Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments
Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Bye Aerospace
In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Rod Zastrow – CEO and President at Bye Aerospace, training aircraft manufacturer of the world’s first-ever purpose-designed, FAA part 23 certified all-electric training aircraft.
The conversation covers:
- Industry Leadership: Bye Aerospace leads the industry in developing the first all-electric, FAA Part 23 certified training aircraft, helping shape the innovative future of aviation. Rod Zastrow, CEO Bye Aerospace, brings a rich international background in aviation training, aerospace engineering, after a distinguished military aviation career. Bye Aerospace fields a leadership team exceptional in its target market requirements, design, certification, production, and proven success.
- Economic and Environmental Benefits of Electric Aircraft: Bye Aerospace (US based) stands at the forefront of electric Aviation innovation. The eFlyer series of fixed-wing aircraft is meticulously designed to disrupt general aviation, starting with the crucial Aviation Training sector. Our mission is to deliver the first FAA-certified, zero-emission, highly cost-effective, low-noise, intelligent, and safety-enhanced aircraft. The eFlyer series offers up to 80% reduction in operating costs compared to legacy training aircraft, thanks to simplified maintenance and lower energy expenses. This economic advantage not only benefits flight schools financially but also makes flight training more accessible to students. Its all-composite structure and absence of fossil fuels or emissions make it an environmentally and economically superior training solution.
- Global Demand and Strategic Partnerships: With over 1,000 pre-orders, Bye Aerospace has attracted clients worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and recently India. Bye Aerospace sees strong international interest—about 45% of commitments are from outside the U.S. Their clients are drawn not just to the low operating costs, but also to the aircraft’s low noise levels, minimal maintenance, and zero emissions—solving key pain points for flight schools.
- Key Features of eFlyer: The eFlyer is a fully electric, clean-sheet training aircraft meticulously engineered for efficiency, safety, and performance. Its all-composite airframe makes it lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and structurally durable, while its Safran electric propulsion system eliminates the need for frequent engine maintenance. With an estimated operating cost of just $35 per flight hour, it offers flight schools a potential 75–80% reduction in hourly expenses compared to traditional trainers.
- Vision for the Future: Bye Aerospace aims to lead the electric aircraft sector with a clean-sheet design approach. The company aims to expand into adjacent markets beyond pilot training, including regional air mobility and military missions. Rod envisions the company becoming a market leader by continually evolving its products and services to meet emerging client and regulatory needs, supported by strategic partnerships and cutting-edge talent.
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Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Delivers First Aircraft to Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation
Greece – Announced on 9 April 2025, at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show in Germany, Elixir Aircraft has shared that it has delivered the first of the Elixir ordered in 2024 to the Greek flying school, Egnatia Aviation. The aircraft, in the livery of its new operator and of the aircraft rental company Green Aerolease, was flown from La Rochelle. It is part of the first batch of six aircraft to be delivered in 2025 and will be based at Kavala-Amygdaleon airport.
Egnatia Aviation ordered twelve Elixir aircraft in October 2024. Elixir Aircraft reception pilots ferried the first one from La Rochelle to Friedrichshafen for delivery on Wednesday 9 April. The keys to this Elixir in the livery of the Greek school were handed over by Cyril Champenois, co-founder and Sales Director of Elixir Aircraft, to Dimitris Lymperakis, President of Egnatia Aviation.
On display alongside two other Elixir aircraft with the same ‘school’ configuration (Rotax 912 100 hp engine, glass cockpit), this first aircraft will be flying to its ‘Lydia’ base in Kavala-Amygdaleon, Greece, as soon as the show closes. A further five aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with the second batch of six in 2026.
“We’re delighted to take delivery of our first Elixir at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show. This aircraft meets our operational needs perfectly, as it will give our cadets the same flying experience as that which awaits them in their careers as professional pilots. I would like to thank Elixir Aircraft for meeting the delivery deadline and for this magnificent livery,” said Dimitris Lymperakis, President of Egnatia Aviation.
“This first delivery to Egnatia Aviation is an important step in the growth of Elixir Aircraft. The Elixir aircraft operated by this renowned school will train pilots for more than sixty airlines around the world. I would like to thank Egnatia Aviation for the confidence it has shown in us by renewing its fleet,” said Cyril Champenois, co-founder and Sales Director of Elixir Aircraft.
Aircraft deliveries elsewhere in Europe and soon beyond
The growing demand for new airline pilots (500,000 pilots to be recruited between now and 2050, according to IATA) means that schools around the world need to maintain a fully operational fleet, while anticipating its renewal by 4th generation aircraft. The Elixir, with its low parts count and lightweight all-carbon structure offering low operating costs, fuel consumption and maintenance, has arrived on the world market at just the right time.
With thirty aircraft already in operation in France, European deliveries in progress (Scotland, Spain, Greece) and signs of interest from other continents (200 orders in the United States, discussions in Asia), Elixir Aircraft is asserting its globalisation strategy. The acceleration of production rates and the extension of industrial infrastructures are in line with this ambition.
Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
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Diamond Aircraft Completes Major DA42 Fleet Delivery to CAE, Signs Further Deal for 6 New DA40 Aircraft
Germany – Diamond Aircraft announced the successful handover of the seventh and final DA42-VI aircraft for leading flight training provider CAE, completing an order signed with the company in 2024. In addition, Diamond Aircraft has signed a further contract with CAE to provide six new DA40 NG aircraft.
“We are honoured that CAE has chosen to invest in Diamond Aircraft for its renowned flight training programs,” said Jane Wang, Director for Sales, Marketing, and Flight Operations at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “CAE have operated Diamond aircraft in their flight schools for some time. That they’ve chosen to upgrade their fleet is testament to the DA40 and DA42 series’ efficiency, safety, and technological advancement – in short, their perfect suitability for professional flight training.”
Diamond Aircraft’s DA40 and DA42 series rank among the most popular aircraft for flight schools around the world. The seven DA42 aircraft delivered to CAE feature a bespoke CAE livery and will be stationed at CAE’s Bremen Flight Training Centre in Germany. Similarly, CAE will upgrade its DA40 fleet in Montpellier, France, to the new DA40 NG aircraft, ensuring that students there also benefit from the latest advancements to enhance their training experience.
CAE provides world-class training services through the Initial Flight Training Deutschland program since 2022, offering comprehensive ab-initio flight training, including academic, simulator, and live-flying sessions in Bremen, Germany, and Montpellier, France.
The next-generation Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft feature the latest technical, avionic, and interior options, improving training effectiveness and safety. They support single and multi-engine live-flying training requirements, delivering an enhanced training experience.
Source: Diamond Aircraft
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Textron’s Top Hawk Programme Enters 10th Year with First UK Flight School Participant
USA/UK – Textron Aviation has marked the tenth anniversary of its Top Hawk programme, an initiative that supports student pilot development by providing flight schools with factory-new Cessna Skyhawks. The 2025 edition of the programme includes four participants:
- United Flight Systems
- Lunken Flight Training Center
- Flex Air
- VNE Aviation — the latter becoming the programme’s first recipient in the United Kingdom.
The program highlights:
- The Top Hawk programme celebrates 10 years of supporting flight training organisations with Cessna Skyhawk aircraft
- Each participant receives a factory-new, custom-branded Cessna Skyhawk for the duration of the programme
- Since 2015, Textron Aviation has placed nearly 50 Skyhawks with training organisations globally
- The programme promotes pilot training through student instruction and participation in aviation events
Celebrating 70 Years of the Cessna Skyhawk
- The Skyhawk is the most popular single-engine training aircraft, with over 45,000 units delivered since 1955
- The aircraft features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, USB charging ports, modern interiors, and a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine with 180 horsepower
- Known for its reliability and widespread use in flight schools, the Skyhawk remains central to pilot development worldwide
Statements:
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“With a demand for more than 200,000 new pilots globally in the next decade, it’s vital to support young people pursuing aviation opportunities,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The Skyhawk provides students with a technologically advanced flight training platform, ensuring that students at Top Hawk organizations are equipped with high quality equipment as the cornerstone of their careers.”
Source: Textron Aviation
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
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Turkey-based NorthFLY Expands 2025 Fleet with PS-28 Cruiser Aircraft
Türkiye – flight training group NorthFLY has expanded its training fleet with the addition of a 2022 model PS-28 Cruiser. This fleet modernization step aligns with NorthFLY’s strategy to enhance efficiency and integrate advanced cockpit technology into its pilot training programs.
NorthFLY is headquartered in Samsun and has campuses in Istanbul and Tekirdağ at which it operates a fleet of Cessna 172, Cessna 152 and Tecnam aircraft.
Source: NorthFLY
Photo Credit: NorthFLY
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Targets Flight School Market – Highlights Advantages of eFlyer 2
United States – training aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace has reiterated its commitment to reshaping the flight training market through electric aviation. The company sees its all-electric eFlyer aircraft family as a viable solution to reduce training costs, emissions, and operational complexity, potentially challenging traditional piston aircraft models.
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Bye Aerospace is advancing its eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 programs, aimed at the training and air taxi sectors.
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The eFlyer 2, currently in the certification phase with the FAA, targets primary flight training and offers:
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Lower direct operating costs
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Zero CO₂ emissions
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Simplified maintenance
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The company forecasts strong demand, with over 800 aircraft backlog, reflecting strong interest from flight schools and operators globally.
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Bye Aerospace claims the electric models will be up to five times more efficient than conventional piston-engine trainers like the Cessna 172 or Piper Archer.
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Certification of the eFlyer 2 is expected by late 2025, with eFlyer 4 following as a more complex multi-role aircraft.
About Bye Aerospace
Bye Aerospace, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, designs and builds electric aircraft for general aviation, flight training, and urban air mobility sectors. Its flagship eFlyer series is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and cost of pilot training.
Source: Aviation Week
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace
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European Training Aircraft Manufacturer Hosts Italian Distributor and Trainee Pilots at Kunovice Facility
Czech Republic – Aircraft manufacturer BRM AERO, known for its Bristell aircraft series, recently hosted Italian distributor Alessio Pengue and a team of trainee pilots at its manufacturing facility. The visit served as a hands-on experience for future aviators and strengthened Bristell’s presence in the Italian general aviation training market.
Source: Bristell by BRM AERO
Photo Credit: Bristell by BRM AERO
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Tecnam Enhances Customer Service in North America in Partnership with Southern Cross Aviation
Lakeland Florida, USA – During the 2023 NBAA, Tecnam appointed Southern Cross Aviation to grant the spare parts distribution for the Tecnam P2012 Series on the USA market. During this period Southern Cross Aviation has comfirmed its significant spare parts support expertise, along with their unmatched customer service, AOG expertise, and logistical prowess.
Tecnam is working to strengthen its collaboration with Southern Cross Aviation by extending the supply of spare parts for all Tecnam certified aircraft, such as the P Mentor, P2010 series, P2006T series and P2012 series, including the P2012 with Continental GTSIO520 engine, thus reinforcing Tecnam’s commitment to aeronautical excellence.
“Southern Cross Aviation is excited to partner with Tecnam Aircraft to provide all Tecnam Operators, Flight Schools and Owners with additional spare parts support. This strategic partnership paves the way for Tecnam operators to have enhanced support and service as they continue to increase flight hours and expand their fleet,” says Ricardo Carvalho, Director of Sales at Southern Cross Aviation.
“Tecnam’s additional commitment towards all customers in the USA is to provide them with a renown and reliable service for spare parts distribution,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director Tecnam.
About Southern Cross Aviation
Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and enhanced by distribution hubs in Anchorage, Alaska, a forthcoming facility in Mesa, Arizona, as well as robust representation and steadfast sales support in South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Southern Cross Aviation stands as a premier worldwide distributor of aircraft parts. This enduring reputation has been forged over three decades of unwavering commitment to operators, repair stations, government agencies, and individual aircraft owners across the globe. It is this dedication that has made Southern Cross Aviation synonymous with service excellence and unparalleled quality.
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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Lifestyle Aviation Named Tecnam Dealer in Major US Area
Lakeland, FL, USA – LifeStyle Aviation, a leading provider of modern aircraft solutions, is proud to announce its official appointment as an authorized Tecnam aircraft dealer for a major U.S. territory. This strategic partnership opens new opportunities for flight schools looking to expand and modernize their training fleets with Tecnam’s state-of-the-art aircraft, including the P-Mentor, P2006T, and P2010 models.
For 17 years, LifeStyle Aviation has been at the forefront of providing innovative aviation solutions, specializing in aircraft sales, training fleet solutions, and ownership programs. The partnership with Tecnam aligns naturally with LifeStyle Aviation’s commitment to advancing general aviation through modern designs, cutting-edge technology, and a strong focus on safety and efficiency. Together, both companies are dedicated to supporting flight schools in their growth and ensuring pilots are trained in the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft available today.
John Armstrong, Founder & CEO of LifeStyle Aviation, stated: “Our goal is to continue helping flight schools grow and modernize while bringing options to market that help move general aviation forward. We’re excited to build on our success and broaden options for flight schools with Tecnam’s flight school-friendly line of aircraft.”
Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer of Tecnam, added: “We are delighted to welcome LifeStyle Aviation to the Tecnam family as an official dealer. Their deep expertise in aircraft sales and fleet solutions makes them an ideal partner for expanding Tecnam’s presence in the U.S. market. This collaboration will help flight schools access the most innovative and efficient training aircraft, ensuring they stay ahead in an evolving aviation landscape.”
This new partnership will provide flight schools across the region with access to Tecnam’s advanced training aircraft, supporting their expansion efforts and operational efficiency.
About LifeStyle Aviation
LifeStyle Aviation is a leading modern aircraft provider specializing in a curated selection of business jets, modern personal piston aircraft, and flight training fleet solutions. The company serves flight schools, private individuals, corporations, and aviation enthusiasts globally. LifeStyle Aviation stands out for its dedication to providing an extraordinary client experience, helping individuals and organizations navigate aircraft acquisition, financing, and shared ownership programs. Through the LifeStyle Aviation Network, the company has built a collaborative ecosystem of flight centers, affiliates, and partners to make flying more accessible and help training centers achieve their aviation goals.
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