Market Intelligence: -Suppliers

Aviation Media Group Acquires Aircraft and Simulator Financing Business

United States based FLYING Media Group has acquired Sky Allies Capital, a provider of aircraft finance solutions for the general aviation industry. Sky Allies Capital will be rebranded as FLYING Financial Group.

Currently, Sky Allies Capital offers loans for new and used aircraft, avionics upgrades, engine overhauls, fleet equipment, flight simulators, and more. Sky Allies has a network of more than 100 financial institutions, offering financing solutions for nearly every type of aircraft or equipment in the market. FLYING Financial will continue current Sky Allies Capital programs, as well as create a portfolio of loan and payment solutions built for aircraft owners, pilots, OEMs, dealers, and flight schools.

Meeting the Industry’s Financial Needs

There are two things that all aircraft dealers in the country are focused on—marketing their aircraft to prospective customers and helping prospects find financing solutions to get deals over the finish line. FLYING is planning to create turn-key solutions and packages for dealers and manufacturers that assist in delivering a massive sales funnel of prospects and prepacked financing solutions for ready-to-purchase customers.

In April, FLYING launched a used aircraft marketplace known as Aircraft For Sale and plans to invest significantly in this area over the coming months. Aircraft For Sale is an online marketplace and a newsprint-style edition that is mailed to every FLYING subscriber monthly, with listings from aircraft dealers, OEMs, and individual aircraft owners.

“If you are selling an aircraft, you should consider listing on Aircraft For Sale, which offers the largest circulation of pilots and aircraft owners of any classified listings product in the world,” said Preston Holland, COO of FLYING Media Group. “We plan on combining aircraft listings, aircraft media content, and a finance solution through a single platform. We hope to create a frictionless buying and selling experience for all aircraft transactions.”

Bringing New Lenders into Aviation

In addition, FLYING Financial plans to expand the network of lenders that Sky Allies works with, including programs designed to educate and inform prospective banks about the opportunities and challenges that exist in aircraft financing.

“There are too few financing providers and programs serving the industry today because of the limited number of bankers with personal experience in general aviation. We plan on changing this by creating educational programs and assistance for financial institutions that want to grow their aviation finance portfolios or that seek to build one from scratch,” said Craig Fuller, CEO of FLYING Media Group.

“FLYING has the deepest library of information on aircraft, equipment, and suppliers of any company in the general aviation industry,” Fuller continued. “By combining our content resources and knowledge of the industry, we can help bankers and financial institutions understand the risks and opportunities in general aviation finance. General aviation needs more banks investing in the business, and we plan to develop that.”

About FLYING Media Group

FLYING Media Group is the largest aviation media provider in the world, with content spanning 17 aviation-related brands, including FLYING Magazine, Plane & Pilot, KITPLANES, AVweb.com, and Aircraft For Sale. With an audience of nearly 3 million monthly visitors and subscribers, the broad reach of the FLYING platform is unmatched by any other aviation media source.

Source: FLYING

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Pilot Assessment Solution Provider Symbiotics Partners with Digital Platform to Help Prepare Future Pilots

Pilot Hub, a United Kingdom based platform for flight training, pilot supplies and advice, and Symbiotics, the provider of ADAPT Pilot Psychological Assessments, have partnered to provide a range of pilot aptitude assessments to support future pilots at the start of their career, and qualified pilots looking for a new position at an Airline or Aviation Organisation.

The partnership will see Pilot Hub offering Symbiotics’ Pilot Aptitude Practice Tests to their members, to help them to prepare for their future assessments. Being able to gain experience in using these practice tests can help candidates to familiarise themselves with the aptitude testing process within the aviation industry, helping to remove test anxiety and demonstrate their true capability on the day. They also support identification of any areas that may require further development prior to taking their assessment with an Airline or ATO.

Pilot aptitude tests are a common part of a person’s journey to becoming a pilot, being used by airlines and flight schools to predict a candidate’s likelihood to be successful in the flight training process. Fully qualified pilots looking for new jobs are also likely to encounter pilot aptitude tests, as airlines are increasingly using these to ensure compliance with the psychological element of the EASA Aircrew Medical Fitness Regulation.

Pilot Hub Founder Stefan West said: “Our partnership with Symbiotics marks a significant milestone for us at Pilot Hub. We are passionate about fostering growth and success in the aviation community, and this collaboration will ensure that our members are fully prepared for their journey in the industry. By offering Symbiotics’ Pilot Aptitude Practice Tests, we aim to demystify the aptitude testing process and alleviate test anxiety, allowing candidates to showcase their true potential. We believe this will not only support individuals in their immediate career goals but will also contribute to the overall development of a more robust and resilient aviation sector.”

Symbiotics’ Technical Director, Richard Brecknell added: “We are delighted to be working with Pilot Hub to support their goals to equip both those starting a career in aviation as well as experienced pilots.”

About Pilot Hub

Pilot Hub provides a community platform for future and current pilots, supporting them with information on flight training, pilot supplies and general aviation advice throughout their aviation careers.

About Symbiotics Ltd.

Symbiotics are expert providers of pre-screening and assessments for Pilots, Cabin Crew, Maintenance Engineer, Dispatchers and Airline Management. Symbiotics provide assessment & selection, training and consultancy services in over 130 locations spread through 80 countries across five continents. We support the aviation industry including airlines, Flight Schools, OEMs, Business Jet operators and other aviation businesses. Symbiotics fully believe that accurate assessment is the cornerstone of people success. We look to form long lasting relationships with our clients and other industry stakeholders for the benefit of the sector. We use our skills and experience as a specialist aviation assessment provider to work continuously to improve assessments to ensure fair, relevant, and quality testing of candidates.

Source: Symbiotics Press Release

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Textron, Elects Retired General Michael X. Garrett to Board of Directors

Textron Inc. announced that Michael X. Garrett has been elected to the company’s Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023. Garrett is a retired United States Army four-star general with nearly 40 years of service, most recently serving as Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the largest command in the U.S. Army, from March 2019 until his retirement in July 2022.

“We are honored to add General Garrett to our Board,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “His extensive experience in the military and deep understanding of training and deploying U.S. military forces will enable our company to better serve our military customers. We are fortunate to have a leader and strategic thinker of such high caliber joining our Board,” Donnelly added.

As FORSCOM Commander, General Garrett led 750,000 combat and support personnel through the COVID-19 pandemic and a shifting global security landscape. His earlier command tours included U.S. Army Central Command for almost four years, during which he was responsible for all Army activity in the Central Command area. Previously, he spent six years leading Army activity in the Middle East, first as Chief of Staff, U.S. Central Command and later as commanding general.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Textron team,” General Garrett said. “Their corporate values of integrity, respect, trust, and pursuit of excellence reflect the ethos I’ve always sought to instill within the Army’s soldiers, families, and teams. I look forward to serving Textron in support of its corporate goals and strong culture.”

General Garrett currently serves as an Executive in Residence for Fayetteville State University, a Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security at the Middle East Institute, a Senior Mentor at the U.S. Army War College and a director of Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

He is a graduate of Xavier University, and a career Infantryman, paratrooper and Army Ranger. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service and Defense Superior Service medals, and he is a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Textron Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron

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Global Pilot Training Group, CAE, to Participate in LABACE 2023 in Brazil

CAE is thrilled to announce their participation in LABACE 2023, the premier business aviation event in Latin America, which will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, from August 8-10. This event will bring together industry experts and enthusiasts, showcasing the latest advancements in business aviation and aircraft manufacturing. At CAE, they take pride in offering a comprehensive range of business aviation and maintenance training solutions for their valued customers. With skilled instructors, state-of-the-art simulation technology, and a global network of training centers, CAE provide one of the most respected training programs for business and helicopter aircraft. Its mission is to enhance human performance and promote operational excellence in the aviation sector.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE (shown as meta image)

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CPaT to Provide Distance Learning Pilot Training Solutions Solutions to Pakistani Airline, Airblue

CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced they have been awarded a new contract with Airblue. CPaT will be providing Airblue with Aircraft Systems and General Subjects training for pilots for the Airbus A320 CEO and Airbus A320 NEO.

“CPaT is excited about our new partnership with Airblue,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “With our comprehensive Aircraft Systems and General Subjects training for the Airbus A320 CEO and Airbus A320 NEO, we are dedicated to empowering Airblue’s pilots with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their careers.”

Airblue is based out of Karachi, Pakistan.

About CPaT

CPaT Global, LLC (CPaT) is the market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry. CPaT delivers software-as-a-service applications to more than 300 global aviation customers, serving 100,000+ individual users, and providing nearly two million hours of training each year. CPaT pioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training more than 25-years ago and has built on that legacy to offer new and imaginative training solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and invaluable. CPaT transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions, and vision for curriculum spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

About Airblue

Airblue Limited is a private airline. It is Pakistan’s second largest airline with a growing share of the domestic and regional market. Airblue’s fleet consists of next-generation Airbus A320 and A321 NEOAircraft. Led by a team with decades of experience in the industry, airblue embodies a new era in air travel. Airblue operates scheduled flights linking domestic destinations Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Multan with international destinations of UAE airports Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, and KSA airports of Jeddah and Riyadh. Airblue has integrated unique innovations to ensure security and affordability. Among these are complete online reservation systems, online reservation hold / in-person payment at various locations, and electronic document handling. Airblue was the first airline in Pakistan to introduce many modern technologies, including e-ticketing and self-check-in kiosk facilities.

Source: CPaT Press Release
Photo Credit: CPaT

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Global Pilot Trainer AeroGuard Partners with Stratus Financial to Give More Options to Finance Quality Flight Training

Phoenix, United States headquartered AeroGuard Flight Training Center, a renowned leader in high-quality flight training, is pleased to announce an agreement with Stratus Financial, a financial institution specializing in aviation, to provide additional flight training financing for aspiring future pilots across the nation. This collaboration between AeroGuard and Stratus Financial represents a step forward in addressing the barriers that student pilots often face when pursuing their dreams of becoming future commercial airline pilots. This alliance aims to make flight training more available by providing flexible financing options to meet the unique needs of each future pilot.

With the recent wave of pilot retirements and the air travel industry in high demand, the airlines are experiencing a severe pilot shortage and the need for the next generation of professional airline pilots has never been more evident. While flight school is an investment, a career as a commercial pilot is incredibly rewarding, with high salaries, which is why AeroGuard and Stratus Financial are committed to providing more opportunities for motivated individuals to have the ability to pursue this dream career.

With over 7,000 successful graduates and over 20 years of experience in professionally training future airline pilots, AeroGuard’s industry-leading and accelerated flight training programs establish a foundation for those with dreams of becoming a pilot. This new partnership aims to enable more students to finance their flight training and embark on a rewarding career in this rapidly growing industry.

AeroGuard offers training at three campus locations in the United States and partners with SkyWest Airlines to provide its students with a direct path to the airlines. Not only does AeroGuard guarantee its students an interview with them for a CFI position, but within this partnership with SkyWest, students are also guaranteed a First Officer Interview upon completion of the required 1,500 hours for them to start their careers.

AeroGuard ensures that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to succeed in the airline industry while providing helpful resources along the way. AeroGuard CEO, Joel Davidson, stated “We are pleased to partner with Stratus Financial to offer financing for flight training to a wide range of future pilots! Through accessible financing options and our quality flight training programs, we aim to make their dreams of becoming professional and capable pilots a reality.”

Stratus Financial’s commitment to offering flight training financial solutions comes from the company being founded by pilots. By providing future pilots with innovative financing options, Stratus Financial empowers them to pursue their dreams without compromising on the quality of their education and training. As pilots themselves, they understand this process first-hand and are committed to meeting the needs of students within flight training, not only working with them to provide financial assistance, but also providing counseling and mentorship throughout training and guidance as they complete checkrides, become instructors, interview for the airlines, and start their professional careers.

This partnership aims to transform flight training opportunities and make it more accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality.

About AeroGuard Flight Training Center

AeroGuard Flight Training Center is one of the U.S.’s most successful flight schools, offering accelerated commercial pilot training to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard has a proven history of training airline-ready pilots, with over one million flight hours of training experience and graduation over 7,000 cadets.

About Stratus Financial

Stratus Financial is a financial institution that was designed by pilots, specifically for the aviation industry, to make flight training more accessible and affordable. They provide flexible financing options, allowing applicants to choose a plan that works best for them and helping them achieve their dreams of becoming professional commercial airline pilots.

Source: AeroGuard Press Release
Photo Credit: AeroGuard (shown as meta image)

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Dutch Airline, WINAIR, Selects Avsoft to Deliver ATR 42-500 Course

Windward Island Airways International (WINAIR), based in Sint Maarten, has awarded Avsoft International a long-term contract for ATR 42-500 online pilot training. WINAIR will utilize Avsoft’s ATR 42-500 aircraft systems course as part of its initial and recurrent pilot training program, as well as Avsoft’s full library of general subject courses.

WINAIR selected avLMS, Avsoft’s proprietary Learning Management System, designed specifically for airline online pilot training, to deliver the ATR 42-500 aircraft systems course and provide comprehensive reporting to administer all aspects of the courses and exam results to satisfy WINAIR requirements, as well as SCAA regulatory requirements.

WINAIR is a government-owned Dutch airline based in Sint Maarten. It serves thirteen destinations, all within the Leeward Islands group of the Lesser Antilles in the Northeast Caribbean. It is headquartered on the grounds of Princess Juliana International Airport.

Source: Avsoft Press Release
Photo Credit: Avsoft

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