Market Intelligence: South East Asia
Philippine Airlines Relaunches PAL Aviation School, Partners with Airways Aviation
Manila, Philippines / Brisbane, Australia — Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to reopen the PAL Aviation School as a prominent training center for new pilots under a strategic partnership with the globally recognized flight training organization, Airways Aviation Group, to deliver best-in-class pilot training as part of its long-term commitment to operational excellence, safety and workforce development.
Following an extensive evaluation process, Airways Aviation’s Australia-based training academy was selected for its strong track record in delivering high-quality, internationally aligned pilot training programs. The partnership underscores Philippine Airlines’ drive to ensure that its cadets receive consistent, world-class instruction that meets the highest global aviation standards.
“Airways Aviation met our stringent requirements and demonstrated their robust emphasis on safety culture and competency-based training methodologies,” said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng. “We value the importance of in-house training in shaping pilots with a global outlook, armed with the exceptional skills and innovative spirit required to meet the challenges of the future.”
“Our revitalized Aviation School will help develop this vital workforce: individuals who are not only outstanding in their craft but also globally minded citizens committed to building a sustainable future for aviation,” said PAL OIC Executive Vice President – General Counsel Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez. “This meaningful collaboration with Airways Aviationss draws from the deep well of expertise and shared commitment to excellence that both our organizations are known for.”
This partnership also represents a significant step forward in the strengthening of education and training bonds between the Philippines and Australia, reinforcing both countries’ roles in shaping a safer, more skilled and more resilient global aviation workforce.
“We are honoured to be selected as the official training provider for the next generation of Philippine Airlines pilots,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation Group. “This partnership is not only a recognition of our global training capabilities, but a testament to the shared values and vision that bind our two organizations. Together, we are investing in the future of aviation.”
Philippine Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing home-grown talent by combining local investment with global best practice, ensuring its pilots are equipped to operate at the highest level of safety and professionalism.
“Our goal is to create a seamless, globally connected training experience that benefits cadets and the broader industry,” added Janet Dalby, CEO Australasia and Pacific, Airways Aviation Group. “This collaboration allows us to support Philippine Airlines with the latest in aviation education technology, while also contributing to national workforce development objectives in the Philippines.”
“This is more than a training programme,” Mr. Hawatt continued. “It’s a strategic alliance built on trust, ambition and a shared commitment to aviation excellence and sustainability.”
The first group of cadets will commence Foundation training and undergo assessment and selection processes in the Philippines followed training further aviation theory and practical training at Airways Aviation’s Australian campuses, where they will receive comprehensive instruction supported by expert faculty, industry-leading technology, and hands-on practical experience.
Source: PAL & Airways Aviation
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Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Announces 2025 Appointment for Senior Vice-President of Operations and Procurement
Global – Turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR has announced the appointment of Marion Smeyers as its new Senior Vice-President of Operations and Procurement, effective 1 May 2025. She will be responsible for leading the company’s global supply chain and production operations, succeeding Eric Segura in the role.
- She will report directly to ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude
- Smeyers brings significant industrial operations experience from various senior roles within Airbus
- Most recently served as Head of Operations for the A321 Final Assembly Line in Toulouse
- Holds an engineering degree from Ecole Centrale Paris (2005)
- Tasked with stabilising production, improving operational efficiency, and preparing for production ramp-up with a focus on performance and sustainability
Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR
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Global Flight Training Group Airways Aviation Announces Partnership with Philippines Based University
Philippines and Australia – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has shared that Airways Aviation Australia’s CEO Janet Dalby visited the Philippines where she met with:
- The Dean of Science and Engineering of the University of Asia and the Pacific to establish a partnership
- Mrs. Dalby visited as well the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong and the Colegia San Agustin-Makati (which announced a partnership with Security Bank to offer financing for students seeking to study overseas).
Source: Airways Aviation Australia
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Flight Simulator Manufacturer HAVELSAN Ramps Up Airbus Device Output – to Deliver Multiple A320 Devices in 2025
Ankara, Turkiye headquartered flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN, has invested significant time and resources to develop state of the art Airbus type specific training devices to support Airbus operators and independent training centers around the world.
In addition to device deliveries to Airbus A320 airline clients, HAVELSAN is proud to be supporting independent pilot training center operators including IFTC and Simaero with one EASA certified A320ceo/neo full flight simulator already in operations at IFTC and the Simaero device being delivered in 2025 to Simaero’s brand new training center in Delhi, India.
In 2024 HAVELSAN announced it would ramp up activities and support for airlines and simulator training centers including the ability to manufacturer up to eight full flight simulators per year as well as work with airlines to support them expanding their simulator training center operations through flexible solutions.
HAVELSAN is especially putting focus on providing industry leading after sales support, discussing with customers long-term cooperation projects and this has been well received by airlines and training centers with HAVELSAN currently having six full flight simulators under construction.
The HAVELSAN team is immensely proud of the impact that its training devices are having on the Airbus operators in Turkiye and is actively working on expanding this impact to airlines and training centers around the globe.
Source: HAVELSAN
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Czech Flight Training Group F AIR Welcomes First Vietjet Cadet Group for MPL Training
Czech Republic – based flight training group F AIR has announced the arrival of eight new cadets from Vietjet Aviation Academy, continuing their Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training programme in Europe. The cadets are now commencing the Core Phase and Basic Phase of the programme at F AIR’s training facilities – marking the first batch of MPL cadets for Vietjet Aviation Academy.
The partnership agreement was signed in January 2025 during a high-profile ceremony attended by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Czech counterpart, Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Source: F AIR
Photo Credit: F AIR
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Flight Simulator Manufacturer HAVELSAN’s Boeing Devices Train Thousands of Pilots – Supporting Operators Receiving Aircraft in 2025
Ankara, Turkiye – headquartered flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN, has invested significant time and resources to develop state of the art Boeing type specific training devices to support Boeing B737MAX operators as they scale their operations in 2025 and beyond.
In 2024 HAVELSAN delivered two Boeing B737MAX full flight simulators to Turkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines. Both devices achieved EASA certification in 2024 and joined HAVELSAN manufactured Boeing B737NG full flight simulator training infrastructure.
April 2025 will be a special month for HAVELSAN as it will conduct a factory acceptance test with another airline customer for a brand new Boeing B737NG FTD Level 2 (the first Turkiye manufactured device of the type).
In addition to manufacturing Boeing flight simulator’s HAVELSAN also operates Boeing flight devices with an example being its training center partnership with Turkish Airlines which operates Boeing devices in Ankara since 2023.
The HAVELSAN team is immensely proud of the impact that its training devices are having on the Boeing operators in Turkiye and is actively working on expanding this impact to airlines and training centers around the globe.
Source: HAVELSAN
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Centre for Mindfulness and Asia Aeronautical Training Academy Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop Pilot Competencies of Cadet Pilots
Singapore & Malaysia – The Centre for Mindfulness (CFM), a leading training provider offering mindfulness-based interventions for students, professionals, and organisations, has announced a strategic partnership with the Asia Aeronautical Training Academy (AATA), a renowned Approved Training Organisation – Flight Training Organisation (ATO-FTO) approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). This collaboration brings together Centre for Mindfulness’ Calm in Command course to AATA’s instructors and cadets, aiming to develop the competencies of airline-ready future commanders while undertaking their ab-initio training.
Calm in Command is a Mindfulness-Informed Pilot Competency Development Program aimed at addressing the need of mastering non-technical competencies by combining mindfulness training with pilot competency development. This program equips cadet pilots with the skills to navigate high-pressure situations with clarity, composure, and confidence. Part of the program also include instructor training to enable AATA to develop competencies of their cadets in the future, getting them ready to deliver Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs.
In the high-stakes environment of aviation, situation awareness is the cornerstone of effective decision-making, safety, and successful flight operations. Yet, most flight schools focus primarily on technical skills, leaving cadet pilots without a structured developmental pathway for non-technical competencies such as situation awareness.
Poor situation awareness in the flight deck can have severe consequences, including miscommunication, delayed decision-making, and compromised safety. Mindfulness practices enhance self-awareness, allowing pilots to better manage their emotions, recognize subtle environmental cues, and stay present in rapidly evolving scenarios. By developing self-awareness, pilots naturally enhance situation awareness, which in turn strengthens their ability to manage workload, solve problems, make decisions, and lead effectively.
With Evidence-Based Training (EBT) now focusing on pilots’ core competencies in the airlines, Calm in Command is a must for cadet pilots looking to excel in their assessments and future careers in the airlines. This program not only prepares cadet pilots for EBT assessments but also sets them up for a successful and mentally resilient aviation career.
To find out more about the Calm in Command program, visit https://www.centreformindfulness.sg/calm-in-command
Source: Centre for Mindfulness
Photo Credit: Centre for Mindfulness