Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Expands 2026 Fleet by Another 8 Aircraft

Türkiye – Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), the flight training group of national carrier Turkish Airlines, has expanded its training fleet with the addition of eight new aircraft, bringing its total fleet size to 84 aircraft.

AFM previously reported TAFA’s 2025 growth including;

  • Active student numbers grew from 456 in January 2025 to 600 by December 2025, reflecting a 32% increase
  • TAFA graduated 351 pilots in 2025, a 25% increase over 280 in 2024, while average graduation time slightly decreased from 14.9 months to 14.1 months
  • TAFA logged a total of 89,550 flight hours in 2025, marking a 30% increase compared with 68,895 hours in 2024
  • The academy expanded its operational fleet to 84 aircraft in 2025, a 71% increase over 49 in 2024
  • TAFA doubled its simulator infrastructure, operating 8 simulators in 2025 — up from 4 in 2024
  • The number of flying instructors rose modestly from 75 in 2024 to 81 in 2025, reflecting a 9% increase to sustain higher training activity.

Source: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy

Related Posts

Hawaii-based Flight School Becomes US Launch Customer for Tecnam P2006T NG Sport

Hawaii, USA – Barbers Point Flight School (BPFS), a long-standing Part 61/91 aviation training provider based at John Rodgers Airfield in Oahu, has confirmed a major fleet expansion with Tecnam aircraft, becoming the US launch customer for the Tecnam P2006T NG Sport. The announcement reflects the school’s strategic shift toward fleet modernization with a focus on advanced technology and operational cost-efficiency.

  • BPFS has ordered two P-Mentor aircraft for delivery in Q1 2026 and one P2006T NG Sport slated for early 2027, adding to its existing Tecnam P2010 fleet.

  • The school becomes the first US flight school to adopt the P2006T NG Sport, showcasing a commitment to multi-engine training using the latest in fuel-efficient and airline-relevant aircraft design.

  • With 140 active students and nearly 200 graduates since 2022, the expansion supports BPFS’s high training demand and effort to control costs in Hawaii’s challenging operating environment.

  • The new IFR-capable P-Mentor and twin-engine P2006T NG Sport offer a seamless training pathway aligned with modern competency-based standards.

Statements

  • “My family and I have been to the Tecnam factory in Italy twice and were impressed with the Tecnam Museum and the Pascale family’s long history of innovation and growth. Tecnam’s pioneering approach is admirable and refreshing at a time when nothing has changed with some manufacturers. The full-IFR P-Mentors and P2006T NG aren’t just cost-effective platforms but inspiring and even sexy! We’re looking forward to building our alliance with Tecnam in the years to come. Barbers Point Flight School, Hawaii is going all in with Tecnam!” – Reginald Perry, Principal, Barbers Point Flight School

  • “We are incredibly proud to support Reginald Perry and the team at Barbers Point Flight School. Operating over the Pacific Ocean requires a level of safety and reliability that cannot be compromised, and it is an honor that BPFS has chosen Tecnam to meet those rigorous standards. By integrating the P-Mentor and the P2006T NG Sport, Barbers Point is not only optimizing their operational costs but providing their students with the most advanced, safe, and ‘inspiring’ training platforms available today. We welcome them to the Tecnam family and look forward to seeing our aircraft flying over the beautiful Hawaiian islands.” – Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer, Tecnam

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

Related Posts

Bristell Aircraft Launches “Bristell Across America” Tour to Engage U.S. Flight Training Community in 2026

USA – Bristell Aircraft, the Czech light and sport aircraft manufacturer, has launched its “Bristell Across America” tour for 2026, bringing aircraft demonstrations, events, and dealer engagements to flight schools, operators, and pilots across the U.S., highlighting its growing relevance as a modern training platform.

  • Bristell is kicking off the U.S. tour with a presence at the FSANA International Flight School Operators Conference & Trade Show in Coronado, California, where training operators can explore why flight schools worldwide are adopting Bristell aircraft for training fleets.

  • The tour will next include Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, and is designed to connect flight school operators, private pilots, and training professionals directly with Bristell’s aircraft line and dealer network.

  • Bristell’s aircraft family spans light sport aircraft (LSA), MOSAIC‑ready models, and FAA Part 23 certified platforms such as the Bristell B23, offering flight schools fuel‑efficient, cost‑effective, and modern training alternatives to legacy fleets.

  • Attendees at industry events will also hear from Bristell leadership on panels such as the MOSAIC – LSA discussion, where Bristell’s approach to evolving FAA regulations and expanded training capabilities will be shared.

Source: Bristell
Photo Credit: Bristell

Related Posts

Italy’s Cantor Air Acquires 3 Tecnam P2006T NG Aircraft for Multi-Engine Training

Italy – Cantor Air, a Valbrembo-based Approved Training Organization (ATO), has confirmed the acquisition of three new Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft, further advancing its fleet modernization and commitment to delivering high-standard, competency-based pilot training programs.

  • The agreement includes three Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft, with options for additional units in the future.

  • These additions will complement Cantor Air’s existing Tecnam fleet, which already includes the single-engine P2008JC and P2010 TDI models.

  • The aircraft share a common Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, providing cadets with a consistent training experience throughout both single- and multi-engine phases.

  • The new P2006T NG also features an advanced Flight Management System (FMS) keypad, aligning closely with modern airline operational environments and supporting Competency-Based Training (CBT) delivery.

  • The aircraft’s Rotax engines offer leading fuel efficiency and low emissions, reinforcing Cantor Air’s environmentally responsible fleet strategy.

  • The upgrade supports a seamless training flow from instrument rating through to commercial pilot licensing (CPL), ensuring students train on aircraft aligned with operational airline standards.

Statements

  • “The acquisition of the new Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft will undoubtedly bring innovation and, above all, continuity with the decisions made two years ago. In fact, today our students will continue the IFR and CPL phases started on the P2010TDI, equipped with the state-of-the-art GARMIN NXi suite, moving on to the brand-new P2006NG while maintaining the same avionics platform, with the addition of an FMS system increasingly aligned with airline operational standards. It is also worth highlighting that this choice responds to a growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions—a transition that CANTOR AIR had already embraced with the previous acquisitions of the TECNAM P2008JC and P2010TDI.” – Capt. Roberto Magnani, Head of Training, Cantor Air

  • “We are proud to see Cantor Air confirm their trust in Tecnam by choosing the P2006T NG as their multi-engine trainer of choice. This acquisition not only highlights the operational efficiency of our ‘Next Generation’ fleet but also validates the effectiveness of a standardized training path. By moving from the P2010 TDI to the P2006T NG, Cantor Air is offering its students a logical, modern, and sustainable progression that perfectly prepares them for the professional aviation environment.” – Francesco Sferra, Sales and Business Development Manager, Tecnam

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

Related Posts

Italy’s European Aviation Academy Expands 2026 Fleet with Tecnam P2006T NG Acquisition

 Italy – Rome-headquartered flight training organisation European Aviation Academy (EAA), part of the LTN Group Srl, has announced the acquisition of a Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft during Pilot Expo held on February 20-21, 2026, Europe’s largest career fair and conference for flight crew training. The strategic addition aims to elevate the academy’s multi-engine cadet training capabilities.

  • The aircraft is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, a configurable multi-engine cockpit, and optimized fuel economy, ensuring cadets train in a technologically advanced, safety-oriented environment.

  • This move further supports EAA’s strong track record in cadet success, with over 180 graduates and a post-training airline placement rate of 95%.

  • Beyond cadet training, the P2006T NG will also be used to offer scenic flights and immersive aviation experiences, diversifying EAA’s educational and recreational offerings.

  • The acquisition is part of EAA’s broader growth strategy, which includes expanding simulation services, airline partnership training, and international student programs.

Statements

  • “With the introduction of the Tecnam P2006T NG, European Aviation Academy aims to consolidate its role in innovative pilot training, promoting the professional development of cadets through cutting-edge programs. This state-of-the-art aircraft allows us to integrate modern technology, safety, and optimal performance, providing a comprehensive and highly formative training experience.” – Dario Di Gregorio, CEO of European Aviation Academy

  • “The partnership with Tecnam not only enhances the quality of our Cadet Program but also opens new development opportunities for our academy, expanding our reach in the international aviation training market.” – Dario Di Gregorio, CEO of European Aviation Academy

  • “We are thrilled to welcome European Aviation Academy to the Tecnam family, and there is no better place to announce this than here at Pilot Expo in Brussels. The P2006T NG is the perfect fit for an academy with such a strong focus on modern, airline-oriented training and exceptionally high placement rates.” – Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer, Tecnam

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

Related Posts

Elixir Aircraft Heads to Showcase Next‑Gen Training Platform at Pilot Expo 2026

Belgium – Elixir Aircraft will attend Pilot Expo 2026 in Brussels on February 20–21 to showcase its next‑generation aircraft designed to elevate pilot training standards across Europe.

  • Elixir Aircraft will present its advanced aircraft featuring a full glass cockpit, enhanced safety features, and versatile performance—attributes attracting major European flight schools for ab initio and instrument training.

  • Attendees are invited to visit Elixir Aircraft’s stand to learn why the 4th‑generation platform is increasingly selected for modern flight training programs.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

Related Posts