Air India Takes Delivery of First 2 Diamond DA42NG Aircraft for Flight Training Organisation

India – Air India has taken delivery of the first two Diamond DA42 NG trainer aircraft destined for its upcoming Amravati based Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Maharashtra, marking a major milestone in the Tata Group carrier’s plan to rebuild India’s domestic pilot training capacity.

  • The two DA42 NG aircraft are part of a 34-aircraft trainer order placed by Air India in December 2024, intended for use at what is set to become South Asia’s largest FTO.

  • In addition to the Diamond twin-engine aircraft, 13 single-engine Piper Aircraft trainers have already been shipped to India as part of the same programme.
  • Upon completion of flight training at Amravati, cadets will progress to Air India’s Aviation Academy in Gurugram, where they will complete airline-specific type rating training prior to operating commercial Air India flights.

  • The two DA42 NG aircraft departed Diamond Aircraft’s factory in Wiener Neustadt, Austria on 7 December 2025, undertaking a multi-leg ferry flight spanning approximately 6,700 kilometres across six countries.

  • Initial routes included stops in Croatia and Greece, before converging on a shared path via Crete, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, and finally into Ahmedabad, India.

  • The aircraft operated predominantly below 15,000 feet, with occasional climbs to 20,000 feet, and completed their longest sector in approximately 4.5 hours.

  • After landing in Ahmedabad on 10 December 2025 to complete import and customs formalities via GIFT City, the aircraft continued on their final leg to Belora airfield, Amravati, where new runway infrastructure is now in place.

Source: Air India

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Padpilot Expands Global Commercial Team with Appointment of Adriana Dinu

United Kingdom – Padpilot, a leading global provider of digital theoretical-knowledge training materials, has announced the appointment of Adriana Dinu to its commercial team as the company continues expanding its international footprint of pilot training organisation clients.

  • Padpilot is a leading publisher of digital aviation training materials, trusted by 180 pilot-training providers worldwide and used by over 10,000 active users.

  • Its course content supports Pilot Foundation, PPL(A/H) and ATPL(A/H) students and instructors, delivered on all device types and designed to turn theoretical ground school into an engaging learning experience that strengthens understanding and flight-deck decision-making.

  • Dinu’s role will focus on market expansion, identifying new training verticals, regions, and strategic partnership opportunities to support Padpilot’s global growth.

  • She will oversee the full commercial lifecycle including pipeline strategy, enterprise prospecting, contract negotiation and deal closure, and will manage long-term enterprise client relationships.

Source: Adriana Dinu (Padpilot)

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Leading Provider of Fire Trainers Flame Aviation Installs V9000 Commander Fire Trainer for SkyWest Airlines in Denver

Netherlands – headquartered Flame Aviation has announced the installation of a new V9000 Commander next-generation fire trainer for SkyWest Airlines in Denver. The V9000 Commander is a state-of-the-art fire trainer designed for aviation firefighting and safety training.

Flame Aviation is recognized as the industry standard in fire trainers, making it the preferred choice for airlines and training centers worldwide. The sophisticed, high-quality and reliable fire trainers are trusted globally to deliver effective and realistic fire training.

Source: Flame Aviation
Photo Credit: Flame Aviation

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Simaero and CSS Celebrate Qualification of the First CSS-Manufactured A320ceo/neo FFS in Paris

France – flight simulator manufacturer China Simulation Sciences Co., Ltd. (CSS) has completed the delivery and installation of an Airbus A320 neo/ceo Level D Full Flight Simulator for its strategic partner Simaero at the Paris CDG Training Center. The device achieved Level D certification from the French DGAC in November 2025 and has now entered commercial operation, marking a historic milestone as the first China-manufactured Level D full flight simulator ever deployed in Europe.

  • The installation is CSS’s first Level D simulator delivery to Europe and follows the company’s achievement in June 2024, when it became one of the few Chinese manufacturers to obtain EASA Level D qualification—establishing a self-sustained R&D, certification and manufacturing system for high-fidelity full-flight simulators.

  • The project reflects deepening Sino-French industrial cooperation, supported by dignitaries from both countries, including representatives of the Chinese Embassy in France, the France-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, airlines, and regulatory bodies.

  • The delivery is the second CSS simulator acquired by Simaero, underscoring growing international confidence in China-developed simulation technology.

  • The new A320 Level D simulator strengthens Simaero’s ability to serve European airlines with high-standard A320 type-rating training and becomes the tenth active device at its Paris CDG training hub.

Statements

  • Mr. Guangping Ji, Chairman, China Simulation Sciences “This delivery represents not only CSS’s first Level D FFS to enter the European market, but also the second CSS simulator received by Simaero—demonstrating the strong trust international customers place in high-end Chinese aviation technology.”

  • Mr. Nicolas Mouté, CEO, Simaero “We are proud to be the first in Europe to operate a China-manufactured Level D simulator. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to delivering world-class training solutions and will support our mission to drive innovation and excellence in aviation training.”

Source: China Simulation Sciences / Simaero

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