Market Intelligence: -Suppliers

Portugal’s IFA Academy Expands its Fleet with New ALSIM AL250 Simulator

Portugal & France — IFA Academy has chosen ALSIM to enhance its pilot training with the addition of the AL250 simulator at its Viseu base in Portugal. The AL250 simulator addresses the initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, IR/ME) and is a SEP/MEP reconfigurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II. In addition, it offers both classic and glass cockpits for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation and more than 100 units have already been installed and are in successful operation worldwide.

IFA’s Group CEO José Madeira, explains, “We selected the ALSIM AL250 for its advanced capabilities and EASA FNPT II certification, recognizing it as a powerful tool for enhancing pilot proficiency, particularly in instrument flight training.

This simulator will deliver a fully immersive and highly realistic experience, replicating the flight characteristics of three aircraft types: the Cessna 172, Piper PA28R Arrow, and Piper PA44. Its flexibility in offering both analog and EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) cockpit configurations will also allow our students to seamlessly adapt to diverse flight scenarios and operational standards.

The AL250 joins our existing ALSIM FNPT II flight simulator, creating a complementary training ecosystem that elevates our instructional capabilities. Together, these two state-of-the-art devices provide a dynamic and comprehensive simulation environment, ensuring that our students benefit from a broad spectrum of flight experiences aligned with the demands of modern aviation.”

Leonardo Rodrigues, Sales Manager at ALSIM, adds, “We’re especially proud to continue our partnership with the Instituto de Formação Aeronáutica, which first chose our simulator for their Cascais facility in 2019. Their decision to purchase an AL250 for their Viseu base is a strong vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of our systems and we’re honored to be a trusted part of their pilot training journey.”

About IFA Academy
At the forefront of aviation education in Portugal, IFA (International Flight Academy) stands as a beacon of excellence, distinction, and innovation. Renowned for its state-of-the-art fleet and cutting-edge flight simulators, IFA is the premier destination for aspiring aviators seeking a world-class training experience. This commitment to excellence is embodied in every aspect of the academy, from expert instruction to immersive, real-world learning environments that prepare students for the dynamic world of aviation. With a legacy spanning over 26 years, IFA is an EASA-ANAC certified Approved Training Organisation (ATO), setting the benchmark in aviation instruction. IFA’s mission is clear: to deliver training that mirrors the realities of modern aviation, producing skilled professionals ready to take flight in roles as pilots, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance technicians. Operating from two strategic flight bases in Cascais and Viseu, Portugal, IFA has become recognized for its pioneering achievements in aviation training. IFA is the first academy in Portugal to integrate a 100% electric aircraft into its fleet, and the first to launch a certified APS MCC course in its own A320 FNPT-II simulator, proving its relentless pursuit of progress.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators. ALSIM is well recognized for its experience and know-how since 1994. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our clients’ needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology. Today, we have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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Simaero Expands Simulator Engineering Services Offering in 2025

Global – Simaero, an operator of full flight simulator training centers and flight simulator engineering services company, has launched a new global flight fimulator & spare parts trading service, expanding its portfolio to offer a one-stop solution for full flight simulator operators and airlines.

  • The new service facilitates the trading, upgrading, and relocation of pre-owned full flight simulators (FFS) and associated components.

  • Simaero’s offering includes technical vetting, refurbishment, relocation, and long-term support, ensuring reliability and compliance with international regulatory standards.

  • The company recently finalized a full-stall UPRT retrofit on a legacy CAE Boeing 747 full-flight simulator in Yangzhou, China, equipping it with advanced upset recovery capability.

Source: Simaero

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – JETPUBS – Delivering Customized Manuals and Training Materials

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Larissa Fildes – CEO at Jetpubs, which empowers aviation operators to stay compliant, efficient, and training-ready by delivering fully customized manuals and training materials.

The conversation covers:

  • Jetpubs’ Dual Focus and Growth: Larissa Fildes shared her 20-year journey from marketing to leading Jetpubs, a company that provides customized manuals and training materials for aviation operators. Jetpubs operates with a dual focus: a full-service tech pubs department powered by proprietary software, and a robust training materials division, supporting over 600 clients globally.
  • Tech Innovation: iPad App & New Tools: Jetpubs recently launched version 4.2.0 of its iPad app, which now includes fillable forms for students and instructors—streamlining training processes and document handling. They also introduced a new version of their Cockpit Companion, an interactive training tool that improves procedural learning and reduces simulator hours.
  • Industry Trends: Blending Old & New Tools: Larissa noted a resurgence in demand for traditional tools like cockpit posters and static trainers, as VR—while valuable—still poses challenges in cognitive overload and practical application. She emphasized the importance of layering training tools appropriately rather than overwhelming trainees with too much complexity at once.
  • Current Challenges: Supply Chain, Remote Work, and Public Perception: Key industry challenges include maintaining training effectiveness in remote environments and managing public perception amid rapid information spread. Jetpubs responds by customizing materials for durability and usage context, recruiting talent nationwide, and continuously evaluating client outcomes over flashy tech trends (“tool seduction”).
  • Vision for the Future and Role of AFM: While the future of pilot training is still emerging, Larissa believes we are at an inflection point. She expects more focus on teaching trainees how to learn in modern training environments. Jetpubs leverages AFM as both a “megaphone” for visibility and a “radar” for market intelligence, using it to stay informed and proactive in adapting to the industry’s evolving needs.

For more information:

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Redbird Flight Simulations and Avidyne Announce Joint Development Program

USA – During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Redbird Flight Simulations and Avidyne Corporation announced a joint development program to integrate high-fidelity Avidyne avionics into Redbird’s advanced aviation training devices (ATDs). The collaboration aims to enhance the realism and effectiveness of simulator-based training for general aviation pilots and flight schools while maintaining configurability and affordability.

  • The initiative introduces real Avidyne hardware and software—starting with the IFD550—into Redbird’s reconfigurable training devices, enabling seamless transitions between simulator and actual aircraft operations.

  • Redbird’s ATDs, such as the MCX model, will now feature full IFD bezels, touch screens, and flight code, providing a true-to-life cockpit experience for learners.

  • This marks the first integration of real aircraft avionics into Redbird’s modular ATD platform, with additional Avidyne configurations (such as the IFD540/440) in development.

  • Flight schools will benefit from enhanced training fidelity while retaining flexibility to reconfigure simulator layouts across their fleets.

Statements

  • “Avidyne shares in our product design goals to make advanced technology more widespread in the general aviation market by maximizing flexibility and minimizing costs for customers,” said Redbird CEO Charlie Gregoire. “The progress we have made together is an exciting step forward.”

  • “Integrating the actual IFD bezel, display, touch screen, and software into the Redbird ATD provides the pilot the ability to experience the exact same human machine interface and functionality in the ATD as in the aircraft,” added Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn. “Improving the fidelity of the ATD will enable pilots to get more value out of their time in the simulator.”

Source: Redbird Flight
Photo Credit: Redbird Flight

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Redbird Flight Simulations and Sporty’s Partner to Advance Migration Flight Training Conference

USA – At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Redbird Flight Simulations and Sporty’s announced a new strategic partnership to jointly advance the Migration Flight Training Conference, a premier event for aviation educators and flight training professionals in the United States.

  • The partnership will see Sporty’s actively contribute to the development of the conference agenda, content creation, and promotional outreach to its extensive audience of pilots, students, and flight instructors.

  • Migration was established by Redbird in 2011 and has evolved into the leading annual gathering for U.S. flight training professionals, university aviation educators, K-12 administrators, and general aviation stakeholders.

  • Past editions have featured participation from key institutions including the FAA, NTSB, and AOPA, addressing regulatory updates and practical challenges in flight training.

  • Migration 2026 will be held March 3–4 at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida—marking the conference’s return to one of its most impactful venues.

Statements

  • “Migration has become a linchpin in aviation education that facilitates opportunities for flight training professionals, general aviation leaders, and K-12 administrators and teachers to network with and learn from one another,” said Redbird CEO Charlie Gregoire. “This partnership with Sporty’s will only increase the value the event offers attendees.”

  • “Migration brings together the people and ideas that move flight training forward, and that’s exactly where Sporty’s wants to be,” said John Zimmerman, President & CEO of Sporty’s. “We’ve long admired Redbird’s commitment to improving the aviation learning experience.”

Source: Redbird Flight Simulation

Source: Redbird Flight
Photo Credit: Redbird Flight

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