Market Intelligence: -Suppliers

Airbus Announces New President for Africa and the Middle East for 2025

Gabriel Sémelas has been appointed by Airbus as its new President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, effective 1st January 2025.

“Gabriel brings over 24 years of experience in the aeronautical industry and will be responsible for overseeing our operations across all divisions in this strategically important region.” shared Airbus.

Source: Airbus

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VR Simulator Manufacturer Loft Dynamics Launches Inaugural Dual Vocational Education and Training Program

Dübendorf, Switzerland – Loft Dynamics, the global leader in qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), announced the launch of its inaugural dual vocational education and training (VET) program in partnership with Ausbildungszentrum Winterthur (AZW), Switzerland’s leading institution for industrial and technical apprenticeships. The company’s apprenticeship program is designed to cultivate and empower the aviation industry’s future change-makers and problem-solvers. Apprentices will gain on-the-job experience at Loft Dynamics’ Dübendorf headquarters, complementing their vocational training at AZW. By blending classroom learning with practical experience, the program will serve as a valuable springboard to a successful career, enhancing apprentices’ skills and accelerating their contributions to the industry at a critical time.

While technology has revolutionized many aspects of aviation, pilot training has remained largely unchanged—expensive, limited in capabilities, and difficult to access. With the global pilot shortage and ongoing pilot safety concerns, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions. Loft Dynamics believes that fostering diverse, fresh perspectives is key to challenging the status quo and making a global impact. Through this apprenticeship program, Loft Dynamics aims to harness the passion and creativity of Switzerland’s students to tackle these challenges and leave a lasting mark on the industry.

“At Loft Dynamics, we believe deeply in the power of practical experience to drive innovation,” said Fabi Riesen, CEO and founder of Loft Dynamics. “Starting my career as an electrical engineering apprentice through Switzerland’s dual VET system, I have seen firsthand the enduring value of this approach. The skills and insights I gained continue to positively shape my work today. Many of our team members also have experience with the VET program, and we have thoughtfully incorporated these insights into designing the Loft Dynamics apprenticeship program. We know it needs to be more than just training—it’s about equipping students with the tools, freedom, and opportunities to drive advancements in aviation. By blending classroom learning with real-world applications, we’re preparing them to lead and innovate in an industry that’s ready for fresh, bold ideas.”

“Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and vocational training, and Loft Dynamics’ new apprenticeship program is a testament to this tradition,” said Martin Candinas, Member of the Swiss Federal Assembly. “By combining practical experience with academic learning, this initiative not only prepares the next generation of aviation and virtual reality engineers but also reinforces our position as a leader in technological innovation. Loft Dynamics’ approach shows how collaboration between industry and educational institutions can drive progress and address global challenges. It’s inspiring to see Swiss talent being nurtured to make significant contributions on a global scale.”

Loft Dynamics’ program will offer a select number of apprenticeships to AZW students providing hands-on training in virtual reality engineering and its applications within aviation. Apprentices will split their time between AZW, focusing on a specialized curriculum, and Loft Dynamics, where they will gain practical experience ranging from developing VR simulation scenarios to assisting with hardware design. This training will help them develop essential hard skills, such as programming and system integration, as well as soft skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork—skills that will be valuable throughout their careers.

Loft Dynamics’ 2024 apprentice cohort, which includes three Automation Technicians, began their four-year VET program at AZW in August. In 2025, during their second year, apprentices will start working at Loft Dynamics two days a week while continuing their vocational studies at AZW three days a week. This schedule will remain in place until the end of the program. Upon completion, apprentices must pass the federally issued final exam before they can begin their careers.

Future cohorts will start every August and follow the same schedule and timeline. As the program progresses, Loft Dynamics plans to increase the number of apprenticeship positions and the variety of roles available. This expansion will give more students the opportunity to begin their careers in this innovative field.

Riesen continued: “We’re excited to welcome our new apprentices at this pivotal moment for Loft Dynamics. As we lead a major transformation in pilot training—from pioneering the first-ever FAA and EASA approvals of VR training devices and facilitating the shift from legacy simulators to our advanced solutions—the impact of our work is being felt worldwide. This experience will be profoundly rewarding, and I’m confident it will benefit them throughout their careers.”

Swiss grade school students in grades 5-7 who are interested in the apprenticeship program are encouraged to participate in Switzerland’s annual International Future Day in November. For more information about Loft Dynamics’ apprenticeship program, please contact info@loftdynamics.com.

About Loft Dynamics

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in qualified virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTD). It is the first and only VR FSTD qualified by the FAA and the first and only VR FSTD qualified by EASA. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our revolutionary VR simulators provide a more immersive, realistic, customizable, and safe training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. We serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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New Zealand-based iSim to Revolutionize Flight Training with New Advanced Simulator Technology

Auckland, New Zealand – A New Zealand-based flight simulator company, iSim Ltd, has announced the start of the development of a new generation of flight simulators. Using  the industry-latest technologies, such as the latest computer, visual and motion systems, the new type of training devices will allow customers to enjoy the highest level of training while significantly reducing initial and operating costs.

About iSim Ltd.
iSim Ltd. is a young and dynamic company that designs, develops, and manufactures next generation tailor-made flight simulators for general aviation and helicopters.

Source: iSim Ltd.
Photo Credit: iSim Ltd.

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider, CPaT, Announces Contract with Berniq Airways

Houston, Texas USA – 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 newly established Libyan Airline, Berniq Airways. CPaT will provide Berniq Airways with customized Aircraft Systems courses for their Airbus A320 CEO and A320 NEO fleets, along with a full suite of Aircraft Procedural Trainers. In addition to pilot training materials, CPaT will deliver a comprehensive range of Cabin Crew Training products, including Aircraft Systems for Cabin Crew (for both the Airbus A320 and A320 NEO), Cabin Crew Safety and General Subject Courses, and 3D Cabin Trainers.

“We are excited to partner with Berniq Airways and support their training needs with our tailored Airbus A320 CEO and A320 NEO courses,” said Captain Greg Darrow, VP of Sales. “By providing both Airbus pilot training materials and a comprehensive range of cabin crew products, we aim to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their training programs as they grow their operations.”

Berniq Airways, based in Benghazi City, Libya, is on a mission to excel, representing hope and prosperity for Libya. The company’s name reflects its vision of providing high-quality aviation services while staying connected to Libyan heritage and civilization. Captain Alsanussi Alghazali, Flight Operations Manager of Berniq Airways, happily announced, “We’re excited to partner with CPaT Global to expand our training with customized, unlimited, and easily accessible courses. We are dedicated to continually improving and embracing new technologies to enhance our teams.”

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 350 global aviation customers, serving 100,000+ individual training users each year. CPaT pioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training 30 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, with in-depth content and interactive courseware spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

About Berniq Airways
Berniq Airways is a newly established commercial airline company based in Benghazi City, Libya, offering domestic and international flight services. The company aims to improve air transportation services and enhance connectivity between Libyan cities and the world. Berniq Airways adheres to the highest and latest safety and quality standards in the aviation industry and aspires to provide a comfortable and exceptional travel experience for its passengers.

Source: CPaT Global
Photo Credit: CPaT Global

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