Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

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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Emirates Flight Training Academy Expands Fleet in 2025 with UPRT Aircraft

United Arab Emirates – The Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), based at Dubai World Central, has incorporated two Gamebird GB1 aircraft into its upset recovery training programme as part of an expanded strategy to prepare ab-initio cadets for advanced airline operations. The addition strengthens the academy’s existing fleet of Cirrus SR22 G6, Diamond DA42NG and Embraer Phenom 100EV aircraft and enhances exposure to high-performance manoeuvring essential for modern airline pilot readiness.

  • The UK-built Gamebird GB1, originally developed by Game Aerospace for aerobatic operations, is being used for five hours of dedicated upset recovery instruction, leveraging its +10g / –10g load factor capability and responsive handling characteristics.

  • The two-seat aircraft is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A engine and equipped with Garmin GX3 avionics and a GFC 500 autopilot, enabling both conventional and advanced manoeuvre training.

  • EFTA recently graduated 85 cadets and currently trains approximately 300 students representing 26 nationalities. Since the academy’s establishment in 2017, 273 graduates have progressed to first officer roles with Emirates.

  • The academy’s wider facilities include 36 classrooms, six full-motion simulators, a dedicated 5,900-foot runway and independent air traffic control services.

  • EFTA operates a fleet comprising 20 Cirrus SR22 G6 piston singles, five Diamond DA42NG piston twins, five Embraer Phenom 100EV light jets, and now two GB1 aerobatic aircraft to reinforce advanced handling skills.

Statements

  • “We’ve adopted a game-changing approach with our training: equip our cadets with the latest tools and technology, recalibrate regularly to prepare for future challenges, and ensure there are zero gaps. We are committed to ensuring our cadets are fully prepared and can contribute in their aviation careers from day one.” – Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President, EFTA

Source: Emirates Flight Training Academy

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Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Places 2025 Order for 10 New Diamond Aircraft

UAE – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), the parent company of the fast-expanding flight training group Intercontinental Aviation Academies (IAA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with training aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft for the acquisition of 10 new training aircraft, underscoring its commitment to growing its multinational pilot training operations.

  • The MoU includes eight DA40 NG and two DA42-VI aircraft, strategically configured for both A6 (UAE) and EASA registrations, supporting fleet standardisation across IAE’s training operations in the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Lebanon, Greece, and Portugal.

  • Initial deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q2 2026, beginning with six DA40 NG and one DA42-VI aircraft, with delivery timelines to be finalised in upcoming negotiations.

  • The partnership includes comprehensive support services such as instructor familiarisation, maintenance training, documentation packages, and spare parts provisioning to ensure operational readiness.

  • The initial aircraft are expected to enter service at IAE’s new UAE facilities as the first batches of local cadets begin flight training in 2026

Statements

  • “This agreement marks another milestone in our expansion strategy. Diamond Aircraft’s modern fleet supports our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and globally standardised pilot training across all our bases. With demand accelerating, this partnership enables us to scale with confidence,” said Capt. Wissam Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise.

  • “We are delighted to support IAE’s growth with our DA40 and DA42 platforms. Their multi-base training model aligns perfectly with our aircraft’s capabilities, efficiency, and safety profile. We look forward to advancing this partnership through the final Purchase Agreement,” said Anton Chirkovski, Head of Civil Aircraft Sales, Diamond Aircraft.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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