Market Intelligence: South East Asia

CAE Creates New Senior VP Role to Strengthen Operational Excellence Across Civil and Defense Units in 2026

Global – CAE has announced the creation of a new executive role, Senior Vice President, Operations, as part of its ongoing organizational transformation to strengthen operational performance and integration across its Civil Aviation and Defense divisions. Juan Araujo, a senior aerospace executive with more than 25 years of international experience, will assume the position in January 2026.

  • The newly established role is designed to enhance consistency, efficiency, and performance across CAE’s global products organization, driving greater collaboration and alignment between its civil training and defense technology businesses.

  • Mr. Araujo will oversee the integration of multiple functional areas—previously operating independently—into a unified end-to-end products team responsible for execution, quality, cost, and speed to market.

Source: CAE

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Airworks Aviation Welcomes Batch 5 of Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program

Philippines – Airworks Aviation Company has officially welcomed Batch 5 of the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program, continuing its partnership with the country’s largest airline to train the next generation of Filipino airline pilots. The program remains the only airline-backed cadet pilot initiative in the Philippines, reflecting a long-term commitment to strengthening the nation’s aviation talent pipeline.

  • The latest batch comprises 20 cadets — four women and sixteen men — who will undergo an integrated pilot training program at Airworks Aviation’s training facilities in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

  • The Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program, operated in partnership with Airworks, provides selected cadets with end-to-end pilot training leading to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings, aligned with the airline’s operational standards.

  • Captain Samuel Avila, Vice President for Flight Operations at Cebu Pacific, addressed the cadets during the official launch ceremony, commending their selection and emphasizing the program’s role in shaping the future of Philippine aviation.

In June 2024 Cebu Pacific (CEB), the fast growing Philippines based low-cost carrier operating over 80 aircraft, announced that it was partnering with Philippines based flight training organisation Airworks Aviation for its Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program. The program is currently the only airline in the country offering this program, giving aspiring pilots high-quality training experience, mentorship, and guaranteed employment path with the airline. Over a five-year period, CEB will deploy a total of 240–300 Cadet Pilots to Airworks.

The 96 week program will see aspiring pilots get their Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating as well as a type rating on either Airbus A320 or ATR72-600.

Statements

  • “To be entrusted with training the next generation of Cebu Pacific pilots is both an honor and a profound responsibility. It’s a partnership that goes beyond producing pilots — it’s about nurturing the future of the Philippine aviation industry, ensuring it continues to soar higher with skill, integrity, and passion,” said Vincent Charles Ong, President of Airworks Aviation Company.

About Airworks Aviation Company
Airworks Aviation Company, based in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, is one of the Philippines’ leading flight training organizations. Established in 1993, it offers integrated and modular training programs from Private Pilot License to Airline Transport Pilot standards. Airworks is the official training partner for the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program and maintains a modern fleet of Cessna and Piper aircraft.

About Cebu Pacific Air
Cebu Pacific Air is the largest airline in the Philippines, operating an extensive domestic and regional network with a fleet of Airbus A320, A321, and A330 aircraft.

Source: Airworks Aviation Company

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Airbus Helicopters Supports Fred North’s Global Mentorship Program for Young Pilots

Global – Airbus Helicopters has partnered with veteran stunt pilot Fred North to sponsor the Helicopter Safety Mentorship Program, a global initiative designed to connect young aviators with experienced mentors to enhance safety and professional development across the rotorcraft industry.

  • The programme, founded by Fred North — one of the world’s most recognised helicopter pilots in film and television — links early-career pilots with seasoned peers to provide guidance on operational decision-making, safety practices, and career progression.

  • More than 350 pilots worldwide are currently enrolled, with a further 40 on the waiting list, representing participants from North America, Europe, South Asia, and Latin America.

  • The mentorship structure allows flexible engagement between mentors and mentees, typically involving short, periodic exchanges to discuss topics such as mission planning, stress management, and operational risk.

  • Airbus Helicopters views the initiative as part of its holistic aviation safety strategy, focusing not only on technical innovation but also on pilot mindset, training quality, and human factors.

  • The company’s Head of Aviation Safety and Quality, Florence Verlut, highlighted that Airbus’ support for the programme aligns with its Zero Accidents roadmap by encouraging knowledge transfer between generations of pilots.

  • Airbus test pilot Olivier Gensse is among the mentors participating in the programme, contributing decades of operational experience to the next generation of rotorcraft professionals.

Statements

  • “We’ve done so much mechanically in the past 40 years that today helicopters are really reliable, if you do the maintenance correctly. Now, the weak part is us, as pilots, as human beings,” said Fred North, founder of the Helicopter Safety Mentorship Program. “I would love every young pilot doing his commercial license to be part of the programme. It can help create a safer environment because they can ask questions now and not make that mistake eight years later.”
  • “Airbus’ strategy is holistic — to not only look at the product, but to look at everything that can enhance safety. Fred’s mentors can reach all types of pilots, and his willingness to think about the future by upskilling the new generation aligns with Airbus’ safety roadmap,” said Florence Verlut, Head of Aviation Safety and Quality at Airbus Helicopters.

Source: Airbus

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Keyvan Aviation – Aeronautical and Navigation Database Solutions for Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Mehmet Keyvan, CEO & Chairman at Keyvan Aviation (Keyvan Group), offering Big Data solutions and services in the aviation field, including with the approved Aeronautical and Navigation Database for Aircraft Avionics Systems, Flight Simulators and Flight Planning systems, and many other tailored data solutions.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Origins & Mission: Mehmet Keyvan founded Keyvan Aviation to provide certified global aeronautical and navigation data essential for flight operations, avionics, and simulators. As an EASA Type 1 Data Provider, the company ensures aviation stakeholders have access to precise, regulatory-compliant databases used by airlines, flight schools, and simulator operators.
  • Commitment to Data Quality & Certification: Mehmet Keyvan emphasized that “flying without data is like flying with closed eyes,” highlighting the importance of reliable, certified information in aviation safety and training. The company’s focus is on delivering trustworthy, high-quality data tailored to each client’s specific system and operational needs.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Innovation: Keyvan Aviation collaborates with major simulator and tech firms like Quantum3D, Simnest, and HAVELSAN to integrate high-quality data into 3D simulations and AI-powered systems. These partnerships aim to improve training realism and data analytics, supporting the growing need for efficient, modern pilot training solutions.
  • AI, Digitalization & Data-Driven Training: Mehmet believes artificial intelligence and real-time data will transform how pilots are assessed and trained, enabling more targeted and adaptive learning. By analyzing simulator data, instructors can identify weaknesses and tailor future sessions, enhancing safety and operational readiness.
  • Vision & Competitive Edge: Keyvan Aviation differentiates itself through its global data coverage, competitive pricing, and 24/7 technical support. With coverage of over 55,000 aerodromes and heliports worldwide, the company combines certification, quality, and customer service to meet the evolving needs of the aviation training industry.

 For more information:

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Emirates Highlights Global Pilot Roadshow in 2026 Including Across Europe and Asia

United Arab Emirates – Emirates has announced the next phase of its global Pilot Roadshow campaign, aimed at attracting experienced flight crew across Europe and Asia. The upcoming events, spanning December 2025 to April 2026, will provide attendees with direct access to Emirates’ recruitment teams and insights into flight crew opportunities with the Dubai-based airline.

  • Emirates’ Pilot Roadshow will visit 20 cities in 17 countries over a five-month period, including key aviation hubs such as Frankfurt, Singapore, London, Milan, and Warsaw.

  • The initiative targets both type-rated experienced pilots and individuals exploring long-term career prospects with Emirates, offering detailed information on career progression, lifestyle in Dubai, and technical requirements.

  • The campaign supports Emirates’ ongoing recruitment strategy amid sustained post-pandemic fleet expansion and delivery of new aircraft, including A350s and 777Xs.

Roadshow Schedule

December 2025

  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Athens, Greece

  • Belgrade, Serbia

  • Budapest, Hungary

January 2026

  • Warsaw, Poland

  • Riga, Latvia

  • Prague, Czechia

February 2026

  • Manchester, UK

  • Belfast, UK

  • London Heathrow, UK

  • London Gatwick, UK

  • Brussels, Belgium

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

March 2026

  • Milan, Italy

  • Bucharest, Romania

  • Frankfurt, Germany

April 2026

  • Hong Kong SAR

  • Singapore

Source: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates

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