Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

South African Flight Training Group Excellentia Airline Academy Expands 2025 Training Fleet with Brand New Sling Aircraft

South Africa – Flight training group Excellentia Airline Academy (EAA) has announced the addition of three brand new Sling NGT aircraft to its training fleet.

In October EAA had announced the acquistion of both Aeronav Academy as well as Skyhawk Aviation, combining 2 long established flight training schools under the EAA umbrella, forming the fastest growing flight school in South Africa. The schools are based in both Lanseria and Grand Central (where EAA Head Office is located), giving excellent flexibility for flight training slots.

EAA combines the existing fleets of each school (primarily Cessna C-172’s, Pipers and Diamond aircraft currently), and then regularly adding new additional Sling 2 NGT aircraft every month, taking the aircraft training fleet from almost 30 currently to over 100 aircraft within the next 18 months, and 200 within 3 years. The Sling 2 NGT has a modern 100hp Rotax engine, spacious wide-view cockpit and a full suite of modern Garmin avionics. EAA’s trainers are ably supported by state-of-the-art flight simulators, allowing its students to obtain their CPL, and then be qualified to fly commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320/321 families.

Source: Excellentia Airline Academy
Photo Credit: Excellentia Airline Academy

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Swiss Flight School Takes Delivery of 2 Bristell B23‑912iS Aircraft in October 2025

Switzerland – Kreutzer.aero, a Swiss flight training and aircraft operations company, has taken delivery of two new Bristell B23 912iS aircraft, marking a significant fleet enhancement for its training and charter operations. The aircraft will also be used in SPHAIR, Switzerland’s official selection program for aspiring military and civil pilots, operated in coordination with the Swiss Air Force.

  • The delivery was facilitated by Manuel Ruchti, Bristell’s authorized dealer in Switzerland, ensuring a smooth and efficient handover process.
  • The Bristell B23 912iS aircraft are equipped with Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engines and Garmin G3X glass cockpit avionics, offering a modern, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective platform ideal for both ab-initio and advanced pilot training.
  • The aircraft are certified for EASA CS-23 operations, supporting full training flexibility from Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) levels.
  • For SPHAIR, the national pilot aptitude and screening program, these aircraft will serve as a core training platform for candidates preparing for Swiss Air Force and airline pilot pathways.

Source: Martin Berka (Bristell Aircraft)
Photo Credit: Martin Berka (Bristell Aircraft)

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Diamond Aircraft Restarts European Production of DA20i Katana in Austria

Austria – Diamond Aircraft, a leading global manufacturer of light aircraft for general aviation and professional flight training, has announced the reintroduction of the DA20i Katana to its European production line in response to strong market demand across the continent.

  • European production of the DA20i Katana has resumed at Diamond Aircraft’s Wiener Neustadt facility, with order books now open.

  • The updated model features the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine and is equipped with the Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit, enhancing both efficiency and avionics capabilities.

  • New avionics include synthetic vision, real-time traffic data, terrain awareness, and touchscreen interface, significantly improving pilot situational awareness and reducing workload.

  • The DA20i Katana retains its proven composite airframe, known for structural integrity and low maintenance, making it ideal for ab initio training and recreational use.

  • European production had ceased over a decade ago, though DA20-C1 production—powered by the Continental IO-240-B32B engine—continues at Diamond Aircraft’s Canadian facility.

  • The reintroduction reflects rising demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private operators seeking cost-effective, modern training aircraft tailored for the European general aviation market.

Statements:

  • “We’re thrilled to bring the DA20i Katana back to Europe,” said Jane Wang, Director Sales, Marketing, and Flight Ops at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “This aircraft has always held a special place in the hearts of pilots and instructors, and with its new upgrades, it’s ready to inspire the next generation of aviators.”

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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AELO Swiss Academy Places Order for Up to 18 Diamond DA20 Aircraft and Expands Locarno Campus

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy has placed an order for up to 18 new Diamond DA20 aircraft, marking one of the largest fleet expansion commitments by a Swiss flight training organisation in recent years. The order coincides with the reopening of DA20 production in Europe by Diamond Aircraft after a 10-year hiatus, a move initiated in direct response to AELO’s request to meet rising pilot training demand.

  • The purchase agreement, signed between AELO Swiss Academy Owner and Head of Training Stefano Buratti and Jane Wang, Diamond Aircraft’s Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Flight Operations, was finalised during AELO’s recent campus inauguration event in Locarno.

  • The 18 new DA20s will significantly enhance the academy’s ab initio training capacity, allowing AELO to support a growing intake of both domestic and international cadets.

  • The investment follows AELO’s EUR 5 million investment into a new campus, which also includes the launch of its new 2,000 square-meter training complex at Locarno Airport.

  • The new facility features an expansive hangar capable of housing aircraft and simulators, alongside modern briefing rooms, classrooms, administrative areas, and on-site student accommodation — all designed to streamline the student training experience.

Source: AELO Swiss Academy

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AELO Swiss Academy Inaugurates New Facilities at Locarno Airport

Switzerland – AELO Swiss Academy inaugurated its state-of-the-art facilities 2000 square meter facilities at Locarno Airport, the Euro 5 million investment represents AELO’s commitment to redefining pilot education, combining Swiss precision, advanced technology, and an uncompromising focus on quality and efficiency. The new campus includes an expansive hangar capable of housing advanced simulators, modern briefing rooms, and fully equipped classrooms, all designed to create a seamless and professional training environment. Complementing these are new administrative spaces and on-site dormitories, offering an immersive learning experience for students.

The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Captain Joe (Joe Diebolder), renowned airline pilot, aviation YouTuber, and motivational speaker, who also serves as AELO’s Pilot Recruitment Mentor. Captain Joe brings to AELO his exceptional experience as a Cargolux Boeing 747 Senior First Officer, aviation educator with over 1.7 million YouTube followers, and a coach with deep insights into airline recruitment processes.

Distinguished Speakers

The event gathered key figures from across the aviation sector:

  • Stefano Buratti, Owner and Head of Training at AELO Swiss Academy, delivered the opening speech. A mechanical and aerospace engineer with an extensive career across maintenance, operations, and airline training (Neos, Darwin, VistaJet), Stefano has personally flown with every AELO student, embodying the academy’s hands-on, mentorship-driven philosophy.
  • David Bieli, Head of Swiss Flight Schools at FOCA, shared his long-standing connection with AELO, having been Stefano’s first instructor in 2007. His continued support and collaboration highlight AELO’s strong integration within the Swiss aviation education ecosystem.
  • Eric Duijkers, representing EPST (European Pilot Selection & Training), AELO’s first major institutional partner, reflected on a partnership that began with the successful placement of students from a closed Portuguese school — including his own son, who trained at AELO and went on to become an instructor.
  • Jane Wang, Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Flight Operations at Diamond Aircraft, emphasized the strength of AELO’s industry partnerships. During the ceremony, Jane and Stefano signed a purchase order for up to 18 new Diamond DA20 aircraft, a moment of historic significance as Diamond Aircraft officially restarted DA20 production after 10 years at AELO’s request.

A Day of Mentorship and Career Guidance

Earlier that morning, AELO students participated in a coaching and recruitment workshop led by distinguished guests from the industry:

  • Valerio Deda, former AELO student and now instructor, airline pilot at Air Dolomiti, and member of their pilot selection team, shared invaluable insights on what recruiters look for during airline interviews.
  • Paolo Pizzacchera, Type Rating Instructor on Boeing 767 and 777 at Challenge Airlines, provided guidance on professional standards in commercial aviation. Two AELO graduates were recently hired by Challenge Airlines thanks to his mentorship.
  • Nicholas Burren, Head of Training at SWISS International Air Lines, delivered a powerful session on professionalism and airline readiness. As the person who first supported AELO in becoming the first non-Lufthansa Group school to train Swiss pilots, his presence reaffirmed the trust placed in AELO’s training excellence.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration marked not only the unveiling of new facilities but also AELO’s ongoing mission to bridge training and employment through partnerships, mentoring, and innovation. With Captain Joe now serving as AELO’s official Pilot Recruitment Mentor, students benefit from first-hand guidance from one of the most respected and relatable voices in modern aviation.

“Our goal is to take students from zero experience to the right-hand seat of an airliner as seamlessly as possible,” said Buratti. “These new facilities, and the strong network of professionals supporting our students, are key to achieving that vision.”

Source: AELO Swiss Academy

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Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Adds Another DA42 to Fleet in October 2025

Türkiye – Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA), the ab initio pilot training arm of Turkish Airlines, has expanded its 2025 fleet with the induction of another Diamond Aircraft DA42 multiengine aircraft.

This follows the induction of seven new aircraft in August 2025 as well as DA42 introductions in September.

  • TAFA currently operates over 60 aircraft

  • The academy conducts flight training at six different airports across Türkiye.

  • The training center employs over 100 flight instructors and more than 200 total aviation professionals.

  • Nearly 500 cadet pilots are currently enrolled in training.

  • The academy plans to expand its training fleet to 107 aircraft by Q1 2027

  • TAFA has trained and graduated over 900 pilots in the past five years, with 220,000 total flight hours logged as of December 2024.

Source: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy

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Portuguese Flight School Takes Delivery of New Elixir Aircraft in October 2025

Portugal – Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC) has officially welcomed the arrival of its first Elixir Aircraft, marking the operational launch of its previously announced fleet renewal. The delivery represents a strategic transition from traditional trainer platforms to next-generation aircraft designed with advanced safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility in mind.

  • The Elixir is a 4th-generation carbon airframe trainer equipped with:

    • Full glass cockpit and autopilot

    • Whole-aircraft parachute system

    • Unintentional spin resistance

    • Lowered environmental footprint

  • OATC will offset all carbon emissions from its Elixir fleet through a partnership with Green Aero Lease, reinforcing the centre’s sustainability goals.

  • In September 2025, OATC announced it has selected Elixir Aircraft to renew its training fleet.

Statements

  • “OATC is entering a new phase: more modern aircraft, stronger airline-style training, and more flying opportunities for our students. We are moving from legacy trainers to next-generation platforms, and the Elixir represents the real leap forward. With a full glass cockpit, advanced safety features such as a whole-aircraft parachute and autopilot level mode, and the support from Green Aero Lease to ensure maximum operational capacity while guaranteeing carbon neutrality by offsetting all carbon emissions, the Elixir perfectly embodies the safety, efficiency, and sustainability we want for the next generation of pilots. fully aligning with our commitment to quality over quantity.” — Dylan van Haasen, Head of Training, OATC

Source: Omni Aviation Training Center

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