Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Bye Aerospace Selects Composite Approach to Build All-Electric Composite Aircraft

United States – Bye Aerospace, developer of the eFlyer family of all-electric aircraft, has selected Composite Approach, a U.S.-based specialist in advanced composite manufacturing, to build the fuselage for its new-design, all-electric composite aircraft. The partnership marks a key industrial milestone as Bye Aerospace progresses toward production of its next-generation electric training platform.

  • The selection ensures the aircraft’s structural design can transition from prototype to scalable, certifiable production, supporting the durability and efficiency targets required for training operations.

  • Bye Aerospace stated that the companies will also collaborate on tooling, assembly processes, and quality systems to support FAA certification and production readiness for the all-electric training aircraft.

Statements

  • Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace, said, “This collaboration represents a turning point for electric aviation. By combining our all-electric, aerodynamically efficient design with Composite Approach’s mastery of lightweight composite structures, we can demonstrate the first commercially viable all-electric aircraft to address the high costs of pilot training.“
  • Brian Harris, CEO of Composite Approach, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bye Aerospace on this historic project. Our team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of composite technology, and this aircraft will showcase how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to transform aviation.”

Source: Bye Aerospace

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TAI’s Hurjet Jet Trainer Moves Into Production Phase

Türkiye – Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is advancing the testing, mass-production setup and export negotiations for the Hurjet, Türkiye’s first domestically developed advanced jet trainer, as the programme transitions from prototype evaluation to serial manufacturing.

  • Two Hurjet prototypes have completed around 340 flights and 260 flight hours, progressing through the aircraft’s full design envelope as development milestones continue.

  • Assembly is underway for the first aircraft destined for the Turkish Air Force’s Turkish Stars aerobatic team, with delivery scheduled for 2026. The next newly produced aircraft is expected to complete its first flight in the first quarter of next year.

  • TAI is establishing a production line capable of manufacturing two aircraft per month, with the Turkish Air Force set to receive an initial batch of 16 units, to be expanded as additional configurations enter production.

  • The Hurjet programme, launched in 2017 with a maiden flight achieved in April 2023, is Türkiye’s first supersonic jet-powered training aircraft and is designed for modern fighter training, armed and unarmed patrol, and aerobatic missions.

  • Key performance specifications include a Mach 1.4 top speed, service ceiling of 45,000 feet, and a payload capacity of three tons across seven external stations.

Source: TAI

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Blackshape Aircraft Signs Saudi Arabia Partnership in 2025

Saudi Arabia – Italian aircraft manufacturer Blackshape Aircraft, part of Angel Holding, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi conglomerate Al-Qahtani during the Italy–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Riyadh, establishing a new commercial partnership for the promotion of Blackshape Aircraft’s Prime and Gabriel training aircraft in the Kingdom. The agreement represents a strategic step in Blackshape’s expansion into the Middle East and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for military and ab-initio training platforms.

  • Under the MoU, Al-Qahtani will serve as Blackshape’s partner for marketing the Prime and Gabriel aircraft across Saudi Arabia, with discussions already underway for potential future local production of Italian-built aircraft in the Kingdom.

  • The agreement was signed by Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni and Abdullah Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Vice President of Al-Qahtani, in the presence of senior leadership from both Angel Holding and Al-Qahtani Group.

  • According to media reports Blackshape Aircraft is also reported to be in active negotiations with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) regarding the potential supply of more than 30 Gabriel aircraft for basic military pilot training.

  • A preliminary phase of the proposed contract would include initial RSAF pilot training in Italy, conducted at Blackshape’s training base located at Grottaglie Airport.

Source: Italian Media Reporting

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New Basic Training Aircraft Delivered in 2025 for Canadian Military Pilot Program

Canada – SkyAlyne, a Canadian joint venture formed by CAE and KF Aerospace, has achieved a major milestone with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) formally accepting the first four CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) aircraft at 15 Wing Moose Jaw as part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

  • The CT-102B aircraft, which will serve as the Basic Flying Training platform under FAcT, will be used for instructor development, evaluation, and training support for both military and civilian trainers.

  • The aircraft are powered by a Rolls-Royce M250-B17F engine, feature a glass cockpit, and are fully aerobatic — optimised for foundational pilot training.

  • Acceptance activities, including test flights and inspections, were conducted on-site at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

  • A total of 23 CT-102Bs are planned as part of the 71-aircraft FAcT fleet; the fifth aircraft arrived on November 17, with additional deliveries scheduled for 2026.

  • CAE serves as the lead operator and maintenance provider at Moose Jaw, while KF Aerospace leads FAcT operations at Southport, Manitoba.

  • Earlier milestones in the programme included a “Welcome to Canada” ceremony during AeroGatineau Ottawa and factory acceptance tests at Grob Aircraft in Germany.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

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