Market Intelligence: North and Central Asia

Central Asian Airline Silk Avia Expands Fleet with New ATR Aircraft

  • Nordic Aviation Capital delivered first new ATR 72-600 to Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia
  • Contract for five new ATR 72-600 was signed in November 2022

Leading regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, announced the successful delivery of the first new ATR 72-600 to Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for regional connectivity in Central Asia.

The ATR 72-600, which was delivered by ATR to NAC in December 2023, is part of an order announced in November 2022 during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Paris. The contract includes a total of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, with two being provided by NAC and three directly by the manufacturer.

It is the first new ATR aircraft ever delivered to Central Asia. With its advanced technology, superior economics and unrivalled versatility, the ATR 72-600 will contribute to the development of regional connectivity in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. Silk Avia, now part of Uzbekistan Airways, will integrate these brand new aircraft into its existing ATR fleet, enhancing the airline’s ability to serve a wider range of destinations and meet the growing demand for efficient and low-emission regional air travel.

Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, said “Silk Avia, which has become a part of Uzbekistan Airways Group, has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on domestic routes of the country. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new ATR 72-600. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. Moreover, our common goal, the goal of New Uzbekistan, is to make flights affordable and develop domestic tourism of the country. It will undoubtedly be achieved through flights on ATR brand turboprop aircraft”.

Norman C.T. Liu, President & CEO of NAC, said: “We welcome Silk Avia, part of the Uzbekistan Airways Group, as a customer and are pleased to deliver the first new ATR 72-600 to the airline.”

Alexis Vidal, ATR’s SVP Commercial, said: “We warmly welcome Silk Avia to the ATR family. Their selection of the ATR 72-600 marks an important step as we begin operations in the promising market of Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia. Silk Avia will play a pioneering role in demonstrating the huge benefits affordable and low-emission regional aviation can deliver to this dynamic region. Our advanced ATR 72-600 turboprops are the ideal solution to connect communities and energise the national economy through their efficiency and flexibility. I look forward to following their progress and growth for many years to come.”

About Silk Avia

Silk Avia was established on 6 July 2021 and now is a subsidiary of Uzbekistan Airways Group. Silk Avia fleet consists of medium-haul passenger aircraft ATR 72-600 with a capacity of up to 72 people. These are economical and environmentally friendly aircraft that allow passengers to be transported safely and inexpensively over short distances. Our goal is to connect all regions of Uzbekistan, flying both to the most popular destinations and reviving long-forgotten routes.

About Nordic Aviation Capital

NAC is the global leader in regional aircraft leasing and is expanding into larger narrowbody aircraft leveraging our world class asset management platform.

Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR

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IATA: Global Air Travel Demand Continued Its Bounce Back in 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand.

Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2023 total traffic rose 25.3% compared to December 2022 and reached 97.5% of the December 2019 level. Fourth quarter traffic was at 98.2% of 2019, reflecting the strong recovery towards the end of the year.

International traffic in 2023 climbed 41.6% versus 2022 and reached 88.6% of 2019 levels. December 2023 international traffic climbed 24.2% over December 2022, reaching 94.7% of the level in December 2019. Fourth quarter traffic was at 94.5% of 2019.

Domestic traffic for 2023 rose 30.4% compared to the prior year. 2023 domestic traffic was 3.9% above the full year 2019 level. December 2023 domestic traffic was up 27.0% over the year earlier period and was at 2.3% above December 2019 traffic. Fourth quarter traffic was 4.4% higher than the same quarter in 2019.

“The strong post-pandemic rebound continued in 2023. December traffic stood just 2.5% below 2019 levels, with a strong performance in quarter 4, teeing-up airlines for a return to normal growth patterns in 2024. The recovery in travel is good news. The restoration of connectivity is powering the global economy as people travel to do business, further their educations, take hard-earned vacations and much more. But to maximize the benefits of air travel in the post-pandemic world, governments need to take a strategic approach. That means providing cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to meet our net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, and adopting regulations that deliver a clear cost-benefit. Completing the recovery must not be an excuse for governments to forget the critical role of aviation to increasing the prosperity and well-being of people and businesses the world over,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 126.1% rise in full year international 2023 traffic compared to 2022, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 101.8% and the load factor climbed 9.0 percentage points to 83.1%. December 2023 traffic rose 56.9% compared to December 2022.

European carriers’ full year traffic climbed 22.0% versus 2022. Capacity increased 17.5%, and load factor rose 3.1 percentage points to 83.8%. For December, demand climbed 13.6% compared to the same month in 2022. December traffic was higher than the corresponding month in 2019 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 33.3% traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 26.0% and load factor climbed 4.4 percentage points to 80.1%. December demand climbed 16.6% compared to the same month in 2022.

North American carriers reported a 28.3% annual traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 22.4%, and load factor climbed 3.9 percentage points to 84.6%. December 2023 traffic rose 13.5% compared to the year-ago period.

Latin American airlines posted a 28.6% traffic rise in 2023 over full year 2022. Annual capacity climbed 25.4% and load factor increased 2.1 percentage points to 84.7%, the highest among the regions. December demand climbed 26.5% compared to December 2022.

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7% in 2023 versus the prior year. Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3% and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9%, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5% over December 2022.

China’s full year domestic traffic rose 138.8% versus 2022, and is now 7.1% above the 2019 level.

Australia (-4.2% compared to 2019) and Japan (-3.2% compared to 2019) are the only major domestic markets yet to recover pre-pandemic traffic demand.

Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Announces Latest Appointment for Head of Human Resources

ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, announced the appointment of Maria Teresa Pedra Bruñó as its new Head of Human Resources, effective February 1, 2024. She succeeds Sadika Moussaoui, who takes on new responsibilities within the Airbus Commercial management team.

In this role, Maria Teresa oversees all human resources strategy and operations for ATR worldwide. She is based at the company’s global headquarters in Toulouse, France, and reports directly to the CEO.

Maria Teresa brings over 20 years of human resources experience to ATR, having held various HR roles of increasing responsibility within Airbus Commercial since 2003. Most recently, she served as Head of Talent and Executive Management, where she focused on promoting diversity, inclusion and leadership development.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria Teresa to our executive team,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. “Her deep HR expertise and international experience will be invaluable assets as we continue to strengthen our company culture and embrace all the opportunities of a constantly evolving environment. The way we manage our talents will be decisive in maintaining our leadership and relevance on the regional market. I also want to thank Sadika for her precious contribution over the years to develop our people, foster engagement, leadership, collaboration and inclusivity, and wish her the very best going forward.”

Previously, Maria Teresa served as HR Manager in Germany, supporting employees and activities related to the A400M final assembly line in Seville. In France since 2008, Maria Teresa was Head of Recruitment for Airbus in France, playing a key role in hiring for the A350 programme. She also served different businesses like Technology, Commercial and International as Senior HR Business Partner.

Source: ATR Aircraft
Photo Credit: ATR Aircraft

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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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