Market Intelligence: North and Central Asia

Flight Simulator Manufacturer Loft Dynamics Announces Latest Appointment for Chief Service Officer

Loft Dynamics announces that Sabrina Barbera has joined the leadership team as Chief Service Officer to support the company’s rapid growth. Sabrina provides a profound background within the helicopter industry. She will lead the Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO) team consisting of aviation and compliance specialists to offer high standard simulator training services to the aviation industry.

Profound training management and helicopter industry background

Sabrina studied mechanical engineering and has completed a Master Degree of Science in Operational Research. She developed profound competencies working 17 years for Airbus Helicopters at different positions including occupying the positions of the Vice-President Head of Company Development, Strategy M&A and Vice President Head of Training and Flight Operation Services. Before joining Loft Dynamics she lead the team of Blade Europe as Executive Director. “We are pleased to have successfully recruited such a competent individual as Sabrina. This enables us to expand our FSTDO services, ultimately benefiting our customers and advancing flight safety in the industry,” Fabi Riesen, Founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics says.

Developing pilot training in the interests of flight safety

Many aviation experts and pilots have already recognized the potential of Loft Dynamics’ training solutions. Sabrina observed the development of the Loft Dynamics team at an early stage. She remarks: “I noticed the potential of these high-quality products to significantly enhance flight safety at affordable costs years ago. It’s satisfying to now be part of the journey, reinventing pilot training by effectively introducing innovation and new technologies to the aviation industry. We support customers in transforming their training, benefiting from this new technology. I appreciate the efficiency and agility of the Loft Dynamics team.”

“The first time I met the team at Loft Dynamics, I immediately recognized the potential that their technology holds for the aviation industry, especially in terms of its significant impact on training and safety. I am genuinely excited to contribute to the team and be part of the journey in developing flight training,” said Sabrina Barbera, CSO, Loft Dynamics.

Sabrina personally

Sabrina grew up in France and worked several years in Canada, Australia and southern part of France. She has a passion for helicopters in particular and aviation in general. Sabrina loves being in the mountains for climbing and hiking, enjoys going on ski tours, or engaging in sports wherever she is.

Offering strong and comprehensive flight training solutions including services

Loft Dynamics offers not only highly realistic professional flight simulators but also a comprehensive service to customers, including training services. Loft Dynamics provides various services, from planning the installation to qualifying the device under EASA regulations with its own Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO). This relieves customers from technical and administrative tasks involved in operating the devices. Overall, Loft Dynamics products reduce training costs and improve flight safety while at the same time scaling down the ecological footprint of the aviation industry.

About Loft Dynamics

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) specializes in designing, manufacturing and operating VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for various aircraft systems. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation by providing best-in-class pilot training that is safe, accessible and affordable. Our immersive simulators, equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, are 20 times less expensive and 10 times smaller than traditional flight simulators. As an ISO 9001-certified flight simulation training device operator, we provide continuous and comprehensive customer support, from installation and maintenance to training and regulatory approvals. Leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools and organizations worldwide choose Loft Dynamics simulators — the world’s first and only VR FSTDs with EASA FTD Level 3 regulatory approval. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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Aircraft Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Announces New Model in its Line of High-Performance Aircraft

United States headquartered Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced a new model in its PA46 line of high-performance aircraft—the Piper M700 FURY—a single-engine, 700 shaft horsepower, cabin-class turboprop.

The Piper M700 FURY represents the first step towards a new generation of the M-Class family, outperforming past PA46 models and several competitive aircraft in performance, operational cost efficiencies, and overall value. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, the M700 FURY boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas with a max range of 1,149 nm / 1,849 km (at max cruise speed, 1,424 nm at normal cruise speed) while maintaining its Basic Med compliant 6,000-pound MGTOW limit.

At a 301-knot max cruise speed, the M700 FURY stands alone as the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s enviable 87-year, 134,000 unit production history, and it’s the second fastest model of all time. Only the mighty Piper Cheyenne 400LS turbine twin is faster.

Key performance highlights in different phases of flight include:

  • Take-off Performance – TOFL distance over a 50’ obstacle at SL, STD day MGTOW is a classleading 1,994 ft., representing a 641 ft., 24 percent improvement when compared to the M600 SLS that it replaces. That TOFL performance is also 1,198 ft. (38 percent) shorter than a competing single-engine jet.
  • Initial Climb – after a MGTOW departure, the M700 enjoys a class-leading 2,048 fpm climb rate, 32 percent better than the M600.
  • Climb to Altitude – settled into the climb, the M700 FURY reaches a comfortable FL250 in 13.9 minutes (34 percent quicker than the M600) after covering a short 34-mile distance (35 percent less distance than prior) while only burning 97 lbs. of fuel (25 percent less fuel than the M600 and nearly 50% less fuel than a single-engine jet competitor).
  • Cruise – 301-knot max cruise speed.
  • Landing Performance – Landing over a 50 ft. obstacle, the M700 FURY continues its classleading performance, achieving a 26 percent reduction versus the M600 and within half the ground roll distance of some competitors.

“The M700 FURY is a beautifully efficient, cross-country thoroughbred that gives our customers a performance-based flight experience with economics never seen before,” said Piper President and CEO John Calcagno. “We listened, and we delivered. The M700 FURY encompasses power, performance and the most advanced safety measures available today and an overall value proposition that is extremely compelling to individuals and corporate flight departments alike.”

Airframe changes to accommodate the more powerful engine include a redesigned, more efficient intake plenum that improves ram air recovery, new engine mount assemblies and an improved exhaust stack design that maximizes residual thrust.

The M700 FURY features Garmin’s G3000® avionics system—a touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck. The G3000 avionics suite is the most sophisticated Garmin technology available and offers the most comprehensive, intuitive and technologically advanced package in today’s market. It all comes standard in the M700 FURY along with the HALO Safety System (including Garmin’s Autoland technology) that was first certified in the M600/SLS.

The new model will retain Garmin’s PlaneSync™ technology, which includes a 4G LTE Cellular and WiFi® datalink that enables new avionics capabilities to streamline an aircraft owner’s pre-flight and post-flight activities. Piper is also first-to-market with Garmin’s remote aircraft status capability enabling owners to remotely check the fuel quantity, aircraft location, oil temperature, battery voltage, the current METAR at the aircraft’s location and more via the Garmin Pilot™ application. PlaneSync technology also automatically downloads databases wirelessly while the aircraft is powered down and the owner is away from the aircraft.

This new aircraft includes six (6) new interior schemes, featuring new leathers and aesthetically styled seats that have been thoughtfully crafted with the customer in mind.

FAA certification for the aircraft will be achieved before the end of Q1, 2024 with deliveries starting immediately thereafter. International validations for Canada, EASA, the UK, and Brazil will be achieved in the second half of 2024, with customer deliveries in those regions before the end of the year.

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 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 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

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Operator of Digital Platform Used by 30,0000 Aspiring Pilots Per Month is Seeking Buyer

Aviationfly.com, one of the world’s most visited websites for aspiring pilots, is seeking a new operator. Current owner believes the platform potential can be better captured and realized by strategic buyer and is looking to sell the platform.

Platform Overview

  • One of the world’s most visited websites for aspiring pilots – top 5 most visited websites globally when compared to international flight schools
  • 1.2 million pageviews p. year from 195 countries (visitors from every country across the globe)
  • Over 30,000 unique website users per month
  • Clean Database of over 72,000 aspiring pilots from the last 3 years
  • Organically generating between 10,000 to 20,000 aspiring pilot leads per year(depending on funnel filter criteria)
  • Optimized funnel to filter aspiring pilot leads automatically
  • Optimized SEO platform for high domain authority and backlinks profile
  • 1,408 pages of content on platform
  • Well established brand name within the industry
  • Learning management system to share and monetize e-learning courses
  • Large scale social media following including;
    • Youtube – 173 video’s, over 11,100 subscribers, around 13,000 views per month
    • Facebook – over 32,000 followers
    • Instagram – over 2,300 followers
    • LinkedIn – over 1,800 followers

Opportunity Highlights

  • If your target customers are aspiring pilots or if you have a product or service which can grow through additional aspiring pilot leads then this platform is a unique value-add digital asset to operate
  • The platform will organically generate a high number of aspiring pilot leads for the foreseeable future and provides the operator with numerous avenues of monetization

Especially if you are a flight school with more than 10 aircraft that is looking to grow your international aspiring pilot enrolments this platform will be suited to power your next phase of growth.

If interested kindly contact us.

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IATA: Air Travel Reaches 99% of 2019 Levels as Recovery Continues in November 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2023 air travel performance indicating that air travel demand topped 99% of 2019 levels.

Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 29.7% compared to November 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 99.1% of November 2019 levels.

International traffic rose 26.4% versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8%) with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2023 international RPKs reached 94.5% of November 2019 levels.

Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8% compared to November 2022. Total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7% above the November 2019 level. Growth was particularly strong in China (+272%) as it recovered from the COVID travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago. US domestic travel, benefitting from strong Thanksgiving holidays demand, reached a new high, expanding +9.1% over November 2019.

“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5% below pre-pandemic levels but that gap is rapidly closing. And domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8% rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, which was the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 58.0% and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6%.

European carriers’ November traffic climbed 14.8% versus November 2022. Capacity increased 15.2%, and load factor declined 0.3 percentage points to 83.3%.

Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6% traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19.0% versus the year-ago period, and load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4%.

North American carriers experienced a 14.3% traffic rise in November versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased 16.3%, and load factor fell 1.4 percentage points to 80.0%.

Latin American airlines’ November traffic rose 20.0% compared to the same month in 2022. November capacity climbed 17.7% and load factor increased 1.7 percentage points to 84.9%, the highest of any region.

African airlines had a 22.1% rise in November RPKs versus a year ago. November 2023 capacity was up 29.6% and load factor fell 4.3 percentage points to 69.7%, the lowest among regions.

The Bottom Line

“Aviation’s rapid recovery from COVID demonstrates just how important flying is to people and to businesses. In parallel to aviation’s recovery, governments recognized the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for aviation’s decarbonization. The Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in November saw governments agree that we should see 5% carbon savings by 2030 from SAF. This was followed up at COP28 in December where governments agreed that we need a broad transition from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change.  Airlines don’t need convincing. They agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced. So we look to 2024 to be the year when governments follow-up on their own declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivize the rapid scaling-up of SAF production,” said Walsh.

Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider, CAE, Launches Flight Operations Consulting

CAE is excited to announce the launch of CAE Flight Operations Consulting, the pilot training group’s comprehensive suite of consulting services that delivers customized solutions tailored to your business.

Based on CAE’s years of experience working closely with airline partners to revolutionize their flight operations, this pioneering service has been designed to transform business and flight operations with valuable insights and a partnering approach.

The Flight Operations Services are a comprehensive suite of services encompassing Consulting, Planning as a Service, Training, and Customer Success. Seamlessly optimize your airline’s operations across crew management, pairing, rostering, workforce planning, training, incident management, and beyond.

The comprehensive suite of consulting services includes:

  • Base Study – Tailored suggestions for an optimal basing structure aligned with operational and strategic needs.
  • Schedule Analysis – In-depth cost impact assessments through cutting-edge optimization and analytics for schedule modifications.
  • Rules Documentation – Clarity-driven support to interpret and integrate rules, enhancing safety and averting regulatory penalties.
  • Leave and Training Slot Calculations – Precision analyses to harmonize leave and training slots with crew requirements, flight volumes, and seasonal demands.
  • Post-Publish Change Audit – Thorough auditing to detect and rectify deviations between planned and actual processes.
  • Buffer Analysis – Strategic buffer creation to increase robustness of crew rosters and aircraft schedules, while maintaining efficiency.
  • Recovery Manager Calibration – CAE Recovery Manager calibration to fortify against delays and stay updated.
  • Delay and Standby Analysis – Identifying delay trends, causes, and maximizing standby utilization for enhanced efficiency.
  • Strategic Union Negotiation Analysis – Conducting comprehensive cost-benefit assessments for rule changes, union negotiations and regulatory adaptations.
  • Fatigue Management – Identifying fatigue patters and combinations within schedules using cutting-edge fatigue algorithm models, improving safety and crew satisfaction.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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US Aircraft Manufacturer Boeing Delivers 528 Commercial Airplanes, Records 1,576 Net Orders in 2023

Boeing delivered 528 commercial airplanes and recorded 1,576 net orders in 2023, the US aircraft manufacturer announced in its fourth-quarter results.

According to Boeing:

  • the 737 program continues to deliver airplanes and its production rate is now at 38 per month.
  • The 787 program production rate is now at five per month.

During the fourth quarter in 2023, commercial airplanes booked 611 net orders, including:

  • 411 737
  • 98 777X
  •  83 787

Commercial Airplanes delivered 157 airplanes during the quarter and backlog included over 5,600 airplanes.

Source: Excerpts from Boeing Reports

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VR Flight Training Solutions Provider, True Course Simulations, Unveils Solutions to Pilot Training Challenges

Flight training is a critical phase in the journey of aspiring pilots, and flight schools often encounter various challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. True Course Simulations, a pioneering company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) flight training, offers innovative solutions to address these challenges, benefiting both students and flight schools alike.

Better Prepared Students
Flight schools want their students to be well-prepared for their flights. True Course Simulations achieves this by providing immersive VR training environments that allow students to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled setting. This ensures that students gain essential knowledge and confidence before they ever step into an actual aircraft.

Reduced Training Hours
Flight training can be expensive and time-consuming. True Course Simulations helps students achieve their licenses more efficiently by offering realistic VR scenarios that allow for repeated practice without the limitations of aircraft availability or weather conditions. This can significantly reduce the number of flight hours required for certification.

Shortage of Instructors and High Student Ratios
With VR training, flight schools can alleviate the burden of instructor shortages and high student-to-instructor ratios. Virtual instructors can guide multiple students simultaneously, offering personalized feedback and guidance, thereby improving the learning experience and ensuring more efficient progress.

Weather, Maintenance, and Instructor Availability
Aircraft downtime due to weather, maintenance, or instructor unavailability can disrupt training schedules. True Course Simulations mitigates these issues by offering consistent access to training scenarios regardless of external factors. This continuity ensures that students can maintain a steady learning pace.

Remedial Training
For students who require extra training or remediation, True Course Simulations provides an ideal platform. Students can revisit challenging scenarios, practice emergency procedures, and improve specific skills until they reach proficiency, all within a controlled and supportive VR environment.

Eliminating Gaps Between Flights
The gaps between flights, caused by various factors, can hinder student progress. With VR training, students can continue their learning and skill development during these downtime periods, ensuring that they stay engaged and retain what they’ve learned.

Emergency Training
True Course Simulations allows flight schools to simulate emergencies in a safe and controlled environment. Students can practice responding to critical situations, honing their decision-making skills and improving their ability to handle emergencies during actual flights.

Cost Reduction
The cost of flight training can be a barrier to aspiring pilots. VR training reduces costs associated with fuel, aircraft maintenance, and instructor fees. This can make flight training more affordable and accessible, helping students pursue their dreams of becoming pilots.

Reducing Carbon Emissions
Flight schools are increasingly concerned about environmental impact. By reducing the need for actual flight hours, True Course Simulations helps flight schools contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals and mandates.

Assessment and Readiness Insights
True Course Simulations offers flight schools valuable insights into their students’ abilities and readiness. Schools can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that only students truly prepared for flight are sent up in the air, maximizing safety and efficiency.

True Course Simulations provides a transformative solution to many of the challenges faced by flight schools. By leveraging virtual reality technology, they enhance training efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety, ultimately helping students achieve their goals and ensuring flight schools can operate more effectively in a rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Source: True Course Simulations
Photo Credit: True Course Simulations

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Global Aviation Conglomerate and ACMI Provider Avia Solutions Group is Plotting an Order for More than 100 Aircraft

Dublin, Ireland headquartered Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider and operator of the global pilot training group BAA Training, operating a fleet of over 199 aircraft, is eyeing an aircraft order of 100 aircraft of either Airbus or Boeing – Irish media has reported following an interview with its Chairman.

In January 2023 Avia Solutions Group announced that it had signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Australian airline, Skytrans. Skytrans is an Australian-owned and operated airline and air charter business. The airline operates Regular Public Transport (RPT) and charter services, with a current fleet spanning 13 regional aircraft.

Source: Irish Media
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group (shown as meta image)

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