Market Intelligence: North America
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Announces 2024 Appointment for Director of Customer Support
Elixir Aircraft, a fast-growing training aircraft manufacturer headquartered in La Rochelle, France, has recruited Marc Douton as Director of Customer Support. With his extensive experience of customer relations in the aviation industry, an international career and a solid technical background, he will reinforce the executive team as Elixir production ramps up. He took up his new post, based at La Rochelle headquarters, on 1st July 2024.
From KLM to Dassault Aviation
Marc Douton has very good knowledge of customer support, in all types of aviation structures: MRO, and operators of commercial and business aircraft.
After starting his career in bench-mark maintenance workshops such as those of Air France, KLM, AOM, Air Tahiti Nui and SOGERMA, Marc Douton joined the customer support teams of leading aircraft manufacturers. For Airbus initially, he was a representative for the Emirates, based in Dubai, then for Malaysia Airlines in Kuala Lumpur; in both cases to support the A380 entry into service.
Marc Douton then worked in the Dassault Aviation group for ten years, as Falcon customer service representative in Eastern Europe, Asia and Polynesia. In 2022, he joined the consulting firm McLarens Aviation. He holds several type ratings in the Airbus A340, A380, Boeing 767, 737 and Dassault Falcon 7X/8X families.
As a result, Elixir Aircraft’s customers will now be able to enjoy services and procedures from airline aviation.
Structuring Customer Support
With orders for 200 aircraft – including orders, pre-orders and letters of intent – and 25 aircraft in operation in Europe, Elixir Aircraft is currently organizing its customer support department.
Marc Douton supervises a team of five: two customer support managers, a workshop manager and two mechanics. This team provides customer support, training and stock management of spare parts. The team is set to expand as production develops.
To this end, Elixir Aircraft is continuing its recruitment campaign for its three La Rochelle sites, before starting to recruit the teams expected at the Sarasota site in the USA in early 2025.
“In addition to his industrial experience in commercial and business aviation, Marc’s keen interest in light aviation was a deciding factor in his recruitment. He holds a Part-66 aviation maintenance licence, is a pilot and owner of a microlight, and has a passion for mechanics. We welcome him!” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.
“I’m proud to join Elixir Aircraft, a manufacturer that is about to revolutionise the training market. I’d like to thank the co-founders for their confidence in me, and assure them of my determination to achieve maximum customer satisfaction,” said Marc Douton, Elixir Aircraft’s Customer Support Manager.
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 150 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. 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 (estimates of savings of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to bring production of all carbon parts in-house.
There are 25 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 200 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm or pre-orders). 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 April 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the opening of its US factory in Sarasota, Florida.
Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
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US Aviation Academy Partners with Frontier Airlines to Launch Transitioning Military Technician Pathway Program
Denton, Texas – June 24th, 2024 – US Aviation Academy (USAA), a premier aviation training institution, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Frontier Airlines to introduce the “Transitioning Military Technician Pathway.” This innovative program is designed to support military veterans in transitioning to civilian careers within the aviation industry.
The Transitioning Military Technician Pathway Program aims to leverage the extensive technical skills and expertise of military veterans, providing them with specialized training and career opportunities in aircraft maintenance and technical roles at Frontier Airlines. This partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to supporting veterans and enhancing the aviation industry’s workforce with skilled professionals.
Key Features of the A&P Mechanic Training Campus:
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students will have access to classrooms and hangars equipped with the latest technology and aircraft models to facilitate real-world training experiences. Industry-Leading Curriculum: the curriculum will cover all aspects of airframe and powerplant mechanics, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the aviation industry. Experienced Instructors: teaching staff will include veteran aviation professionals with years of experience both in the field and in education; providing students with insights into the practical aspects of aircraft maintenance.
Specialized Training Curriculum: US Aviation Academy will offer a tailored training curriculum that builds on the existing skills of military veterans. The program will cover essential areas such as aircraft maintenance and regulatory compliance, ensuring that participants are fully prepared for civilian aviation careers.
Employment Opportunities: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the opportunity to join Frontier Airlines as aircraft technicians. This direct pathway to employment ensures a seamless transition for veterans into the civilian workforce.
Mentorship and Support: Participants will benefit from ongoing mentorship and support from both USAA and Frontier Airlines. Experienced professionals will provide guidance, helping veterans navigate their new careers and excel in their roles.
Financial Assistance: To further support veterans, US Aviation Academy and Frontier Airlines will offer financial assistance to eligible participants, making the program accessible to a broader range of military personnel.
Frontier Airlines is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. “We are thrilled to welcome veterans into the Frontier family through this innovative pathway program,” said Antonio Garcia, Director, Talent for Frontier Airlines. “Their skills, discipline, and work ethic align perfectly with our values, and we are proud to provide them with rewarding career opportunities in aviation.”
Community Impact: The campus will also contribute to local economies by creating job opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce within Frontier’s maintenance base locations of Phoenix, AZ, Denver, CO, Orlando, FL, and Las Vegas, NV.
Mike Sykes, Chief Executive Officer, US Aviation Academy, stated, “Joining forces with Frontier Airlines allows us to expand our mission of providing top-tier aviation education. Together, we’re excited to offer a unique pathway for individuals passionate about aviation maintenance to achieve their dreams.”
About Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low cost carrier headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company operates 148 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. With approximately 200 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America.
About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 130 aircraft at six locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding with three locations. New flight and mechanic campuses are coming soon. For more information, please visit USAviationAcademy.com.
Source: US Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Frontier Airlines (shown as meta image)
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US Aviation Academy Welcomes Delta Air Lines to Campus in June 2024
Texas – United States based US Aviation Academy (USAA), one of the largest aviation and pilot training organisations in North America, welcomed a team from Delta Air Lines to its Campus in June 2024. Back in February 2024 Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with US Aviation Academy with their expansion of their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Training into Atlanta, Georgia. This strategic collaboration marked a significant step forward in aviation training and education, aiming to cultivate the next generation of skilled aviation mechanics essential for the industry’s future. The new training campus, situated in the heart of Atlanta in Forest Park, would leverage US Aviation Academy’s extensive expertise in aviation maintenance education and Delta Air Lines’ industry-leading practices to provide an unparalleled learning experience.
Mike Sykes, Chief Executive Officer, US. Aviation Academy, stated in February, “Joining forces with Delta Air Lines allows us to expand our mission of providing top-tier aviation education. Together, we’re excited to offer a unique pathway for individuals passionate about aviation maintenance to achieve their dreams.”
About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 130 aircraft at six locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding with three locations.
Source: US Aviation Academy