Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Global Flight Training Group Airways Aviation’s ESMA Quickly Resumed Flights and Redeploys Aircraft Following Arson Attack

Montpellier, France – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has shared that its flight training base in France – Airways Aviation ESMA has resumed flight operations within just two days following a recent criminal act that caused damage to part of its fleet.

The group has also shared that is has redeployed aircraft including a DA42 twin-engine aircraft from other bases such as its operation in Italy.

Special thanks were extended to Diamond Aircraft for their swift support and to the maintenance team for their professionalism and dedication.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aircraft Acquired by Helsing

Germany – Grob Aircraft SE, a composite aircraft manufacturer with a long-standing footprint in global flight training, has been acquired by Helsing, a European defence technology company focused on artificial intelligence and software-driven capabilities across land, sea, air, and space domains.

  • Helsing and Grob Aircraft have signed an agreement confirming the acquisition; finalisation is subject to regulatory approvals.

  • Grob Aircraft will continue its existing training aircraft business, supporting civil and military customers with no change to ongoing operations.

  • The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation aerospace and defence innovation, combining Grob’s composite airframe design and manufacturing capabilities with Helsing’s AI-driven software systems.

  • Grob Aircraft currently employs approximately 275 people and operates from a site that includes an in-house airfield and an active production and training pipeline.

  • The two companies have previously partnered on Grob aircraft used as development platforms for Cirra, Helsing’s AI-based electronic warfare system, which supports real-time threat assessment.

  • Planned investments will expand operations at Grob’s Tussenhausen site in Bavaria, aligning with the Bavarian state government’s broader objectives to establish the region as a hub for aerospace and AI innovation.

Statement’s:

  • “With the acquisition, we deepen our partnership with Grob Aircraft. Our competencies complement each other perfectly, and we share aligned growth ambitions. This step will strengthen sovereignty in Europe’s defence industry and reinforce Bavaria’s role in defence innovation,” said Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing.

  • “Helsing’s vision and technological expertise in AI and software perfectly align with our decades-long aircraft design legacy. Together, we redefine innovation in our sector,” said André Hiebeler, Managing Director, Grob Aircraft SE.

Source: Grob Aircraft

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Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Grows Fleet to 55 Aircraft

Türkiye – Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), the abinitio pilot training academy of Turkish Airlines, has expanded its fleet once again with the addition of three new Diamond Aircraft – growing its fleet to 55.

  • Turkish Airlines Flight Academy added 2 Diamond DA40 and 1 Diamond DA42 aircraft to its fleet.
  • Earlier in the month TAFA 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 50 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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Tecnam Announces Dealer for France in 2025

Italy & France — Tecnam is pleased to announce the appointment of KRISTAL.aero as its exclusive dealer for France, marking a significant step forward in the company’s strategic development across Europe. This partnership reinforces Tecnam’s presence in the French market, leveraging KRISTAL.aero’s deep industry expertise and customer-focused aviation ecosystem.

With a solid reputation built on reliability, responsiveness, and a deep-rooted connection to the French general aviation community, KRISTAL.aero will be responsible for the sales and promotion of Tecnam’s leading aircraft models in France — including the P-Mentor, P2006T NG, P2008 JC, and the luxurious Gran Lusso — under the new KRISTAL.AIRCRAFT division.

“We are proud and excited to represent Tecnam in France. Their aircraft embody innovation, efficiency, and Italian elegance — values we are eager to promote throughout the French aviation community,” said Gilles Wallet, CEO of KRISTAL.aero. “Tecnam deserves a strong position in our market, and we are fully committed to giving the brand the visibility, support, and presence to match its potential. The launch of KRISTAL AIRCRAFT marks a new chapter in our development. This partnership is a natural fit, and we look forward to supporting Tecnam customers with excellence and dedication.”

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer, added: “France represents a cornerstone of general aviation in Europe. With KRISTAL.aero, we have found a partner that not only understands the unique needs of this market, but also shares our vision for accessible, modern, and pilot-focused aviation. Their commitment to service, innovation, and community is exactly what we look for in a Tecnam dealer. We are confident that this collaboration will offer French customers the excellence they expect — in the air and on the ground.”

The appointment of KRISTAL.aero as a Tecnam dealer signals a shared commitment to delivering exceptional value to flying clubs, pilot schools, and private aircraft owners. As part of this strategic alignment, KRISTAL.aero will also roll out KRISTAL.145, a Tecnam-authorized maintenance network offering nationwide support, technical training, and parts supply. This service infrastructure complements the company’s existing digital ecosystem, KRISTAL.AIR, a mobile platform designed for pilots that provides tools for flight tracking, performance analysis, and decentralized competitions.

With a team of 15 aviation professionals and decades of combined experience, KRISTAL.aero is uniquely positioned to bring Tecnam’s renowned aircraft to a wider audience across France — ensuring customers receive not only high-performance aircraft but also the comprehensive service, training, and digital support that today’s aviation landscape demands.

As part of their launch collaboration, Tecnam and KRISTAL.aero will be exhibiting together at the upcoming France Air Expo in Lyon, taking place from June 5–7, 2025. The event will offer visitors the opportunity to explore Tecnam aircraft on display and meet the teams behind this new partnership.

Kristal has also launched the Kristal Cup, an initiative designed to reignite passion for flying in France. This vision strongly aligns with Tecnam’s principles.

About KRISTAL.aero
KRISTAL.aero is a French, family-owned company dedicated to innovation and excellence in aviation services. Its four key divisions — KRISTAL.PARTS, KRISTAL.AIR, KRISTAL.AIRCRAFT, and KRISTAL.145 — form a complete aviation ecosystem serving maintenance shops, aeroclubs, flight schools, and private owners.

  • KRISTAL.PARTS: A trusted provider of spare parts for general and commercial aviation, with over 100,000 references and 10,000 in local stock.

  • KRISTAL.AIR: A free mobile app supporting private pilots and instructors with real-time tracking, community tools, and national competitions like the KRISTAL CUP FFA 2025.

  • KRISTAL.AIRCRAFT: The new sales and consulting division dedicated to Tecnam aircraft distribution in France.

  • KRISTAL.145: A Tecnam-certified service network delivering reliable, expert maintenance across the country. 

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
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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Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Grows 2025 Fleet with May C172 and Tecnam Addition

India – Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India, has expanded its fleet with the induction of a Tecnam P2010 Tdi and a Cessna 172, further strengthening its training capacity across its operational airbases.

  • The newly added aircraft will support increased training volume and flight hour utilisation at CAA’s Dhana and Neemuch bases.

  • The fleet expansion aligns with CAA’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and availability of training aircraft, contributing to cadet flight readiness and scheduling reliability.

  • CAA now operates a fleet of 28 aircraft and has recorded over 30,000 flying hours during the 2024–2025 financial year, signalling strong operational throughput and consistent aircraft utilisation.

  • The academy contributes to approximately 20% of the country’s CPL output, underlining its significance within India’s domestic flight training market.

Statement’s:

  • “With every new aircraft, we are investing directly in our students’ futures. This addition reflects our constant effort to scale up not just in size, but in capability. A growing fleet means more opportunity, better efficiency, and more confidence for our cadets every time they take to the skies,” said Dev Punj, Vice President, Chimes Aviation Academy.

Source: Chimes Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Chimes Aviation Academy

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US Flight Training Provider Nationwide Aviation Expands 2025 Fleet with Tecnam P2006T

USA – Nationwide Aviation has officially welcomed a brand-new Tecnam P2006T aircraft to its training fleet, marking a major milestone for the Texas-based academy’s multi-engine instruction program. The transaction was facilitated with strong support from Derek Riddle of Tecnam, and Central Flying Service, LLC.

In April Nationwide Aviation has introduced a new accelerated Multi-Engine Training programme using its recently acquired Tecnam P2006T aircraft. The programme caters to pilots pursuing Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On, Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), and ATP Multi-Engine ratings, offering a condensed training schedule with daily pilot certification outputs.

  • The 5-day course package includes:

    • 8 hours of aircraft rental with instruction

    • 4 hours of advanced ground instruction

    • 1.5 hours of aircraft rental for the checkride

    • DPE checkride fee

  • Total course cost starts from $5,962.50

  • The programme is structured for rapid progression and pilot certification, with pilots completing ratings daily since the aircraft’s induction

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Central Flying Service

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