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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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Targets Flight School Market – Highlights Advantages of eFlyer 2

United States – training aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace has reiterated its commitment to reshaping the flight training market through electric aviation. The company sees its all-electric eFlyer aircraft family as a viable solution to reduce training costs, emissions, and operational complexity, potentially challenging traditional piston aircraft models.

  • Bye Aerospace is advancing its eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 programs, aimed at the training and air taxi sectors.

  • The eFlyer 2, currently in the certification phase with the FAA, targets primary flight training and offers:

    • Lower direct operating costs

    • Zero CO₂ emissions

    • Simplified maintenance

  • The company forecasts strong demand, with over 800 aircraft backlog, reflecting strong interest from flight schools and operators globally.

  • Bye Aerospace claims the electric models will be up to five times more efficient than conventional piston-engine trainers like the Cessna 172 or Piper Archer.

  • Certification of the eFlyer 2 is expected by late 2025, with eFlyer 4 following as a more complex multi-role aircraft.

About Bye Aerospace
Bye Aerospace, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, designs and builds electric aircraft for general aviation, flight training, and urban air mobility sectors. Its flagship eFlyer series is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and cost of pilot training.

Source: Aviation Week
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace

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Acron Aviation Signs Distribution Agreement with Leading Military Supplier HC Pacific

St. Petersburg, Florida, USA – Acron Aviation has entered into a landmark agreement with leading military aftermarket and trusted supplier of mission-critical parts, HC Pacific. With over 50 years’ experience in aerospace distribution HC Pacific is renowned for its innovative, global, supply chain solutions.

This exclusive agreement will see HC Pacific act as worldwide distribution partner of Acron Aviation’s market-leading avionics products, including: Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), Flight Data Recorders (FDR) and navigation systems. The agreement also includes aftermarket support services ensuring customers’ have access to expert technical support.

Jan Davis, VP & GM, Avionics at Acron Aviation, said: “As we embark on our new chapter as Acron Aviation, agreements with partners such as HC Pacific mean we take a big step towards our vision to become the unconventional top-tier partner of choice to our customers. The partnership improves availability of our industry-leading technology in the military sector and enhances critical product lifecycle support.”

Ron Nye, Director, Product Management at Acron Aviation, added: “The newly signed agreement allows both parties to leverage each other’s market leading capabilities. Combining Acron Aviation’s technical knowledge with HC Pacific’s distribution network will result in deeper customer relationships and collaboration. It also extends the reach of our market-leading avionics solutions to a military audience.”

Acron Aviation’s world-renowned technology and reliability will be backed by HC Pacific’s inventory management, rapid-response logistics and expert customer support.

Amanda Meeks-Turner, Vice President of Business Development at HC Pacific: “Partnering with Acron Aviation underscores HC Pacific’s unwavering commitment to supporting the war fighter by delivering reliable, high-performance aviation products with speed and precision. This collaboration ensures that our defense customers have streamlined access to the critical avionics solutions they need to maintain mission readiness and execute with confidence.”

About Acron Aviation
Acron Aviation is strategically aligned to deliver world-leading commercial aviation solutions designed to serve aircraft operators and airframe manufacturers across the globe. Our expertise extends to multiple facets of commercial aviation from OEM certified avionics to state-of-the-art simulation devices, best-in-class pilot training and market-leading flight data analytics. With a global footprint, we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers operations and further our mission of innovating to create safer skies.

About HC Pacific
HC Pacific, A Proponent Company, is a premier stocking distributor specializing in the supply of Military and aerospace components. With decades of experience, HC Pacific is committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service, ensuring that Military and aerospace technologies remain ready and effective for their missions.

Source: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation

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The Spanish Minister of Defense Visits Indra’s New Chinook CH-47F Simulator (Europe’s First)

  • Margarita Robles, and the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce, accompanied by the Executive Chairman of Indra Group, Ángel Escribano, have visited the Helicopter Simulation Center of the Army Aviation Academy, where the new Indra simulator is already installed
  • Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, It’s the first one to be manufactured in Europe for the Chinook CH-47F, the modernized version of one of the most powerful helicopters
  • Indra and the Army are committed to networked training, with simulators connected via different bases to enable the pilots to prepare for joint missions with the utmost realism

Madrid, SpainThe Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce, accompanied by military authorities and the Executive Chairman of Indra Group, Ángel Escribano, have visited the Helicopter Simulation Center (CESIHEL) of the Army Aviation Academy (ACAVIET), where they visited the Chinook CH-47F helicopter simulator developed by Indra, the first one manufactured in Europe for this version of the aircraft.

The visit took place as part of the delivery of the last unit of the Chinook CH-47F, the modernized version of this helicopter, at the Colmenar Viejo base of the FAMET.

The Army Aviation Academy (ACAVIET) Helicopter Simulation Center (CESIHEL), located at the Colmenar Viejo base, is now training the pilots of Transport Helicopter Battalion V (BHELTRA V) with the Chinook CH-47F helicopter simulator developed by Indra, the first one manufactured in Europe for this version of the aircraft.

This full mission simulator (FMS) rounds off the integrated training system to prepare the BHELTRA V personnel, which, together with the flight training device (FTD) and the computer-based trainer (CBT) previously delivered by the company, covers all of the phases of the personnel training on the platform.

The advantages of the synthetic training include savings of up to 40% of the actual flight hours required to ensure the preparation, instruction and advanced tactical coaching of the crews.

Helicopters are increasingly complex and advanced platforms, which means that pilots require several years of training to acquire the level necessary to conduct a real operation. In this regard, the simulators play a key role in providing the Spanish Armed Forces with the operability they require, as the number of helicopters that can be used during any given mission is determined by the number of available pilots with the required level of training.

In turn, this training increases flight safety and reduces operating and maintenance costs, in terms of upkeep, fuel consumption, material wear and tear and ammunition use.

To develop the simulator, Indra followed the design strategy used in other systems delivered to the Army, using the same avionics equipment as that carried by the aircraft. The above guarantees absolute fidelity during the training and ensures that the future evolutions of the simulators are in keeping with those of the aircraft themselves.

Indra has also employed a HLA standard-based networked simulation architecture, permitting joint tactical training for a mission via several simulators, in such a way that pilots located at different bases flying with other platforms (Tiger, Cougar, EC135 and NH90) can share the scenario in which the joint training is to be conducted.

The system also features a 4LED technology-based projection system that introduces a fourth infra-red light channel to enable the pilots to train for their flights using their own night-vision goggles (NVG), providing improved visual quality. The realism is complemented by the high-definition modeling of terrains, cities and settings, allowing the pilots to familiarize themselves with the environment they will carry out their mission in before they even reach their destination.

“The modernization of the Simulation System of the Chinook helicopter constitutes a further step in the work that the Army and Indra have performed for decades to turn the CESIHEL into one of the most advanced simulation centers in Europe. Spain has opted for joint tactical training consisting of the pilots not only preparing to fly their aircraft, but also completing their missions with the utmost efficiency, coordinating with the rest of the deployed force”, explained José María Tapia, Head of Simulation Programs at Indra.

The Chinook is one of the most powerful transport helicopters in the world, with a 10-ton loading capacity and it can transport dozens of soldiers. This exceptional performance has led numerous countries to invest in its modernization with the aim of extending its service life beyond 2040, given that it’s a key element during material and personnel transport, resupplies, rescues and deployments.

About Indra
Indra is a leading Spanish multinational and one of the foremost global defence, air traffic and space companies that, through technology, protects our current way of life and anticipates the needs of the future. Its committed team of experts, its in-depth knowledge of the business and the latest technologies, and its unique innovation and systems integration capabilities make it the trusted technology partner for key operations and digitalization for its customers around the world. Thanks to its leadership in major European programs and projects, as well as its spirit of collaboration and partnership strategy, it drives the industrial and innovative ecosystem in these sectors. Indra is an Indra Group company which, in the 2024 fiscal year, achieved revenue totaling €4,843 billion, with a local presence in 49 countries and business operations in over 140.

Source: Indra
Photo Credit: Indra

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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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Acron Aviation Grants Licensing Agreement to KGB Aviation Solutions for SRVIVR25™ Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders

St. Petersburg, Florida, USA – Acron Aviation has entered into a significant licensing partnership with KGB Aviation Solutions. This agreement enables KGB Aviation Solutions to securely access and download data from the SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), Flight Data Recorder (FDR), and Combination Cockpit Voice Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR), through their custom Data Acquisition Ruggedized Tool (DART).

As the second licensing arrangement for SRVIVR25 recorders, this collaboration underscores Acron Aviation’s dedication to enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency across the aviation industry.

Through this new partnership, KGB’s DART will include capabilities for efficient data extraction from SRVIVR25 recorders, streamlining maintenance workflows and minimizing aircraft downtime.

The SRVIVR25, a 25-hour cockpit voice recorder standard on all new Airbus platforms and widely retrofitted across airline fleets, is valued for its reliability and cutting-edge functionality.

Ron Nye, Director, Product Management at Acron Aviation, highlighted the initiative’s significance: “This partnership with KGB Aviation Solutions enables customers to utilize third-party extraction of our SRVIVR25™ recorders. This enhancement meets industry demand for data accessibility and improves efficiency of maintenance teams.”

This licensing arrangement allows maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, airlines, and operators to use the DART for regulatory compliance checks and routine maintenance. Known for its versatility, the DART supports multiple recorder manufacturers and ensures compliance through tailored cables, accessories, and software.

Maria Balys, President of KGB Aviation Solutions: “We are excited to be working with Acron Aviation. This licensing agreement allows owner/operators and MROs around the world an affordable and sophisticated GSE tool which enhances efficiency. The downloaded data can be securely and automatically transmitted to the appropriate Data Services or FOQA provider, streamlining aircraft-side operations. Our mutual customers will benefit from this licensing agreement as it will provide a single tool that will work across recorder OEMs and will interface with both the legacy and current state of art Recorders.”

About Acron Aviation
Acron Aviation is strategically aligned to deliver world-leading commercial aviation solutions designed to serve aircraft operators and airframe manufacturers across the globe. Our expertise extends to multiple facets of commercial aviation from OEM certified avionics to state-of-the-art simulation devices, best-in-class pilot training and market-leading flight data analytics. With a global footprint, we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers operations and further our mission of innovating to create safer skies.

About KGB Aviation Solutions
KGB Aviation Solutions specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data downloading devices. With over 17 years of expertise in FDR/CVR data analysis, the company provides cutting-edge solutions that help global aviation customers reduce operational costs and processing time. Through its Data Services and innovative products like DART, KGB Aviation Solutions continues to drive efficiency and technological advancement in the aviation industry.

Source: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation

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CAE Deploys Boeing 777 Full Flight Simulator to Vancouver, Canada

Canada – global pilot training and aviation crew solution provider has announced that it has deployed a Boeing 777 full flight simulator to Vancouver, BC. “With this new deployment, we are increasing training capacity in a strategic west coast location that will allow B777 pilots to train closer to where they fly.” shared CAE.

The training centre is located near the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). CAE owns and operates Level D full-flight simulators at Air Canada’s Vancouver facility and also maintains operations for Air Canada at the seven-bay facility.

Source: CAE

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European Training Aircraft Manufacturer Hosts Italian Distributor and Trainee Pilots at Kunovice Facility

Czech Republic – Aircraft manufacturer BRM AERO, known for its Bristell aircraft series, recently hosted Italian distributor Alessio Pengue and a team of trainee pilots at its manufacturing facility. The visit served as a hands-on experience for future aviators and strengthened Bristell’s presence in the Italian general aviation training market.

Source: Bristell by BRM AERO
Photo Credit: Bristell by BRM AERO

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Flight School Management Software Solutions Provider, Private-Radar, to Exhibit at Aero Friedrichshafen 2025

Germany – Flight school management software provider Private-Radar will be exhibiting at Aero Friedrichshafen from April 9–12, 2025, where it will showcase its Flight School Management Solution aimed at streamlining operations for flight training organisations.

  • Private-Radar will exhibit in Hall A4, Stand 515 during Aero Friedrichshafen 2025

  • The platform is designed to enhance operational efficiency for flight training providers

About Private-Radar
Private-Radar, based in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Community of Madrid, Spain, offers a flexible and user-friendly Flight School Management System and Aircraft Tracking System. Private-Radar enables pilot training centers of all sizes to efficiently manage every aspect of flight and ground training. Our solutions are made for students, instructors, and staff giving your organization full control of all training, administrative, and finance information. Private-Radar will allow you to simplify complex tasks such as scheduling flight and ground lessons, following student progress, reporting, invoicing, and keeping track of aircraft maintenance. You will always be compliant and ready for audits.

Source: Private-Radar
Photo Credit: Private-Radar

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