Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Elixir Aircraft Signs with Airways Aviation for 16 Aircraft at Paris Air Show 2025

france – On the occasion of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Elixir Aircraft has officially announced the signature of a letter of intent for imminent acquisition of sixteen 4th generation Elixir training aircraft, by the leading flight school Airways Aviation.

“We are grateful to Airways Aviation for placing their trust in Elixir Aircraft. The addition of the 4th generation trainer will enable the school to deliver high-quality training while significantly optimizing operational costs. We see this as the beginning of a strong and lasting partnership between our two organizations,” noted Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.

“We are proud to once again lead the way in aviation training innovation by expanding our commitment to Elixir Aircraft with the signing of this letter of intent for 16 additional aircraft at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Having been the first global flight training organisation to sign an LOI with Elixir Aircraftback in 2018, we recognised early on the potential of their forward-thinking design, safety features, and operational efficiency. This new agreement not only reaffirms our confidence in Elixir Aircraft’s next-generation aircraft, but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to equipping our students with the best training tools available anywhere in the world,” said Romy Hawatt, CEO of Airways Aviation.

Airways Aviation training team have chosen Elixir Aircraft to enhance safety and bring more versatility to the fleet. Its efficiency from low operating costs, lightweight structure and lower fuel consumption gives unique competitiveness to the organization.

The aircraft will be deployed across Airways Aviation’s international training network.

This announcement at Le Bourget confirms Elixir Aircraft role as a key manufacturer in aviation training, as it continues to expand its global presence and raise the standard for professional flight education.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 200 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs ($50/h fuel and maintenance). 

There are 35 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. In June 2025, Elixir Aircraft was chosen by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) to renew its fleet of VFR aircraft. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Green Aerolease Powers Fleet Modernization at Greece Egnatia Aviation with 4 Elixir Deliveries

Kavala, Greece – Egnatia Aviation has expanded its training fleet with the delivery of three additional Elixir Aircraft, bringing the total to four. This marks a significant step in the school’s transition toward modern, sustainable training solutions. The Elixir, a new-generation, low-power aircraft known for its safety, efficiency, and in-flight comfort, aligns with Egnatia’s commitment to responsible and forward-looking pilot education. The aircraft are being provided by Green Aerolease through a turnkey leasing solution that includes insurance, maintenance, and carbon offsetting—removing logistical complexity for the operator.

About Green Aerolease
Green Aerolease is a European-based aviation lessor focused on sustainable aircraft solutions. The company offers turnkey aircraft rental services, including insurance, maintenance, and carbon offsetting, supporting training organizations in transitioning to more environmentally responsible operations.

Source: Green Aerolease
Photo Credit: Green Aerolease

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Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Takes Delivery of Additional Aircraft in June 2025

Türkiye – Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), the abinitio pilot training academy of Turkish Airlines, has expanded its fleet once again with the addition of new Diamond Aircraft – growing its fleet to over 56.

  • Turkish Airlines Flight Academy had already added 2 Diamond DA40 and 1 Diamond DA42 aircraft to its fleet earlier in the month
  • Earlier in the month TAFA also marked a milestone by graduating its 123rd and 124th cohorts on the same day, a first in the academy’s history. A total of 50 pilot candidates have completed their core training and were officially sent off for Type Rating as part of their transition into Turkish Airlines’ operational fleet.
  • The academy currently operates a fleet of 56 aircraft and plans to expand to 107 aircraft by Q1 2027, with 47 new aircraft expected by the end of 2025.
  • Over the past five years, TAFA has graduated more than 900 pilots and recorded 220,000 flight hours as of December 2024.

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

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Bristell to Showcase Full Line of MOSAIC-Ready Aircraft at AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

Oshkosh, USA — aircraft manufacturer Bristell has confirmed its participation in EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, North America’s largest aviation gathering, taking place from July 21 to July 27. The aircraft manufacturer will showcase its latest lineup, including several new MOSAIC-ready aircraft models, at both the Main Aircraft Display and Ultralight Display areas. This event marks a major opportunity for aviation professionals and flight training providers to explore Bristell’s growing offerings in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and emerging MOSAIC categories.

  • Event: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, July 21–27.

  • Location: Main Aircraft Display – Booths 296 & 297; Ultralight Display – Booth 938A.

  • Showcasing:

    • Bristell B23M-912iS Mosaic

    • Bristell B23M-915iS Mosaic

    • Bristell B23M-916iS Mosaic

    • Bristell B8M Mosaic

    • Bristell TDO Mosaic

    • Bristell RG Mosaic

    • Bristell B23M-IO360 Lycoming

    • Bristell B23M Turboprop

  • Focus on MOSAIC compliance, expanding options for advanced training and recreational flying.

  • Open invitation to engage with the Bristell team and learn about their innovations.

Statements:

  • “We’re thrilled to announce that Bristell will be showcasing our top-quality aircraft at this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,” said Bristell in an announcement. “Come meet the team, ask questions, and see what makes Bristell stand out.”

About Bristell
Bristell is a European aircraft manufacturer renowned for its line of sleek, high-performance Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and ultralights. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, safety, and innovation, Bristell’s aircraft are used around the world in private aviation and pilot training operations.

Source: Bristell
Photo Credit: Bristell

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Helicopter Manufacturer Unveils New Army Training Helicopter at 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit 

United States – Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), one of the world’s leading manufacturer of light helicopters, unveiled the new R66 Army Training helicopter at the 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (Quad A) in Nashville, Tennessee. As the only American-designed and manufactured helicopter in its class, the R66 offers a dependable and affordable training solution for the Army’s IERW (Initial Entry Rotary Wing) program.

The Robinson R66 helicopter offers significant advantages as the U.S. Army’s next rotorcraft trainer. The R66 consistently has the lowest acquisition and lowest direct operating cost (DOC) and most advanced safety features in its class. Through vertically integrated manufacturing, more than 85% of all R66 parts are made in Robinson’s Torrance, California manufacturing facility. This American-made philosophy ensures consistent parts availability and the highest part quality.

Inside the aircraft, the R66 incorporates its signature instructor-friendly cyclic design, providing enhanced instructor oversight for improved control and safety in the learning environment. Designed for real-world training, the R66 exceeds demanding Army training requirements and ensures a smooth transfer of skills to operational environments.

The integration of advanced Garmin G500H TXi and GTN750 avionics provides enhanced situational awareness and facilitates digital cockpit habit transfer. The intuitive powerplant, equipped with a power turbine governor and twist-grip throttle, simplifies engine management, crucial for effective training. The R66 helicopter also comes standard with an integrated 4k cockpit camera to further enhance safety and support ongoing training.

“The R66 embodies American-made readiness, built with reliability, quality, and durability at its core, and we are committed to providing seamless American-made support,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “Pilots worldwide learn critical power management skills and achieve true flight readiness in a Robinson aircraft. This foundation prepares them exceptionally well for future operational demands.”

In conjunction with Quad A, Robinson Helicopter Company released the latest installment in its Climb Higher video series, “American-Made Readiness and Pilots of Tomorrow,” featuring highly experienced, former Army aviators and Robinson pilots. These videos highlight their direct experience with Robinson helicopters and underscore the platform’s effectiveness in preparing the Army’s next generation of skilled aviators. The series offers compelling insights into the critical role Robinson aircraft play, from law enforcement missions to training thousands of pilots over the last half century.

About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. 

Source: Robinson Helicopter Company
Photo Credit: Robinson Helicopter Company

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France’s ENAC Orders 30 Elixir Aircraft

France – Elixir Aircraft, a French manufacturer of training aircraft, has been selected by the French National Civil Aviation School to replace its fleet of VFR* aircraft. Thirty Elixir aircraft will be delivered to ENAC between 2026 and 2027. The Elixir is a 4th-generation aircraft equipped with a OneShot carbon structure, a unique and innovative solution thanks to its simplicity. This design, combined with an ultra-fuel-efficient engine, reduces CO2 emissions by 70%.

The École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) is Europe’s leading aeronautical university. It trains students for careers in aeronautics and air transport, including engineers, air traffic controllers and pilots. Every year, 2,000 students are trained in France and abroad. In addition to its historic campus in Toulouse, ENAC operates its aviation activities from eight other sites in France. The school is committed to renewing and modernising its fleet, which will consist of 97 aircraft by 2025. For the VFR segment, the Elixir, certified in 2020 and produced in La Rochelle, has been selected for a firm order of 30 aircraft. Airline pilots trained by ENAC will thus complete part of their training on the Elixir from 2027 onwards.

Founded in 2015 by three engineers, Elixir Aircraft obtained EASA certification for its 100-horsepower two-seater aircraft in 2020. Since then, 35 aircraft from the La Rochelle factory have been flying across Europe. There are 300 aircraft on the order book.

The Elixir is a fourth-generation aircraft with a simplified, all-composite aerostructure called Carbon OneShot. It comprises only nine parts, with no rivets or glue. This innovative technology offers almost unlimited potential, increased safety and reduced maintenance, while also making the aircraft lighter, thereby reducing fuel consumption compared to models with metal or partially composite structures.

This innovative design, combined with an ultra-fuel-efficient engine that reduces CO2 emissions by 70%, makes the Elixir a quiet aircraft and limits its operating cost to €50 per hour. These advantages are particularly suited to operators with high flight cycles, such as training centres.

In addition, the Elixir’s full glass cockpit avionics provide student pilots with an environment very similar to that which they will encounter when flying commercial aircraft.

The Elixir has joined the fleets of private schools such as Airbus Flight Academy in France, Leading Edge Aviation in the United Kingdom and Spain, Fife Flight Centre in Scotland and Egnatia Aviation in Greece. ENAC’s order provides Elixir Aircraft with public recognition and valuable support for its industrial development.

“We are very proud to integrate the Elixir into the fleet of ENAC, Europe’s leading aeronautical school. It is an honor to succeed the French manufacturers who have marked the history of this elite institution. This contract is the reward for ten years of work in the design, certification, and industrialization of our aircraft. We look forward to meeting the first ENAC pilots trained on the Elixir in a few years,” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, co-founder and president of Elixir Aircraft.

“The Elixir fits perfectly with our ambition for ENAC’s future fleet, built around three strategic axes: educational, economic, and environmental performance. One of ENAC’s missions is to support the transformation of the air transport sector towards more sustainable aviation, and the major fleet renewal operation, with the support of our supervisory authority, is part of this strategy. We are delighted and excited about our partnership with Elixir Aircraft,” said Olivier Chansou, Managing Director of ENAC.

Source: Elixir Aircraft

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Intercontinental Aviation Academy to Welcome Diamond Aircraft for Next-Generation Fleet

Austria – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), the training arm of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), has taken a bold step toward elevating its global training standards by finalizing a draft order for a fleet of brand-new Diamond Aircraft models. This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a strategic transition to next-generation aircraft that will power IAA’s training operations starting in 2026.

The IAA delegation was led by CEO Capt. Wissam Mehyou, accompanied by Deputy CEO for Business Development and Executive Board Member Mr. Frederico Fernandes, and Board Investment & Fund Advisor Mr. Duarte Costa. The team visited Diamond Aircraft’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and airport in Austria, where they were received by Diamond Aircraft CEO Mr. Frank Zhang , and Sales representative Mr. Anton Chirkovski.

In a highly productive meeting, both organizations explored the future of their collaboration and growth opportunities. An initial agreement was reached for the introduction of Diamond’s new-generation training aircraft into the IAA fleet. Full details regarding the number of aircraft and the terms of the deal will be disclosed at a later stage.

As part of the visit, the IAA executive team participated in a live demonstration and test flight. The CEO and team personally piloted the aircraft to gain firsthand insight into its performance and features—mirroring the exact training experience that future IAA students will benefit from.

The introduction of Diamond’s cutting-edge training aircraft aligns with IAA’s commitment to delivering world-class aviation education through advanced infrastructure, a modern training fleet, and a student-centered approach.

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise

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