Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Cirrus

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Zean Nielsen – CEO at Cirrus. Founded in 1984 Cirrus is a global leader in personal aviation, as well as in aviation training, producing one of the industry’s best-selling piston aircraft, the SR Series and the popular TRAC series used by a number of airline owned flight training organisations.

The conversation covers:

  • Remarkable Growth & Innovation: Since taking over as CEO in 2019, Zean Nielsen has led Cirrus to triple its revenue, expand staff, and solidify its position as a leader in personal aviation. The company emphasizes safety, innovation, and customer obsession, as seen in products like Cirrus SR Series and advanced technologies like the Safe Return Emergency Autoland system.
  • Safety-Driven Design Philosophy: Cirrus pioneered the integration of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which has saved hundreds of lives and is now a core safety feature in all their aircraft. The company’s strong focus on safety extends to its customer support, training ecosystems, and ongoing maintenance initiatives.
  • Strategic Pilot Training Support: Cirrus, particularly the SR20, are widely used by top global flight training organizations like Emirates Flight Training Academy, Lufthansa Aviation Training, and United Aviate Academy. Their appeal lies in unmatched safety features (like the CAPS parachute system), reliability, low operating costs, high resale value, and user-friendly aircraft like the SR20 and SR22, making them ideal for flight school fleets. The combination of air-conditioning, powerful engines, and ergonomic cockpit design creates a more comfortable and safe learning environment.
  • Technology Focus: The company prioritizes Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO), aiming to make flying more accessible and intuitive. Cirrus offers its own custom-developed PPL syllabus tailored to its aircraft, providing students with focused and relevant training. Tools like Microsoft Flight Simulator integration, augmented reality modules, and Cirrus IQ and IQ Pro enable pre-flight familiarization and lifelong learning, shifting training from an event to a lifestyle.
  • Training for Proficiency: Cirrus prioritizes quality and depth over simply meeting regulatory minimums. While a private pilot license (PPL) requires only 40 flight hours, Cirrus-trained pilots typically complete 70–80 hours to ensure they’re confident, capable, and safe in real-world flying scenarios. The training goes beyond passing exams—emphasizing skills like cross-country navigation, in-flight decision-making, and operational confidence in diverse conditions.

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European Flight Training Group AELO Swiss Academy Expands Fleet with 17th Aircraft Delivery

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy, powered by AeroLocarno based at Locarno Airport, has expanded its training fleet with the addition of a 17th aircraft, a Tecnam P2008. In 2024 AELO Swiss Academy had placed an order for two Tecnam P2008.

As part of its commitment to offering the highest standards in pilot training, AELO Swiss Academy is also currently investing Euro 6 million in the expansion and modernization of its facilities at Locarno Airport. These new facilities, set to be completed in 2025, will support both the academy’s operations and the training needs of its students in a more efficient and integrated way.

Source: AELO Swiss Academy)
Photo Credit: AELO Swiss Academy)

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Blackshape Targets Training Market Growth with New Models and US Focus

Italy – headquartered training aircraft manufacturer Blackshape unveiled its new Prime Xplorer taildragger variant at Aero Friedrichshafen 2025, signaling a renewed commercial strategy under new leadership and a focused push into the U.S. and global training markets with its Gabriel trainer aircraft.

  • Blackshape launched the Prime Xplorer light sport aircraft in response to demand from the U.S. market.

  • The introduction aligns with CEO Niccolo Chierroni’s strategy to scale production to two aircraft per month by early 2026.

  • The company has delivered over 100 aircraft to date, including 80+ Prime units and around 20 Gabriel BK160-200s.

  • Gabriel, its flagship trainer, is targeting commercial and military introductory flight training markets globally.

  • US certification of the Gabriel was achieved in June 2024, and deliveries began late last year.

  • Blackshape appointed BravoFox in Indiana as its first U.S. distributor and plans to establish a legal subsidiary in the country.

  • Key product upgrades include:

    • A more powerful Prime variant with a Rotax 915 engine

    • A Gabriel model with a Rotax engine capable of operating on mogas for emerging markets

    • Planned collaboration with CMD for a hybrid-electric Prime

  • Design enhancements under study for the Gabriel include a taller bubble canopy, aerobatic turboprop variant, and a side-by-side cockpit layout.

  • The company is considering relocating its manufacturing operations from Monopoli to Grottaglie to improve integration with flight testing and aerospace industry partners.

  • A major priority is the expansion of its global aftersales support and maintenance network to better serve its growing fleet.

Statements:

  • “This is an aircraft that the [US] market was asking for,” said CEO Niccolo Chierroni. “We are in negotiations with customers worldwide and are confident of receiving dozens of [Gabriel] orders this year.”

Source: Blackshape
Photo Credit: Blackshape

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Portuguese Flight Training Provider Expands Fleet and Introduces 2025 Promotional Revalidation Package

Portugal – flight training organisation Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC) has introduced a limited-time promotion following the arrival of new multi-engine aircraft aimed at enhancing advanced pilot training capabilities.

  • Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC) has added new Diamond DA42-VI aircraft to its training fleet in partnership with Airways Aviation Portugal

  • To mark the expansion, the academy is offering Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) and Instrument Rating with Performance Based Navigation (IR/PBN ME) revalidation services at a promotional price of €999.

Source: Omni Aviation Training Center
Photo Credit: Omni Aviation Training Center

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OSM Aviation Academy’s USA Flight Training Base Expands with Order for 3 New Single Engine Aircraft

Florida, USA – Tecnam, a world-renowned leader in aircraft manufacturing, is proud to announce the sale of three Tecnam P2008 aircraft to OSM Aviation Academy USA, a premier aviation training institution. This milestone marks another step in Tecnam’s ongoing mission to provide state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to the global aviation community.

OSM Aviation Academy USA currently trains a total of 90 students, both national and international, with a strong commitment to shaping the future of aviation. The academy’s vision is “To inspire and train the next generation of aviation professionals by providing a world-class education that blends hands-on flight experience with the latest technology and safety practices. We are committed to training skilled, responsible pilots who are ready to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.“

The addition of the Tecnam aircraft aligns with OSM Aviation Academy’s plans to expand its operations, including setting up a second base that will accommodate students from both EASA and FAA programs. The academy has carefully selected Tecnam due to its reputation for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that meet rigorous training requirements while supporting future growth and sustainability initiatives.

Antonio Tur, CEO of OSM Aviation Academy USA, stated: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of three TECNAM P2008 aircraft to our fleet. This marks a significant milestone as the first delivery under our restructured plan to modernize our fleets across both the USA and Europe. Our commitment to providing cutting-edge training experiences is strengthened through our partnership with TECNAM, a global leader in aviation technology with more than 75 years of experience. TECNAM aircraft feature the latest advancements in aviation technology, enhanced fuel efficiency, and improved comfort, ensuring that our students and clients receive the best training experience possible. As leaders in aviation training and aircraft manufacturing, OSM Aviation Academy and TECNAM are dedicated to shaping the future of aviation, prioritizing safety, innovation, and excellence to prepare the next generation of pilots for the aviation industry’s future.”

Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer of Tecnam, added: “We are proud to support OSM Aviation Academy USA in their mission to train the pilots of tomorrow. At Tecnam, we are committed to delivering innovative, efficient, and reliable aircraft that enhance the training experience and ensure the highest levels of safety and performance. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision for the future of aviation, and we look forward to seeing OSM Aviation Academy thrive with their new Tecnam aircraft.”

Tecnam continues to lead the industry with innovative aircraft solutions that enhance pilot training worldwide. The company remains committed to supporting aviation schools like OSM Aviation Academy in their mission to develop top-tier aviation professionals.

About OSM Aviation Academy USA
OSM Aviation Academy USA is a premier aviation academy dedicated to providing top-tier pilot training through advanced technology and hands-on flight experience. With a growing student base and ambitious expansion plans, OSM Aviation Academy is committed to shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.

About TECNAM
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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Intercontinental Aviation Academy Reports Global Expansion, Fleet Order and New Partnerships in Q1 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), the training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), has reported significant developments across its global network during the first quarter of 2025, including resumed operations in Lebanon, expansion in the UAE and Greece, and the launch of new academic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

  • In Lebanon, IAA has resumed flight training operations under the IAA Levant brand, with facilities at Beirut International Airport and Dbayeh, Mount Lebanon. The relaunch follows a period of regional instability and includes plans for fleet expansion and a new university partnership
  • IAA UAE has been established in partnership with Hadid International Services, featuring a 3,800 sqm training facility at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and an administrative office in Dubai. The academy is set to commence courses in September 2025, with a capacity to train up to 200 pilots annually
  • IAA Greece is in the final stages of operational planning, aiming to bridge Eastern Europe with IAA’s broader network. Details regarding location, fleet, and capacity are expected to be announced soon
  • A strategic partnership with Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia has led to the establishment of IAA KSA, offering a Fundamentals of Aviation course starting in May 2025. Graduates will receive dual certification from both institutions
  • IAA has launched a ground school base in Iraq, providing students with the opportunity to begin their aviation training locally before transitioning to flight training at IAA’s international bases
  • The IAA Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of 21 new aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026, to support the academy’s expanding training programs

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Intercontinental Aviation Academy

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