Archives: Market Intelligences

South African Flight School Seeking New Head of Training in 2026

South Africa – 43 Air School, one of the largest flight training organisations on the African continent, has announced an opening for the position of Head of Training.

  • The advertised role requires a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Commercial or Airline Pilot Licence, alongside an Instrument Rating, and an Instructor Rating (GRII mandatory, GRI preferred).

  • Applicants must have a minimum of 2,000 hours in structured ab-initio training environments, demonstrating experience in primary and airline-level instruction.

  • Candidates should also possess a Management Degree, preferably at the Master’s level, and a thorough understanding of South African aviation regulations (Parts 61, 91, and 141).

  • Expertise in Crew Resource Management (CRM), Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC/APS MCC), and airline-type training philosophies is required.

Source: 43 Air School
Photo Credit: 43 Air School

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Boeing Receives 2026 Order for 9 B787 from African Flag Carrier

Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline by fleet size and network, has announced an order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, further expanding its widebody operations and reinforcing its leadership in long-haul connectivity across Africa and internationally.

  • The new Dreamliner order follows Ethiopian Airlines’ recent commitment for 11 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, finalised in December 2025, bringing the total number of new Boeing aircraft ordered to 20.

  • The additional 787-9 jets will support network growth across 145 international destinations, with a focus on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as intra-African services.

  • Ethiopian Airlines already operates Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, comprising both 787-8 and 787-9 variants.

Statements

  • “We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service,” said Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO.

  • “The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and we are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in their mission to connect Africa with the global community,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing

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New Flight Training Aircraft with Dual Engine Options to Launch in July 2026

Utah, USA – Wasatch Aero, an aviation company based in Utah, has announced that it will introduce a new flight training aircraft to the market in July 2026. The aircraft will be available with two different engine configurations, aiming to offer versatility for flight schools.

Source: Wasatch Aero
Photo Credit: Wasatch Aero

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US University’s Aviation Program Expands Fleet with New Piper Aircraft in January 2026

Georgia, USA – Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) School of Aviation has taken delivery of a new Piper aircraft in January 2026 to support its expanding pilot training programs. The Universities flight training program is said to operate over 58 aircraft including 54 fixed-wing and 4 rotor.

In 2025 AFM reported that Middle Georgia State University (MGA) had announced its collaboration with Frasca International – as part of this partnership, MGA’s School of Aviation would integrate integrate a Regional Jet Transition Device (RJTD) into its capstone course to train newly licensed pilots on the Embraer E170.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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OSM Aviation Academy Increases Capacity – Acquires Simulators and Equipment from Flight School Bankruptcy Estate

Norway – OSM Aviation Academy has entered into an agreement to purchase simulators and other relevant equipment from the bankruptcy estate of Pilot Flight Academy (PFA). The acquisition aligns with OSM Aviation Academy’s long-term strategy, and the resources will be integrated into the existing structure, contributing to increased capacity and becoming part of the school’s established training platform.

Bjørn Tore Larsen is the majority owner of OSM Aviation Academy. In recent years, the flight school has made targeted investments in aircraft, simulators, technology, and instructor competence to meet the growing demand for pilots in the aviation industry.

“We are committed to ensuring that students experience quality, predictability, and steady progression throughout their pilot training. As we now strengthen our capacity, this is both about being able to welcome more students at our established bases and ensuring robust training pathways that are relevant to the industry,” says Bjørn Tore Larsen, owner of OSM Aviation Academy.

Following the bankruptcy of Pilot Flight Academy, OSM Aviation Academy has received more than 100 inquiries and applications from students who wish to start or continue their pilot training with OSM. Contracts are being issued on an ongoing basis to qualified applicants, based on individual assessment and available capacity.

“We fully understand that many students have ended up in a challenging situation. Our goal is to contribute to continuity and safe, reliable training pathways for both existing and new students, while continuing to deliver high-quality education,” says Martin Floor, CEO of of OSM Aviation Academy.

OSM Aviation Academy is a global training provider and one of Europe’s leading flight schools, with bases in Europe and the United States. The school offers modern ‘Airline Ready’ programs developed in close cooperation with the aviation industry, and continuously works to expand capacity and enhance quality in line with market needs. The flight school has established partnerships with, among others, Norse Atlantic Airways, Norwegian, and Widerøe.

Source: OSM Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: OSM Aviation Academy

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Airways Aviation Australia Welcomes First Batch CPL Students in 2026

Australia – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has shared that Airways Aviation Australia has welcomed its first Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) intake of 2026, comprising six new students.

In March last year Airways Aviation Australia had officially inaugurated its third Australian training location at Archerfield Airport, further expanding its presence in Queensland to meet growing regional and international pilot training demand.

  • The new facility was launched on 20 March 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by industry stakeholders and aviation partners.
  • Located in a prime position at Archerfield Airport, the campus includes classroom facilities, flight training operations, accommodation, and a hangar located less than 10 metres from the main building.
  • This expansion supports Airways Aviation’s strategy to offer multi-site training options across Australia, improving accessibility for both domestic and international cadets.
  • The event was attended by representatives from leading aviation organisations, including Virgin Australia, Griffith University, Cirrus, Ansett Aviation Training, TAFE Queensland, and Women in Aviation Australian Chapter.

Airways Aviation operates training bases in Gold Coast, Archerfield (Brisbane), and Lismore.

Source: Airways Aviation Australia
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation Australia

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Loft Dynamics Appoints New CEO in January 2026

Global – Loft Dynamics AG, a global pioneer in EASA- and FAA-qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulators, has appointed aerospace veteran Sebastien Borel as Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of international growth. Company founder Fabi Riesen will transition to Chief Technology Officer while continuing as a board member.

  • The leadership change is aimed at accelerating global adoption of Loft Dynamics’ scalable, immersive VR pilot training solutions.

  • Borel brings over 20 years of aviation experience, including executive roles at Lilium, Airbus, Honeywell, and NAVBLUE, alongside his credentials as a licensed commercial pilot.

  • The move aligns with increasing regulatory acceptance and demand for cost-effective, high-fidelity training technologies across airlines, OEMs, helicopter operators, and training organizations.

  • Riesen, as CTO, will focus on advancing the company’s core simulation technologies while Borel drives commercial expansion and operational scaling.

Statements

  • “What we’ve built at Loft Dynamics has always been driven by a clear vision for how pilot training should evolve. As the company continues to grow and serve a broader global market, having the right leadership in place is critical. Sebastien brings a rare combination of deep aerospace experience, commercial leadership and firsthand understanding of aviation operations. I couldn’t be more excited, or more confident, to partner with him. This structure allows me to focus even more deeply on technology and product vision, working closely with our engineering teams, while partnering with Seb to scale what we’ve built with the rigor and reach the industry demands,” said Fabi Riesen, Founder and CTO of Loft Dynamics.

  • “Fabi and the team at Loft Dynamics made a major step change in pilot training. hey didn’t just introduce a new technology. They helped redefine how pilot training can be delivered at scale, with realism, regulatory credibility and operational relevance at its core. That foundation is already driving meaningful change across the industry. This next chapter is not about changing direction. It’s about building on that momentum—scaling what works, expanding access globally and supporting a broader range of operators across the aviation ecosystem. I’m excited to partner closely with Fabi and the team as we grow Loft’s impact and help shape the future of pilot training,” said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics.

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG is a Switzerland-based provider of FAA- and EASA-qualified virtual reality flight simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs. Its compact, cost-effective VR simulators are used by major industry players including Airbus Helicopters, Alaska Airlines, and public sector operators such as the Los Angeles Police Department.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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Flightdeck Solutions Installs Custom B777 FTD for DHL Express in the UK

United Kingdom – Canada-based flight simulator manufacturer Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) has completed the installation of a custom B777 flight training device (FTD) for DHL Express at East Midlands Airport, tailored specifically for cargo pilot training operations.

  • The newly installed device features a full tactile B777 flight deck, an enclosed instructor operating station, control loading, and a custom DHL livery in the company’s signature yellow and red branding.

  • This installation supports DHL Express’s cargo training operations at its key UK facility, enhancing its in-house training capabilities for wide-body freighter operations.

Source: Flightdeck Solutions
Photo Credit: Flightdeck Solutions

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