archer TX and Seminole, over an eight-year term beginning in 2027, with the potential for up to 188 total aircraft through an optional two-year extension into 2036. This agreement surpasses UND’s 2016 order for 112 aircraft, concluding in 2026.

“Piper remains a vital collaborator in the continued success of flight training at UND,” said Robert J. Kraus, PhD, PfMP, Dean of UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we prepare the next generation of pilots for careers in the airlines, business aviation, and the U.S. military. The entire Piper team has been outstanding—responsive to our needs and collaborative in enhancing the components and capabilities of the Archer TX and Seminole.”

In today’s dynamic training market, flight schools worldwide rely on robust, cost-effective aircraft and collaborative customer support to maximize fleet utilization. Piper credits much of its success in meeting these customer support demands through 24/7 technical support, parts availability, and a seamless customer experience.

“The Piper Archer TX and Seminole are a perfect fit for UND Aerospace. The Piper team is great to work with and continues to provide top-notch customer service for our students and aviation program,” stated Jeremy Roesler, Director of Flight Operations at UND Aerospace. “The aircraft are dependable and play a big part in keeping our students safe in all of their phases of pilot training. Without a doubt, Piper is the leading manufacturer for the commercial pilot training community.”

For many years, Piper and UND Aerospace have maintained a strong working relationship, with UND consistently selecting Piper trainers for their dispatch reliability and ease of maintenance, innovative technology, and overall suitability for a high-use flight training environment.

“Piper values the relationship we share with UND at the highest level,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper, and a UND Aerospace alum. “The world-class flight training at UND sets the standard for the entire industry. To see them once again choose our aircraft and associated support systems is the ultimate point of pride for the 1,500 hard working men and women at Piper Aircraft.”

“UND Aerospace is thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Piper Aircraft, a company that not only delivers reliable and advanced training platforms like the Archer TX and Seminole at a fair price, but also stays ahead of the curve with innovative safety and convenience features,” said Chad Martin, Aircraft and Fleet Sales Manager, UND Aerospace. “Piper’s exceptional customer support and their downright fun-to-fly aircraft make them an ideal fit for our program—and the people behind the planes make the experience even better.”

UND Aerospace operates a training fleet that totals 176 aircraft and devices, including the 20 Archer TX and Seminole aircraft delivered in 2025. Between the 1,300 flight hours per airframe averaged annually per Archer TX, with approximately 900 hours per Seminole, UND’s choice of fleet aircraft must be able to withstand the rigors of a high-use flight training environment, while taking into account the unique needs of a program of UND’s size.

“The teamwork between Piper and UND Aerospace is first rate,” said Dan Kasowski, UND Aerospace Director of Maintenance. “This partnership and willingness to work together has helped craft the Archer TX and Seminole into the preeminent training aircraft for UND and the rest of the flight training world.”

UND Aerospace utilizes their Piper fleet to achieve 125,000 flight training hours each year at their flagship Grand Forks campus in North Dakota, and an additional 65,000 hours at its Phoenix, Arizona campus, demonstrating its scale and focus on producing skilled pilots.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. 

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

Related Posts

Boeing Releases 2025 Forecasts for 20-Year Global Demand for 660,000 New Commercial Pilots

Global – Fueled by emerging markets and changes in fleet mix, Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects continued demand for aviation personnel as the global commercial fleet changes to meet the demands of the flying public. Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) anticipates the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new aviation professionals through 2044 to meet the long-term increase in air travel.

Boeing, which released its annual 20-year forecast at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, said commercial carriers will need substantial hiring and training to sustain the global commercial fleet, including:

  • 660,000 pilots
  • 710,000 maintenance technicians
  • 1,000,000 cabin crew members

“As commercial air traffic demand continues to outpace economic growth and the global fleet expands to meet demand, our industry will keep the fleet flying safely and efficiently by supporting workforce development for carriers worldwide,” said Chris Broom, vice president, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “The industry is investing in technologies, including mixed reality— an immersive blend of physical and digital environments that enhances hands-on learning and situational awareness. Boeing is supporting customers with digitally advanced aviation training products and services to meet their needs. The bedrock of our approach remains competency-based training and assessment methodology to ensure high quality aviation training.”

In the PTO, Boeing projects through 2044:

  • Two-thirds of new personnel will address replacement due to attrition, while one- third supports growth in the commercial fleet
  • Demand for new personnel is driven primarily by single-aisle airplanes
  • As in past years, Eurasia, China and North America continue to drive demand for more than half of new industry personnel
  • South Asia and Southeast Asia are the fastest-growing regions for personnel with staffing demand expected to more than triple

Source: Boeing

Related Posts

USA’s Paragon Flight Training Reaches Milestone with Announcement of All-Piper Aircraft Fleet

Florida, USA – Paragon Flight Training, an award-winning flight training academy based at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, with additional locations in Punta Gorda, Florida, and LaGrange, Georgia, announces the completion of its strategic transition to a fleet comprised exclusively of Piper aircraft. This is a major component of an ambitious investment plan the company unveiled in 2022 that emphasized fleet modernization among other key industry-leading goals. The company now owns 32 Piper trainers, (31 of those being Pilot 100i aircraft) with six additional Pilot 100i units planned for delivery before the end of 2025.

“Our collaborative relationship with Piper goes back to 2021 and is based on our experience that the Piper Pilot 100i aircraft is an exceptional training platform and the gold standard in the industry,” said Chris Schoensee, Paragon Flight Training President. “This is a major milestone in Paragon Flight’s 19-year history and reinforces our commitment to providing a consistent, premier flight training experience for students, regardless of location. With top notch aviation industry collaborators like Piper, and a company-wide culture of professionalism, safety and responsibility that celebrates the flight training experience, we are enthusiastic about our leadership position in flight training.”

As of today, Paragon Flight owns roughly 15% of all Piper Pilot 100i aircraft in existence. In December 2024, Paragon Flight took possession of the 200th serial number Pilot 100i, after receiving the 100th serial number aircraft in January 2023. The Piper Pilot 100i was first introduced in 2020. One of Paragon’s recently-delivered Pilot 100is can be seen on display at the Piper booth throughout the week at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft commented on the strong relationship between the two companies.

“We are proud to continue working with Piper Flight School Alliance member, Paragon Flight Training, one of the largest and earliest supporters of the Pilot 100i platform, and are excited to support Paragon’s growth with increased Pilot 100i aircraft deliveries this year,” Gunnarson said. “We look forward to their all-Piper fleet driving continued advancement across each of their three flight training locations in Florida and Georgia.”

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500®, and M350® — offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer® LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

About Paragon Flight Training
Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight school headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Holding FAA and SEVIS accreditations, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots as well as offering military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments. With multiple locations in Florida and Georgia, Paragon Flight now has more than 34,000 square feet of training facilities in the Southeastern United States. 

Source: Piper Aircraft

Related Posts

Airline Owned FTO United Aviate Academy Places Order for 3 Piper Seminole Aircraft

USA – Piper Aircraft is proud to welcome United Aviate Academy (UAA), United Airlines’ wholly owned flight school, as the newest member of the Piper Flight School Alliance. As such, UAA has entered into a purchase agreement for up to three multi-engine Piper Seminole aircraft, with the option to purchase additional aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2025. The Piper Seminole will serve as multi-engine training aircraft for UAA, supporting their rigorous and comprehensive pilot training curriculum.

UAA is one of the nation’s premier pilot training academies, providing students with an opportunity for a career in the flight deck with United upon successfully completing all Aviate program and hiring requirements. With over 300 graduates since opening in 2022, UAA’s nearly 90% overall pass rate for FAA checkrides reflects the quality of training provided to their dedicated student base. In the past twelve calendar months, over 57,000 flight hours have been logged at UAA with 32,000 lessons completed.

“Welcoming United Aviate Academy to the Piper Flight School Alliance with their first Seminole purchase is a proud moment for Piper Aircraft,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft. “UAA represents an exemplary standard of flight training, and Piper looks forward to supporting their operation with the rugged, reliable Seminole.”

By joining the Piper Flight School Alliance, UAA unlocks exclusive benefits ranging from integrated training support to co-branded marketing and prioritized service access, all aimed at elevating flight training programs.

“We are very excited about adding the Piper Seminole to our aircraft fleet,” said Michael Hales, CEO of United Aviate Academy. “The Seminole is not only a robust airplane with all the bells and whistles, but specifically designed for the next generation of pilots learning the intricacies of multi-engine flying. It is the gold-standard of multi-engine flight training at schools around the country, and the world.”

About the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole is the most widely used multi-engine training aircraft in the world. Known for its dispatch reliability, ease of operation, and gentle handling, students and instructors alike appreciate the predictable flight characteristics and traditional six-lever throttle quadrant, promoting multi-engine flight proficiency from a student’s first takeoff.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500®, and M350® – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer® LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

Source: Piper Aircraft

Related Posts

ALSIM Highlights AL100i Light Simulator at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

France & USA – flight simulator manufacturer ALSIM is showcasing its solutions at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, welcoming attendees to Booth #2018 in Hangar B to explore its latest flight training solutions and demo the new AL100i Light simulator.

  • ALSIM launched the AL100i earlier this year as the first simulator fully replicating the Piper 100i with integrated Garmin G3X and GNX 375 avionics, achieving FTD Level 5 / AATD certification.

  • The AL100i Light features a full-size cockpit replica, semi-enclosed instructor station, active control loading, ALSIM’s proprietary VFR-VS visual system with 210° × 55° field of view, and the original Garmin avionics suite.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPTII, FNPTII MCC & AATD flight simulators since 1994. With more than 400 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, Alsim provides solutions for flight schools, universities and Army and offers a wide range of generic and specific simulators to cover all training needs, from PPL, CPL & IR/ME up to MCC-JOC, APS MCC and part of MPL phases 1,2 & 3.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

Related Posts