Market Intelligence: -Simulator Training Center

Middle East Pilot Training Organization Etihad Aviation Training to Install eVTOL Flight Simulator in 2024

  • The goal of the partnership with Etihad Aviation Training (“Etihad Training”) is to support Archer’s efforts to establish urban aircraft mobility operations across the UAE in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (“ADIO”), and other local partners, including Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau.
  • Archer and Etihad Training intend to collaborate together to recruit and train pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft.
  • Together, Archer and Etihad Training intend to engage with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (“GCAA”) to establish an appropriate pilot training curriculum in the UAE to enable safe and efficient Archer eVTOL operations as soon as 2025.

Archer Aviation Inc., a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Etihad Training that lays the groundwork for a partnership to recruit and train prospective pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi to fly aircraft across the UAE. The MOU was announced at the start of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Archer is showcasing its Midnight aircraft for the first time in the country.

“Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is a critically important part of our efforts to establish a thriving urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, and Etihad Training is the premier organization to partner with on this front,” said Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel. “As Etihad Training’s first eVTOL partner, we will commence a thoughtful recruiting process and begin to train the first class of qualified pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region.”

Etihad Training’s CEO, Captain Paolo La Cava, said: “Etihad Aviation Training today recruits and trains pilots to fly with dozens of global airlines. We couldn’t be more excited to choose Archer as our first eVTOL partner to recruit and train the first class of electric air taxi pilots to fly Archer’s Midnight aircraft right here in Abu Dhabi as soon as 2025. We look forward to installing the Archer Midnight flight simulator in our facilities later this year.”

As part of the planned partnership, Archer intends to deliver a Midnight aircraft simulator to be housed and staffed by Etihad Training at its training center in Abu Dhabi for research and development of pilot training competencies, to support the required regulatory certifications. Etihad Training will engage with the GCAA to establish appropriate pilot training requirements in the UAE all in support of safe and efficient operations of Archer’s aircraft.

Archer has been working with various entities within Abu Dhabi and Dubai to accelerate the operation of its air taxi services across the region. This announcement is yet another step in the development of Archer’s infrastructure within the region.

In late April, Archer and ADIO signed an agreement that accelerates Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as early as next year. This includes in-country manufacturing, operations, and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year.

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer’s team is based in Santa Clara, CA.

Source: Archer Aviation
Photo Credit: Etihad Aviation Training

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Riyadh Air and Saudia Academy Sign MoU to Boost Strategic Collaboration

Riyadh Air and Saudia Academy, a subsidiary of Saudia Group, announced a strategic collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance aviation training capabilities across the Kingdom. The signing took place at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh marking a significant milestone in the realm of aviation education with and objective to elevate the standards of training for pilots, cabin crew and flight dispatchers.

Under the terms of the MoU, Riyadh Air and Saudia Academy will combine their expertise and resources to deliver comprehensive training programs covering many disciplines crucial to the aviation industry. These programs will encompass technical training, aviation fundamentals, ground operations, management principles, language proficiency, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the collaboration will extend to executive education and coaching, catering to the professional development needs of aviation leaders and decision-makers.

Peter Bellew, COO of Riyadh Air, said: “This strategic partnership with Saudia Academy exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence within the aviation sector. By pooling our strengths and leveraging our collective experience, we aim to establish a world-class training ecosystem that empowers aviation professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles.”

Saudia Academy CEO, Capt. Ismail AL Koshy commented: “At Saudia Academy, we recognize the importance of investing in training and development to ensure the highest standards of safety and service excellence. Through this partnership with Riyadh Air, we are poised to set new benchmarks in aviation training, equipping our personnel with the competencies required to navigate the dynamic landscape of the aviation industry.”

The collaboration between Riyadh Air and Saudia Academy underscores the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to advancing its aviation capabilities and supporting the growth of its aviation workforce. The partnership aims to cultivate a robust talent pipeline and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a key player in the global aviation arena.

Source: Riyadh Air
Photo Credit: Saudia Academy

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L3Harris Secures Contract from Azerbaijan Airlines for Boeing 787-9 Full Flight Simulator

L3Harris is pleased to announce that it has secured a contract with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) to supply the national carrier with a Boeing 787-9 Full Flight Simulator (FFS). Azerbaijan Airlines currently operates two B787s, with an additional eight on order. The new FFS is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2025 in Baku, at the Azerbaijan Airlines National Aviation Academy Pilot Training Centre. This FFS will be the first B787 simulator in the Caspian Sea Region and the first of its kind for Azerbaijan Airlines.

By acquiring this state-of-the-art training device, Azerbaijan Airlines will now have the capability to conduct local training and have full control over their training events. The airline will be able to fulfil all its Boeing 787 simulator training requirements and even offer excess capacity to airlines in the region and worldwide. The Boeing 787 FFS will hold both EASA and local CAA Level D regulatory approvals, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

To support the new FFS, L3Harris will provide 24/7 aftermarket support for spares, repairs, and future updates. This comprehensive support will ensure the device performs optimally throughout its operational lifespan.

This latest addition will bring the total number of L3Harris simulators at the Azerbaijan Airlines National Aviation Academy Pilot Training Centre to four. L3Harris has been a trusted partner of Azerbaijan Airlines and previously installed an A320 Flight Procedures Trainer (FPT) at the National Aviation Academy in March.

Alan Crawford, President of L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions said: “Delivering the latest Boeing 787-9 Full Flight Simulator to Azerbaijan Airlines represents a significant milestone in our partnership. This state-of-the-art training device will elevate pilot training capabilities in the Caspian Sea region, empowering Azerbaijan Airlines with unparalleled control over their training events. We are proud to support Azerbaijan Airlines as they expand and evolve their operations.”

Ben Swann, VP and General Manager for Training Systems at L3Harris added: “Introducing the Boeing 787-9 Full Flight Simulator to Azerbaijan Airlines is a significant milestone for us, underscoring our commitment to safety and innovation in the Caspian Sea region and beyond.”

L3Harris looks forward to continuing its longstanding relationship with Azerbaijan Airlines as the airline continues to expand and evolve.

Source: L3Harris

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World’s Largest ACMI Provider and Aviation Conglomerate Avia Solutions Group Records 2023 EBITDA of EUR 392 Million

Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services and owner of global pilot training group BAA Training, announced its audited financial results for 2023, reporting a net profit increase of 5.5 times to EUR 68.2 million, adjusted EBITDA up by 36% to EUR 392 million, and revenues rising by 22% to EUR 2.3 billion. The company generated the most revenue in Europe (67%), Asia (20%), and North and South America (6%).

Last year, the Group continued to invest in its fleet, expanding it by 27 aircraft to a total of 200, including 159 passenger and 41 cargo aircraft by the end of the year.

In 2023, the Group’s revenues from passenger aircraft ACMI services increased by 53%, reaching EUR 950 million. According to Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, the significant increase in volumes indicates that many of the world’s leading airlines view ACMI services as an integral part of their operations, helping to manage their fleets more efficiently. The situation in the passenger aircraft market ensures that the Group will maintain high growth rates in the future.

Last year, Avia Solutions Group continued its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, starting operations with BBN Airlines Indonesia and acquiring the Australian airline Skytrans at the beginning of 2024. By the end of 2024, the company plans to establish four more ACMI airlines in Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The company is preparing to further expand its aircraft fleet and maintain leading positions in the ACMI segment, where it sees a significant market need. The company’s infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific region, as well as in the Americas, will allow it to effectively manage the challenges of seasonality in aviation by shifting aircraft from one region to another.

“The Group will utilise aircraft in Europe during the summer peak season, and during the winter, the planes will be relocated to regions with opposite seasonality. This will allow us to maximise the capabilities of our aircraft fleet, and our clients, the world’s leading airlines, will receive aircraft during the peak seasonal periods,” states J. Janukenas.

The American market is also a priority for the company. Recently, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Impact Investments LLC, whose executive chairman is the former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The company will provide strategic development consulting to the Group.

Avia Solutions Group, based in Ireland, has offices in Ireland, the USA, the UAE, Lithuania, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and South Africa. The Group owns globally operating airline companies such as SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, and Magma Aviation. It also manages the aircraft maintenance and repair services (MRO) company FL Technics, which has aircraft technical maintenance and repair hangars in Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, along with 100 operational maintenance stations in various countries. Among the Group’s companies is the largest independent pilot training center, BAA Training, with pilot schools in Spain, France, Lithuania, and Vietnam.

The Avia Solutions Group team comprises over 11,700 highly qualified aviation professionals worldwide.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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