Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments
Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Receives Order for 3 Aircraft from French Organisation
France-based Loire Atlantique Air Club has placed an order for three Elixir training aircraft. The first two of these aircraft are scheduled to be delivered before the upcoming summer 2024 season.
This strategic investment by the flying club is expected to bring about a transformative impact on various fronts:
- Safety enhancements, including features such as airframe parachutes and explosion-proof tanks, will be instrumental in elevating the overall security standards of the flying club’s operations.
- Residents around Aéroport Nantes Atlantique can look forward to a substantial reduction in noise pollution, thanks to the Elixirs’ advanced technology.
- The adoption of these aircraft will result in an impressive 40% reduction in fuel consumption, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Pilots associated with the flying club are eagerly anticipating the integration of these cutting-edge aircraft into their fleet. The Elixirs are not only at the forefront of technology but also boast recognized environmental performance, aligning perfectly with the club’s vision for a greener and more advanced aviation landscape.
Source: Loire Atlantique Air Club
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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Expands Piper Training Aircraft Order by Additional 20 Aircraft
Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a US $8million contract for a further 20 Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, growing the US academy’s all-Piper fleet at its base in Vero Beach, Florida. The significant investment follows an initial order of 11 new Pilot 100is, with the first delivered to Skyborne in November 2023 as part of a multiyear fleet agreement.
Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Over the last three years, Skyborne’s US footprint has grown exponentially as demand for airline-focused pilot training continues to rise. A partner and ally from the beginning, Piper has been crucial to helping us meet this need.
“We’re proud to be supporting a Florida-based company that aligns with our values of trust and quality, and we look forward to seeing our fleet expand to more than 80 Piper aircraft.”
With state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Pilot 100i operates with a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the Garmin G3X touch system and autopilot capabilities, enhancing the flight training experience.
Dan Peterson, managing director, Skyborne, says: “Our top priority is to provide industry-leading equipment to support students through their pilot training. By expanding our Pilot 100i order, we’re investing in aircraft we trust to be safe, professional and reliable as we grow for the future.
“From our FAA Part 141 programs to the Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the Pilot 100i is central to delivering world-class pilots for our airline partners.”
Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing & customer support, Piper Aircraft, adds: “We’re thrilled to support this additional aircraft order from our neighbors here in Vero Beach, Skyborne, and it’s a privilege to have them as a Piper Flight School Alliance member.
“We look forward to being a part of Skyborne’s growth in our community by providing them with top-of-the-line trainers that are reliable and cost-effective.”
The additional Piper 100i aircraft will be delivered to Skyborne through 2024 and beyond.
AFM team note – In addition to the Piper Aircraft on order Skyborne expanded their order for electric training aircraft with 40 Bye Aerospace eFlyer on order.
Source: Skyborne
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Switzerland-based Flight School Expands Fleet with March 2024 Addition of New Multi-Engine Training Aircraft
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Electric Training Aircraft Pipistrel Velis Electro Earns LSA Airworthiness Exemption from US Regulator FAA
Popular training aircraft manufacturer – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up flight training in an electric aircraft within the United States.
The FAA exemption allows US flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programs. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and go from zero flight experience to eventually flying solo, while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots. With this exemption, the cost-barrier to pursuing primary flight training can be substantially reduced. We are thankful to the FAA for its support in bringing more opportunities for electric aviation to the United States.”
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, says: “The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight. We are proud of our team and what we have achieved towards creating the future for electric and sustainable aviation, globally.
Taking off for the first time is exhilarating, and even more so in an electric aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro.”
The relief for a Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190 (Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft) reflects the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate new technologies into the National Airspace System.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions.
About Pipistrel
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.
Source: Pipistrel
Photo Credit: Pipistrel
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Italian Flight School Cantor Air Acquires 5 New Tecnam Aircraft
Italian flight training organisation Cantor Air announced the acquisition of five new Tecnam aircraft during the Pilot Expo Berlin 2024. This strategic move underlines Cantor Air’s relentless commitment to providing cutting-edge and sustainable learning experiences in the world of aviation.
The handover of the keys, which took place at the Pilot Expo Berlin, represents a significant moment in the history of Cantor Air. With the introduction of three new four-seat P2010 TDIs and two additional two-seat P2008JCs into its fleet, Cantor Air is setting the stage for an increasingly exciting future in its pilot training.
Since its inception in 2007, Cantor Air has distinguished itself through its commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation training. The choice to expand the fleet is a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge resources to its students, offering them unrivaled learning opportunities in the industry.
“Our decision to expand the fleet reflects our commitment to quality and sustainable training,” says Roberto Magnani, Head of Training at Cantor Air. “We are determined to offer our students the best resources available to best prepare them for the challenges of the aviation industry.”
With the addition of these new aircraft, Cantor Air brings its fleet to 19 aircraft , plus a state-of-the-art simulator, preparing to break new ground in aviation training while maintaining its commitment to transforming aspiring pilots into professionals competent and safe.
The decision to opt for the new Tecnam aircraft also reflects Cantor Air’s arduous commitment towards a more sustainable future in aviation. These aircraft not only offer optimal performance and superior comfort, but also significant benefits in terms of emissions and noise reduction. Thanks to advanced technologies and high-efficiency engines, the new Tecnam aircraft reduce environmental and acoustic impact, promoting a more sustainable and comfortable flight experience.
Source: Cantor Air
Photo Credit: Cantor Air
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Aircraft Manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New Brand Identity in 2024
Recently, Cirrus unveiled its newly evolved brand identity to reflect its unending quest for innovation. Cirrus created the Personal Aviation™ category of the general aviation industry with its best-selling aircraft – the SR Series and Vision Jet® – which make aviation more approachable, accessible and personal. As the category leader, Cirrus continues to combine its passion for innovation with its expanding customer ecosystem, bringing Everything in Reach™. The updated brand identity signifies Cirrus’ continued commitment to growing the aviation industry by reimagining its future and evolving the brand into the next era of Personal Aviation.
Cirrus Brand Evolution
Source: Cirrus Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft (shown as meta image)
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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Confirms Capital Financing for EUR 40 Million Over Next 5 Years
Elixir Aircraft, a French aircraft manufacturer, announces that it has finalized its capital financing of 40 million euros over the next five years. The financing was completed by raising funds from several investors, including Innovacom, Bpifrance and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (NACO). These funds will be allocated to the construction of a new factory in La Rochelle, as well as to the recruitment of personnel to expedite delivery rates. The aircraft manufacturer has already delivered 19 of its 4th-generation Elixir aircraft, with a further 200 on pre order.
13 Million Euros in new capital raised
Elixir Aircraft, the French aircraft manufacturer designing and producing 4th generation aircraft, has finalized its financing for the next five years with the closing of a €13 million capital increase, led by Innovacom and Bpifrance via its new Amorçage Industriel fund, to ensure its industrial development.
This capital increase comes on top of the 13 million euros in subsidies already announced by the French President at the Paris Air Show 2023, from the “Produce in France low carbon Aircraft ” calls for projects operated by Bpifrance as part of France 2030. Elixir Aircraft now has a further 26 million euros to continue its adventure. The remaining balance will be financed by bank loans.
The majority of these funds will be allocated to production, with the hiring of 500 new employees over the next six years, the acquisition of new machinery and tooling, the creation of a new factory in La Rochelle, and the fitting out of buildings reserved for sales, marketing and customer support.
The timing is perfect. Never before has the air transport sector needed so many pilots, and therefore so many training aircraft, with economic and environmental issues converging.
The renewal of the training fleet with 4th-generation aircraft, such as the Elixir, will lead to a division of the aircraft operating costs by a factor of four and a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Continued industrialization for more carbon-free aviation
Arthur Léopold-Léger, President of Elixir Aircraft, commented: “After a decade of hard work, Elixir Aircraft has reached a turning point. Design, certification and first deliveries have been achieved. Now it’s time for mass production. The decarbonization of aviation can only be achieved by replacing the more than 230,000 older-generation single-engine piston aircraft. With this total financing of 40 million euros, Elixir Aircraft is giving itself the means to achieve its objectives: nearly 400 aircraft produced per year by 2030, thanks to several hundred employees. I see Elixir Aircraft getting stronger and more structured. In the last two months, we’ve delivered six aircraft – a record for our company! With this financing, we’re going to continue our efforts and become one of the leaders in global general aviation!”
Jérôme Faul, President of Innovacom, declared “the renewal of the industry, in all sectors, depends on the development of innovative projects served by talented entrepreneurs. The private investors of which we are a part of are proud to support the Elixir Aircraft team, and to contribute to a value-creating return to the forefront of general aviation in France.”
Raphaël Didier, Director of the Bpifrance Amorçage Industriel fund, commented: “Bpifrance is proud to support Elixir Aircraft in the next stages of its development, by committing to multiple financing levers in its fundraising: with the Bpifrance Amorçage Industriel fund, and with the various innovation support schemes, notably within the framework of France 2030. This investment illustrates the ambitions of the Startups and Industrial SMEs plan supported by Bpifrance, which aims to enable the opening of one hundred new factories a year by 2025. In addition to the reindustrialization, innovation and export support we are supporting, the Elixir Aircraft team illustrates the excellence of the French aeronautical industry, and helps it to meet the challenge of low-carbon aviation”.
Recruitment, innovation and the environment: key issues
Alain Rousset, President of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, declared: “To combat global warming and preserve its future, the aeronautical industry is accelerating its transition to low-carbon aircraft. It’s a huge technological challenge, requiring breakthrough innovations. This is what Elixir Aircraft has achieved with its 4th generation two-seater, designed using composite materials. This aircraft will be powered in the future by low-carbon fuels, and even hydrogen. As evidenced by NACO’s successful fund-raising campaign, this La Rochelle-based company, which the Region has supported from the outset, has everything it takes to become the leader in “green” flight training aircraft. More generally, New Aquitaine has the ecosystem to establish itself as the champion of low-carbon aircraft. It can rely on the strength of major groups (Dassault, Thales, ArianeGroup…), as well as excellent technological SMEs and research laboratories (Pprime, ICMCB…). Not to mention major e-kerosene production projects, such as the Elyse Energy project in the Lacq basin, which will mobilize an investment of 1 billion euros. The Region has been a step ahead of the game by launching its “Maryse Bastié” plan in 2019, with the aim of stimulating innovation towards decarbonized aircraft.”
A highly dynamic market
Stéphane Mayer, an aeronautics industry executive and member of the Elixir Aircraft Board of Directors, commented: “Thanks to its innovative design, the Elixir aircraft provides a pertinent response to the demands of a buoyant market. I’m delighted to be supporting a dynamic team, alongside the investors, in this new phase of the company’s development.”
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global general aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 140 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designs and builds a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses a 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 (estimates of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to internalize all carbon parts production. 20 Elixir aircraft are currently in operation, with over 200 examples of the 4th generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm or pre-orders). In June 2023, the French President announces a 13 million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announces the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros.
Source: Elixir Aircraft