Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Piper Aircraft Delivers First of 17 Pilot 100i Aircraft to Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne’s US Campus

Piper Aircraft is proud to announce the delivery of Skyborne Airline Academy’s first Pilot 100i. Skyborne recently signed a multiyear fleet agreement for eleven (11) new Pilot 100i aircraft, building upon their existing all-Piper fleet at their Vero Beach, Florida campus.

The Pilot 100i has successfully made its mark in the flight training space since production began over three years ago and is popular amongst flight schools of all sizes. With a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the GFC 500 digital autopilot, GNX 375 transponder, G5 standby display, and G3X touch screen PFD/MEFD, the Pilot 100i is a technically advanced platform that optimizes the venerable PA-28-181 for the flight school market.

Skyborne has risen to popularity in recent years, attracting talented international and domestic students to their career-focused professional pilot training programs. Earlier this year, their popularity expanded with the launch of the “Propel Flight Academy by Delta”, a new partnership between Skyborne and Delta Air Lines. The program provides a defined pathway to a career at Delta and includes financial support and other resources for students to make the most of their flight training. Skyborne earned this exclusive designation from Delta as a result of their stellar industry reputation and ideal facility location. Both Skyborne and Piper Aircraft are based at the Vero Beach Regional Airport, named the top general aviation airport in the state of Florida in 2022 by the FDOT.

Presently, Skyborne operates an existing fleet of over fifty Piper Warriors, Arrows, and Seminoles. Their Pilot 100i fleet order enters them into the Piper Flight School Alliance, a one-of-a-kind initiative designed to highlight elite flight training programs operating a new-production Piper fleet. Skyborne’s Pilot 100i deliveries began late last week and will continue through the remainder of 2023 into 2025.

“Piper Aircraft is proud to partner with Skyborne, our neighbors just down the taxiway from Piper headquarters,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Support. “Skyborne has an impressive history of training professional and competent pilots using Piper fleet products, and now with the addition of the Pilot 100i, we look forward to continuing to support that legacy.”

“We are incredibly excited to add 11 Piper Pilot 100is to our fleet of 52 Piper aircraft,” said Skyborne’s Managing Director, Dan Peterson. “With these new Pilot 100is, we will be able to continue delivering world-class training to our student pilots. Piper being our neighbor and partner has been extremely beneficial to us both, as we train the next generation of pilots, and Piper continues to provide top-of-the-line aircraft.”

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series—the M600/SLS, M500, and M350—offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value, and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. 

About Skyborne

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire Airport in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training. Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education, and training. It is their vision to create a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged. Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude, and resilience, Skyborne aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimize additional training, reduce failure rates, and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew. Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the Delta Propel Career Path Program, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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Belgian Flight School, Skywings Flight Training, Places Order for 4 Diamond Aircraft in Addition to Diamond Flight Simulator

On November 8, 2023,  Skywings Flight Training signed an order for four new Austro Engine jet-fuel powered DA40 NG at the European Flight Training Event (EATS) in Cascais, Portugal. Additionally, Skywings has recently ordered one Diamond Flight Simulator. With this new investment, the Diamond Aircraft Fleet at Antwerp Airport in Belgium, will be increased to seven aircraft (6x DA40, 1 DA42) and one Convertible DA40/42 FNPT II.

“The investment in modern, efficient aircraft allows Skywings to provide its students with the latest technology and a more sustainable flying experience. The Diamond DA40 NG is not only economical but also offers advanced avionics, preparing students for the modern cockpit environments they will encounter in their future careers as airline pilots,” says Pieter Brantegem, Chief Commercial Officer, Skywings Flight Training.

“Skywings Flight Training’s mission is to train with the best available on the flight training market while having safety as their number one priority, meaning their aircraft must meet the highest standards, and Diamond Aircraft represents the leading edge of general aviation aircraft, with an all-composite design, proprietary and environmentally friendly jet-fuel piston engines and Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits, so this is a natural fit for both organizations,” says Jane Wang, Sales Director, Diamond Aircraft Austria. “Besides, they will benefit from all the advantages fleet commonality is offering – minimized instructor standardization, rapid student transition, reduced parts inventory, lower maintenance costs, as well as the convenience of a sole source provider.”

Delivery of the single engine DA40 NG training aircraft and the Diamond Aircraft FNPT II is expected for 2024.

About Diamond Aircraft’s Flight Training Solution

Diamond’s dedication to flight training has shaped its product line of modern fuel-efficient aircraft, each with a specific training application in mind. With its complete line of piston aircraft – including a dedicated flight training concept with Single Engine Piston (DA40 NG, DA40 XLT) and Multi Engine Piston (DA42-VI) trainers, along with type-specific flight training simulators and proprietary jet-fuel engines – Diamond Aircraft is the only sole source provider in the flight training market.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Pipistrel, Appoints Apex Aircraft for Sales and Support in Canada

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, further expands its distributor network with the appointment of Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd. responsible for sales and support of Pipistrel aircraft in Canada.

Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd. will support the growing fleet of Velis Electro’s in Canada used for flight training as well as managing sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s range of ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft.

Gabriel Massey, CEO and President at Pipistrel, says: “We’re proud to continue growing our global distribution network with the appointment of our newest distribution partner. Apex has a passionate, dedicated team with a wealth of aviation knowledge who we welcome to the Pipistrel family. I’m looking forward to seeing them bring Pipistrel’s range of products to Canadian aviators.”

Anna Pangrazzi, Founder and President at Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd., says: “Everyone at Apex is excited we’ve been selected as Pipistrel’s Canadian distributor, which is a real endorsement of our team’s expertise. We can’t wait to begin showing Pipistrel’s products to our customers.”

Pipistrel announced the first Velis Electro delivery to Canada last year, to the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics. With a further two Velis Electro orders now secured for customers and due for delivery in 2023, Pipistrel and Apex is helping to develop a sustainable aviation fleet in Canada.

Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd. is based at the region of Waterloo international Airport, Breslau, Ontario.

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. Pipistrel is part of the Textron eAviation segment of Textron Inc.

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: Textron
Photo Credit: Textron

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Airbus Flight Academy Europe Expands Training Aircraft Fleet

Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFAE), a 100% subsidiary and flight training organisation of Airbus Group, is delighted to present their new DA42 from Diamond Aircraft especially equipped with a weather radar. Familiarizing with this new modern equipment during their CPL-IRME training is a real asset for the academy’s Airbus Cadets.

The aircraft was flown from the Diamond Aircraft Industries factory in Austria to France by two pilots from the academy.

Source: Airbus Flight Academy Europe
Photo Credit: Airbus Flight Academy Europe

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Takes Delivery of New Training Aircraft at US Academy

Global pilot training group Skyborne, which operates flight training academies across the United Kingdom and United States, announced that its academy in Vero Beach, Florida has taken delivery of its new Piper Pilot 100i to its fleet of 52 Piper aircraft.

Skyborne’s Vero Beach facility for training future pilots of airlines such as Delta Air Lines, IndiGo and other airlines:

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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Textron Aviation Announces Latest Appointment for Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Following a long-standing career spanning almost twenty years with the company, Textron Aviation welcomes Chad Archer to senior vice president and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective January 1, 2024.

Chad most recently served as vice president, Financial Planning & Analysis and Strategy. During his tenure with Textron Aviation, Chad has held various leadership positions within business management, financial planning and analysis. He has demonstrated consistent leadership in mergers and acquisitions, including the recent successful integration of AeroMotion last year, and has achieved significant revenue growth goals within the Asia-Pacific region.

In his new role, he will oversee all financial matters for Textron Aviation Inc., including financial planning and analysis, strategy and integration and economics. He succeeds Dave Rosenberg who has been promoted to vice president, Investor Relations at Textron.

“I grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, where I met my wife,” said Archer. “We’ve been married for almost 20 years and love to travel with our two daughters.”

Meet and learn more about Chad in the short video below.

Source: Textron Aviation
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

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Spanish Flight School Acquires Five New Tecnam Aircraft

TECNAM and Spanish Flight School ONE AIR announced the flight school’s acquisition of additional five (5) Tecnam P2008JC MkII Premium. ONE AIR was the first Spanish flight school to introduce and offer the P2008JC with premium equipment to their students.

The single-engine Tecnam P2008’s versatility and ease of use has firmly established it as the aircraft of choice for Flight Training Organisations worldwide.

With this acquisition Grupo One Air will have 8 Tecnam P2008JC MkII and one P2006T MkII.

With its carbon-fibre fuselage, metal wings and stabilator, the Tecnam P2008JC has a vast number of advantages over traditional aircraft. This combination of both composite material and metal has resulted in a more fuel-efficient and much quieter aircraft.

The Tecnam P2008JC MkII version features a number of significant enhancements. Among these are a new avionics suite, including a new design of both the dashboard and glare shield, thereby enabling the introduction of the Garmin’s innovative G3X Touch display with a MD302 attitude instrument, also available as VFR Night.

“We are very happy to collaborate with Tecnam again and expand our fleet so that our students can enjoy and carry out their training on new generation aircraft.” Said Grupo One Air’s General Manager, Agustín Cabanillas .

“We are honoured that One Air is expanding its fleet with our aircraft. We are also proud to partner with One Air and be a part of their growth and excellence,” said Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer, Walter Da Costa.

Tradition, innovation and vision. Those factors are spearheading Tecnam to wider horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam is offering the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools operating Tecanm’s single- and twin-engine fleet can save as much as 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every single student graduating with a Commercial Pilot License – a 60% reduction compared to fleet using 100LL fuel on a journey of 155 flight hours, 30h of which on twin.

About ONE AIR

ONE AIR is a flight training centre in Spain approved by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) and certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as Approved Training Organisation E-ATO 190. Founded in 2010 by commercial pilots and instructors, ONE AIR is an aviation school created by pilots, for pilots. The school’s philosophy essentially boils down to equipping its students with the latest top-end technologies in the aviation sector and offering the highest standards of safety. The flight school has its main base of operations at Malaga International Airport, which, given its location in the south of Spain, offers the best weather conditions in Europe for the training of pilots.

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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