Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Blackshape Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Niccolò Chierroni – CEO at Blackshape Aircraft – a leading manufacturer of high-performance, carbon-fiber aircraft, specializing in flight training, leisure aviation, and special missions.

The conversation covers:

  • Overview: Blackshape Aircraft is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance, fully composite aircraft for the ultralight and certified training markets. With over a decade of experience and more than 100 aircraft delivered worldwide, the company is known for its engineering precision, sleek Italian design, and commitment to innovation.
  • Expansion into the U.S. Market: A key milestone for Blackshape Aircraft was obtaining FAA certification for its Gabriel aircraft, enabling entry into the U.S. market. The company has since appointed strategic dealers in the U.S. and received significant interest from American pilots and schools. The U.S. expansion is a major growth area, especially for the new Prime Explorer, a sportier model developed in response to U.S. customer feedback.
  • Technological Advancements: Blackshape Aircraft is advancing its aircraft with new engine integrations, including Rotax 915 and 916 powerplants, and developing a future turboprop version of the Gabriel. A partnership with CMD is also underway to create a new engine platform. These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to evolving customer needs and sustainable aviation solutions.
  • Training Market Focus: With rising global demand for pilots, Blackshape Aiircraft targets both civil and military training sectors. The Gabriel’s tandem-seat configuration is ideal for advanced pilot development and aligns with modern training requirements. The company is also exploring hybrid power and side-by-side layouts for future variants to further broaden its training market reach.
  • Customer Support: Recognizing the importance of after-sales service, Blackshape is heavily investing in customer support and localized service networks. Niccolò emphasized the value of the AFM platform in supporting marketing, competitive analysis, and industry trends, enabling Blackshape Aircraft to stay informed and agile in a dynamic global market.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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BRM Aero’s Bristell B23-912iS Achieves EASA Certification

Czech Republic – training aircraft manufacturer BRM Aero has announced that its Bristell B23-912iS aircraft has received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This certification adds to the existing approvals for the B23-915 and B23-915 IFR models, expanding the Bristell B23 series’ presence in the certified light aircraft market. With its fuel-efficient performance and exceptional handling, this aircraft is a perfect fit for flying schools and training programs.

BRM AERO, the manufacturer behind the Bristell line of light sport and training aircraft, recently offered an inside look at its production process through a new drone video showcasing the craftsmanship and scale of its operations.

  • The Bristell manufacturing facility produces over 110 aircraft annually, serving a global market of private owners and flight schools.
  • To date, more than 1,000 Bristell aircraft have been delivered worldwide, marking the brand’s continued growth in the light aircraft segment.

Source: BRM Aero
Photo Credit: BRM Aero

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Diamond Aircraft Establishes Network of Diamond Authorized Training Centers for Flight Schools

Global – Diamond Aircraft announces the establishment of the Diamond Authorized Training Centers (DATC) program, through which flight training organizations (FTOs) operating Diamond aircraft can achieve OEM recognition as a leading flight training provider. Diamond Aircraft has signed Letters of Intent with four European FTOs.

“Diamond Aircraft is unmatched in the flight training world, with a huge and growing number of flight schools rightly relying on Diamond aircraft to train their students,” said Jane Wang, Director for Sales, Marketing, and Flight Operations at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “The stamp of approval we, as OEM, can provide FTOs through the DATC program means students will know that they are not only learning to fly in the ultimate training aircraft, but the training they are receiving is first-class, too.”

Organizations applying for recognition as a DATC agree to undergo inspection by Diamond Aircraft’s flight training specialists to evaluate their facilities, operations, and flight training methodology. Those FTOs selected to join the DATC network will be entitled to use Diamond Aircraft branding in their marketing efforts and will benefit from enhanced support from Diamond Aircraft.

In early April at AERO Friedrichshafen 2025, Diamond Aircraft signed the first Letters of Intent with four Europe-based FTOs seeking to join the program:

  • Germany’s Air Colleg Consulting GmbH
  • Switzerland’s Fliegerschule St. Gallen-Altenrein
  • Netherlands’ Wings Over Holland BV
  • Slovenia-based Egmont Aviation Flight School

Statements:

  • Felix Michnacs, Managing Director at Air Colleg Consulting GmbH, said: “As a flight school solely for private pilots, evolving our long-standing partnership with Diamond Aircraft by being selected as the first Diamond Authorized Training Center in Germany is an incredible honor and milestone for us. It attests to our excellent track record in consistently providing the best possible training for private pilots, utilizing an exclusive fleet of Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG and DA62, the most advanced aircraft in General Aviation.”

    “We are grateful for Diamond Aircraft’s continued support and trust in our training program. Together, we are setting new standards in General Aviation training. We are absolutely thrilled and looking forward to this new level of partnership,” continued Michnacs.

  • “With the new recognition as a certified Diamond Authorized Training Center, our flight school strengthens its position as one of the leading training institutions in Switzerland,” said Silvan Sauter, Head of Training at Fliegerschule St. Gallen-Altenrein. “The partnership with Diamond Aircraft is a significant milestone. It highlights our commitment to providing the highest quality training, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and ensuring maximum safety – offering our student pilots a training experience at an international top level.”
  • Luuk van Hooijdonk, CEO at Wings Over Holland BV, said: “As a dealer for Diamond Aircraft since 1993, Wings Over Holland is one of the oldest dealers worldwide. Becoming one of the first Diamond Authorized Training Centers means a thankful recognition from Diamond for the long-lasting business relationship and the quality we, as partners, have been giving to our customers. Becoming an Authorized Training Center will greatly improve our possibilities to reach even higher standards of customer support,”.
  • “We are proud to be recognized as a Diamond Authorized Training Center, which will enable us to offer a broader range of services for both new and existing customers,” said Aljaž Ferjančič, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Egmont Aviation. “This will strengthen and expand Diamond Aircraft sales, welcome more customers to the Diamond family, and provide quality service and support to Diamond owners. On top, it ensures our graduates will be well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.”

Source: Diamond Aircraft

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Cirrus Aircraft Integrates Autonomous Emergency Landing in New SR Series G7+

Global – Aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft has announced the launch of its latest piston aircraft model, the SR Series G7+, which integrates Garmin®’s Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system – marking the first use of this technology in a single-engine piston aircraft certified by the FAA.

  • Cirrus introduces the SR Series G7+, an upgrade to its best-selling high-performance single-engine piston lineup.

  • The G7+ features Garmin’s Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, now FAA-approved for this aircraft type.

  • In an emergency, passengers can activate the system with a button, prompting the aircraft to autonomously navigate and land at a suitable airport.

  • The feature is designed for scenarios such as pilot incapacitation, enhancing onboard safety and emergency preparedness.

  • The SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ is now in active delivery to customers.

Watch the video here.

About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, USA, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance general aviation aircraft. The company is best known for its SR Series and Vision Jet, with a reputation for pioneering safety features such as the CAPS® parachute system.

Source: Cirrus
Photo Credit: Cirrus

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Next Generation Training Aircraft – Elixir Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Cyril Champenois, Co-Founder of Elixir Aircraft – a France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer specialized in providing flight training organisation’s with a 4th generation part-23 aircraft.

The conversation covers:

  • Mission & Innovation: Elixir Aircraft, established in 2015, is dedicated to building a new generation of safer, simpler, and more efficient aircraft for use by flight training organisations. It uses a unique one-shot carbon fiber technology that reduces the number of parts in the structure. This innovation leads to easier maintenance and improved reliability in every flight.
  • Training Market Focus: The company strategically targets the flight training sector, recognizing the need for modern, cost-effective solutions. The aircraft is designed to meet the specific demands of flight schools, including low operating costs, enhanced safety features (including parachute), and modern avionics.
  • Sustainability & Efficiency: Elixir Aircraft integrates sustainability into its core strategy, starting with highly fuel-efficient piston engines. Looking ahead, they are developing hybrid and electric propulsion systems to align with future environmental regulations.
  • Customer-Centric Design: Pilot and customer feedback play a central role in Elixir Aircraft’s development process. By involving end-users early and often, the company ensures that aircraft design decisions are practical and user-friendly. This has led to thoughtful cockpit layouts, intuitive controls, and an overall better flying experience.
  • Global Growth & Vision: Although based in France, Elixir Aircraft is rapidly expanding its presence internationally, with a focus on entering markets like the U.S. The company is scaling production to meet rising demand while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Their goal is to become a global leader in next-generation light aircraft.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

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