Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Diamond Aircraft’s Austro Engine Announces New General Manager in 2025

Wiener Neustadt, Austria – Austro Engine, a subsidiary of Diamond Aircraft specializing in jet-fuel-powered engines, has appointed Jürgen Schwarz as General Manager. Schwarz brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Mercedes AMG, Continental Aerospace, and Raikhlin Aircraft. His primary focus will be on Austro Engine’s strategic and operational reorganization.

  • Schwarz officially joined Austro Engine in January 2025.
  • His leadership will focus on making Austro Engine a first-choice manufacturer and powerplant integrator in general aviation.
  • With a background in engine development and aerospace leadership, Schwarz aims to enhance Austro Engine’s development, production, and customer satisfaction.
  • He emphasized the importance of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and the future role of hybridization and electrification in aviation.

Statements:

  • “My goal is to work with the team to further develop Austro Engine into the first-choice engine manufacturer and powerplant integrator in the field of General Aviation.” – Jürgen Schwarz, General Manager, Austro Engine.
  • “Environmental compatibility is increasingly becoming the focus of development. Diamond Aircraft and Austro Engine set off in the right direction very early on with their highly efficient kerosene-powered engines.” – Jürgen Schwarz.

About Austro Engine
Austro Engine, based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, is a subsidiary of Diamond Aircraft. It specializes in developing jet-fuel-powered engines for general aviation, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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KF Aerospace Highlighted as Exclusive North American Distributer for Grob Aircraft

Canada— KF Aerospace has been highlighted as the exclusive North American Distributer for Germany headquartered Grob Aircraft.

In January 2024 KF Aerospace had announced the exclusive dealership arrangement with Grob Aircraft SE for the North American market. This agreement entrusts KF Aerospace to market, sell and lease Grob products and pilot training services throughout Canada and the United States.

The Grob 120 is renowned for its use in military pilot training programs globally, including by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for basic flying training at the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) Program in Southport, MB. KF Aerospace has managed the CFTS Program with its Allied Wings partners since 2005.

KF’s longstanding maintenance and operational expertise with Grob’s 120A aircraft ensures a seamless and knowledgeable experience for North American customers.

About KF Aerospace
KF Aerospace, based in Kelowna, British Columbia, provides aviation solutions including maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and pilot training services, supporting both civilian and military aviation sectors.

Source: KF Aerospace
Photo Credit: Grob Aircraft SE

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Polish Flight School, Smart Aviation, Places Order for 5 New Aircraft During Pilot Expo 2025

Poland – Training aircraft manufacturer Tecnam and Smart Aviation announced during Pilot Expo 2025 the purchase agreement for five (5) additional Tecnam P2008JC single engine two-seater aircraft. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio training.

Based in Poznan, Poland, Smart Aviation ATO has been training aspiring pilots of more than 50 nationalities for over a decade to start their careers with the world’s major airlines, and is growing at a very fast pace to help major airlines recruit new pilots. ATO also has its own maintenance base at Zielona Gora International Airport and its own helicopter base at Poznan Kobylnica Airport.

Smart Aviation has been working with Tecnam since 2013, when it purchased its first Tecnam P2002JF. Two years later, the first twin-engine P2006T was purchased to provide students with comprehensive training from 0 to ATPL frozen. Today, the Smart Aviation fleet consists of 14 Tecnam aircraft plus the new eight aircraft of this new order.

Smart Aviation’s Tecnam fleet consists of seven (7) Tecnam P2008-JC, four (4) Tecnam P2006T, one (1) Tecnam P2002-JF, one (1) Tecnam P2002-JR and one (1) Tecnam P-Mentor.

These five new P2008JCs will be delivered during 2025, together with the three P2006T NGs announced during the MEAC in Abu Dhabi. This new acquisition will innovate Smart Aviation’s fleet, standardise the fleet and increase ATO capacity. This new and significant investment is part of Smart Aviation’s commitment to ensure that future commercial pilots are trained on state-of-the-art aircraft such as the wide range of Tecnam models.

Mateusz Dzialynski, CEO and Head of Training at Smart Aviation, airline pilot on B737, said: “Investment in new aircraft is necessary to provide students with the highest quality training and to meet the needs of the aviation market. The demand for pilots continues to grow, so it’s a huge responsibility to provide well-trained professionals who meet the highest standards.”

“We are very proud to have seen Smart Aviation grow steadily and strongly over this decade. Our fleet solution confirms that it is a market leading offering that provides reliability, cost control, smart training and low emissions.” Said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

About Smart Aviation
ATO Smart Aviation from Poznan was established in 2013 and is now one of the largest flight schools in Poland. Smart Aviation is an EASA-approved training organisation offering modular training for pilots from zero to ATPL. Our graduates are employed by leading airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Enter Air, Air Malta, SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines and other renowned airlines worldwide. The school records over 10,000 flight hours per year.

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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Cyprus Airways Flying Academy Places 2025 Order for 2 Tecnam Aircraft

Cyprus – Tecnam and Cyprus Airways Flying Academy (CAFA) announced at Pilot Expo 2025 the purchase agreement for two (2) Tecnam P2008JC single engine two-seater aircraft. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio training.

This new acquisition will innovate CAFA’s fleet, standardize the fleet, and increase ATO capacity. This new and significant investment is part of CAFA’s commitment to ensure that future commercial pilots are trained on modern aircraft such as the wide range of Tecnam models.

CAFA, based at Larnaka International Airport, already has a P2006T in its fleet and the ATO has trained hundreds of airline pilots serving the world’s leading carriers. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the Tecnams the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

Christos Limnatitis, Accountable Manager at CAFA, said: “This order marks a turning point in CAFA’s vision to strengthen its position among the leading Aviation Training Organizations within the EASA ecosystem. In addition to their undisputed flying qualities, the Tecnam aircraft are state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft that underscore CAFA’s commitment to quality and sustainability in aviation training.”

“Cyprus Airways Flying Academy’s choice of Tecnam is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation in flight training. We are delighted they’ve selected our aircraft for this expansion, recognizing that today’s students deserve a modern, technologically advanced platform to prepare them for the complexities of today’s airline environment. Tecnam aircraft provide that critical bridge, enabling a seamless transition into the professional cockpit,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence – a 60% reduction compared to a fleet using 100LL fuel across 155 flight hours, including 30 hours in a twin.

About Cyprus Airways Flying Academy
CAFA’s Mission is to provide exceptional aviation training through unwavering commitment to excellence, state of the art facilities and equipment, carefully chosen suppliers and a dedicated team of aviation professionals. Aiming to elevate students’ knowledge, skills and attitude to the highest standards.

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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UK Flight Training Group Places Order for 14 New Aircraft During Pilot Expo 2025

United Kingdom – Tecnam together with their local (UK) dealer Oriens Aviation, and Aeros announced at Pilot Expo Brussels the purchase agreement for fourteen (14) Tecnam P-Mentor IFR single engine two-seater aircraft. The first six (6) aircraft will be delivered during 2025. These new aircraft will be used for ab-initio and modular training for both PPL (Private Pilot Licence) and MPL (Multi Pilot Licence) courses. One of the reasons for this choice, apart from the excellent fuel consumption, is the excellent safety record and the lowest CO2 emissions, making the P-Mentor the aircraft of choice for students and flight schools.

The P-Mentor is a two-seat single engine piston aircraft fully IFR – is compliant with the latest CS-23 EASA & FAA requirements, allowing PBN/RNAV/AFCS capabilities. The modern flight school have today one platform to train students from their first flight up to CPL- IR, including Variable Pitch Propeller, Simulated Retractable Landing Gear and UPRT.

The P-Mentor has been designed to provide the best human-machine interface, resulting in the most effective VFR/IFR training, while the generous fuel tank allows flight schools to fly all day without refueling, improving operational value.

The lowest maintenance costs, lowest fuel consumption and the best value for money make this aircraft a unique profit opportunity for any flight school.

Nick Dunn, CEO at AEROS, said: “We set up a steering group of five senior engineers, managers and instructors to evaluate the three leading two-seater trainers currently available in the market. Tecnam came out on top in terms of quality, cost and after sales service.”

“We are very pleased that after much research Aeros has chosen the Tecnam P-Mentor as the training platform to conduct flight training. This decision underscores their commitment to providing student pilots with the most advanced, safe, and efficient training aircraft available today. As the global leader in flight training solutions,  and together with the Oriens Aviation,  Tecnam Dealer for the UK and Ireland, we look forward to working together with Aeros to ensure that it is a great success,” said Pasquale De Rosa, Tecnam’s Sales Manager Europe.

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single and twin engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence.

About Aeros
Aeros ATO was founded in 1986 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. The academy has 600 students at four bases in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

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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APS Expands UPRT Fleet with Third S211 Jet to Meet Rising Pilot Training Demand

USA – Aviation Performance Solutions LLC (APS), the global leader in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), announced the addition of a third SIAI-Marchetti S211 sweptwing jet to its fleet. This strategic expansion enhances APS’s ability to meet the increasing demand for advanced jet upset training and further strengthens its commitment to mitigating Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I), the leading cause of aviation fatalities.

The APS S211 jet program is designed to provide professional pilots with the most effective, real-world upset prevention and recovery training available. Each aircraft is equipped with a glass cockpit, digital angle of attack integration, multi-axis autopilot, high-altitude stall training, hooded instrument jet upset recovery, and in-flight-selectable flight control feel options. These features closely replicate modern business jet cockpits, ensuring that pilots receive training that is directly applicable to their day-to-day operations.

In addition to expanding its fleet, APS is reinforcing its industry-leading approach to pilot training with the Every Pilot in Control UPRT Mastery Program™. APS’s turnkey UPRT programs combat Loss of Control In-flight with a powerful integration of on-aircraft, simulator, academic, and virtual reality training. The APS team of UPRT experts works with pilots to select the optimal training solution tailored to their specific operational needs and aircraft type(s). Through the UPRT Mastery Program, pilots achieve recognized levels of expertise—from Bronze to Platinum—ensuring clear standards of excellence in upset prevention and recovery capabilities.

“The addition of our third S211 jet is more than fleet expansion—it is a commitment to delivering the most effective jet upset training available,” said Paul BJ Ransbury, CEO of APS. “With the introduction of the Every Pilot in Control UPRT Mastery Program, APS graduates are not just trained; they achieve a clearly defined level of mastery in critical upset prevention and recovery skills.”

As demand for jet upset training solutions continues to rise among corporate, government, and military operators, this fleet expansion allows APS to provide unparalleled training opportunities. APS remains dedicated to its mission: to equip pilots with the skills needed to prevent LOC-I accidents and bring everyone home safely through world-class UPRT solutions.

About Aviation Performance Solutions (APS)
Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, USA, Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) specializes in comprehensive UPRT solutions aimed at reducing Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) incidents. APS serves airlines, military units, and corporate flight departments worldwide through integrated on-aircraft, simulator, academic, and virtual reality training programs.

Source: APS
Photo Credit:APS

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