Archives: Market Intelligences

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Simnest Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Balázs Herendi – CEO of Simnest Aviation – a simulator manufacturer based in Hungary, focused on designing and manufacturing professional FSTDs.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Achievements: Simnest Aviation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hungary, specializes in designing and manufacturing professional flight simulation training devices (FSTDs). The company has installed multiple simulators globally, achieving milestones such as introducing the first APS MCC training in Romania.
  • Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships: Simnest collaborates with key customers like the Danish Center Air Pilot Academy, Portuguese International Flight Academy, Norwegian Redflight Aviation, fostering long-term partnerships. It recently expanded its global footprint by partnering with Avion as its exclusive sales and service partner for the APAC region, aiming for broader international growth.
  • Innovative Training Solutions: The company integrates its expertise with the Simnest Pilot Academy to enhance understanding of ATO operations. Simnest devices are designed to optimize pilot training by offering cost-effective, high-fidelity, type-representative fixed-base simulators suitable for APS MCC and MPL programs.
  • Industry Trends and Challenges: Balázs highlighted trends such as increased reliance on type-representative devices, the growing adoption of APS MCC courses, and the use of AI, VR, and simulated ATC environments. He emphasized the industry’s challenge of balancing pilot demand with maintaining training quality amid a global pilot shortage.
  • Commitment to Safety: Simnest Aviation prioritizes safety by providing realistic training environments for cadets transitioning to jet-based aircraft. It also supports customers with end-to-end services, from device manufacturing to certification and operational documentation, offering a seamless experience for flight training organizations.

For more information:

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Emirates Flight Training Academy’s Record Graduate Cohort Creates Steady Pilot Pipeline

Dubai, UAE – Courage, commitment and passion were all in evidence on December 18, 2024 at Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) fifth graduation ceremony, which marked the academy’s biggest cohort to date. EFTA also announced the launch of an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training (Aeroplane) on the back of the academy’s recognition as an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) by the UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC).

The graduation ceremony was headlined by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, the Group’s senior leadership team, graduates, their families and friends, and the academy’s faculty and cadets.

HH Sheikh Ahmed congratulated and presented certificates to the cadet graduates. He said: “Our Emirates Flight Training Academy was built on a vision and a solid strategy, and its journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring, even thrilling. The recognition by the NQC validates our commitment and our robust investments in our academy that is future-fit for the next generation.

EFTA plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of pilots, not just for the industry in the UAE but for world aviation, creating a steady and talented pilot pipeline. It’s incredible that we are training, developing and empowering young adults to drive the future of aviation – right here in Dubai. I’m confident our graduates will make their mark in shaping the future of our industry. Congratulations to the class of 2024!”

After months of rigorous training on the ground and in the skies, 85 bright and talented cadets are now fully equipped to take on every aviator challenge. The cohort includes 67 UAE National and 18 international cadets. Since EFTA’s launch, 271 cadets have been transformed from school leavers with no knowledge of flying to world-class professional pilots. EFTA also honoured four cadets for their exceptional performance throughout the year: Humaid Al Hammadi, Abdulla Raeisi, Alessandro Muffolini and Sarah Shah; and Abdulla Alkaabi for being the most diligent.

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy said: “Today, we’ve witnessed not just a graduation ceremony, but the fulfilment of many collective dreams. After countless hours of hard work, challenges and accomplishments, our cadets have proven they are ready to conquer the skies. They’ve come far – both personally and professionally – and EFTA is proud to see them step into a world full of opportunities with their new and richly deserved wings. Congratulations to our graduates!

Our new Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training will be available to all EFTA graduates and will provide a strong academic foundation for future professional pilots, complementing the exceptional practical skills they’ve developed with us. At EFTA, we continue to elevate aviation education and prepare the next generation of skilled aviators, further supporting the GCAA* and strengthening the UAE’s aviation industry.”

The Diploma, with 94 credit hours, paves the path for cadets to obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from any university.

Every cadet in the class of 2024 completed around 113 weeks of training with over 1,100 hours of ground-based and 270 hours of flight training. Located in Dubai South, the Academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying.

This year marked a brand new chapter in EFTA’s international journey as the academy is well on its way to achieving European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025. With this, cadets who graduate from EFTA will receive both a GCAA and an EASA** licence, opening doors to exceptional career opportunities worldwide.

*GCAA General Civil Aviation Authority
**European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Cadet quote:

At the graduation, speaking on behalf of the Class of 2024, Faris Ahmed, cadet graduate said: “Growing up, I was inspired by my father’s love of aviation and I followed in his footsteps to take to the skies. These past few years have been life-changing, to say the least. They were filled with intense training, unwavering support, and the forging of lifelong bonds.

We’ve spent countless hours in simulators and classrooms, mastering every tiny detail. And who could forget the thrill of our first solo flight or when we saw the inside of a flight deck for the very first time? Today’s ceremony not only signifies the years of commitment and diligence, but the beginning of our careers as professional pilots, having received the highest standards of training from this world-class academy.”

Source: Emirates Flight Training Academy
Photo Credit: Emirates Flight Training Academy

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Digital Aviation Publisher, Padpilot, Receives Investment by Rose Street Partners

United Kingdom – Investment firm Rose Street Partners has announced its third investment of 2024, investing into Padpilot, a leading provider of digital aviation training content. Padpilot, recognized for its innovative and high-quality materials, has established itself as a prominent player in the European market and is now expanding globally.

Rose Street Partners will support Padpilot’s long-term growth ambitions while maintaining the company’s culture of quality and innovation.

Statements

  • Dan Skyte, Founder and CEO of Rose Street Partners, commented: “Padpilot is a truly unique business, committed to proving the best aviation training content in the world. Padpilot’s relentless focus on quality and innovation has driven extraordinary levels of growth, and we look forward to working with Nathan, Cristina, Katharine, and the rest of the team in continuing this trajectory for many years to come.Huge thank you to founders Graham & Jill Cownie for being a pleasure to work with, and for placing their trust in Rose Street to support the remarkable company that they have built.“

Source: Rose Street Partners

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Air India Orders 34 Trainer Aircraft for its New Flight School

  •  Air India has placed an order for 31 single-engine aircraft from Piper Aircraft and 3 twin-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft
  • Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2025, strengthening Air India’s commitment to power India’s aviation ecosystem in the coming years

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has placed an order for 34 trainer aircraft as it prepares to start training of cadet pilots at South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) coming up in Amravati, Maharashtra by the second half of 2025, post regulatory approvals.

The order includes 31 single-engine aircraft from Piper Aircraft in the United States and 3 twin-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft in Austria.

The FTO is a leap forward in Air India’s commitment to bolster its training infrastructure as part of its Vihaan.AI transformation program and cultivate a pipeline of pilots as it expands its fleet, becoming self-reliant.

The trainer aircraft, due for delivery starting 2025, are equipped with glass cockpits, G1000 avionics systems and Jet A1 engines that will ensure advanced training for aspiring pilots.

The FTO is coming up at Amravati’s Belora airport and will target to graduate 180 commercial pilots every year.

“The new FTO is a strategic move to exponentially expand our training infrastructure and our commitment to building a self-reliant ecosystem of qualified pilots for both Air India and the Indian aviation industry. With this order of 34 trainer aircraft to support South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation, we are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and to support the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat,”said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India.

As part of its commitment to invest in aviation training, Air India opened its new Aviation Training Academy, spread over 600,000 sq ft, the largest in South Asia, in Gurugram. It is also the first airline in India to announce the setting up of an FTO that will complement Air India’s commitment to power India’s aviation ecosystem in the coming years.

At the FTO in Amravati, Air India is developing a state-of-the-art training institute over 10 acres, with digitally enabled classrooms at par with global academies, hostels, a digitized operations center, and its own maintenance facility to elevate operational efficiency. The FTO is curated to deliver best-in-class training with high safety standards.

Source: Air India

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer HAVELSAN’s Highlights Collaboration with FFS Training Center to Achieve Record RFT

Antalya, Turkey – Full flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN has highlighted the successful operation of its new HAVELSAN manufactured Airbus A320 ceo/neo full flight simulator at the IFTC Antalya training center. The device with three engine options achieved a record time from initial installation to becoming ready for training due to a seamless collaboration between the IFTC and HAVELSAN teams.

“We are proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of our Airbus A320 CEO/NEO Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the IFTC (International Flight Training Center). Ready for Training (RFT) in record time, our simulator has been operating at full capacity, meeting the intensive training needs of pilot candidates with high operational efficiency. With three engine options, cutting-edge technology, and a user-friendly interface, the A320 CEO/NEO FFS has earned exceptional praise from users and added significant value to IFTC’s training programs.

We extend our gratitude to IFTC for their collaboration, which contributed to the development of the Turkish aviation sector and strengthened HAVELSAN’s global reputation.” shared HAVELSAN.

HAVELSAN has shared a timelapse of the installation found here.

Source: HAVELSAN
Photo Credit: HAVELSAN

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California’s Aviators Flight Academy is Seeking to Hire a Chief Flight Instructor in December 2024

Van Nuys, California, USA – Aviators Flight Academy, a Part 141 flight school, is seeking an experienced Chief Flight Instructor to lead its training operations. Based at Van Nuys, CA, the academy offers advanced training programs with a modern fleet and a strong partnership with SkyWest Airlines, facilitating pathways for aspiring commercial pilots.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage flight training operations, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and Part 141 requirements
  • Mentor and lead a team of flight instructors, fostering professional growth and high training standards
  • Develop and enhance flight training curriculum using the latest aviation technologies and methodologies
  • Oversee scheduling of instructors and aircraft to maximize efficiency
  • Represent the academy in industry forums and liaise with stakeholders and partners

Candidate Requirements

  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII); Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) preferred
  • Minimum 1,000 flight hours with significant instructional and curriculum development experience
  • Proven leadership experience in a flight training environment
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Weight under 200 lbs (due to SportCruiser specifications)

What’s Offered

  • Leadership role in shaping flight training programs and student success
  • Competitive salary reflecting the seniority of the role
  • Opportunity to leverage the SkyWest Airlines partnership for student career progression

To apply, please contact Aviators Flight Academy.

Source: Aviators Flight Academy

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer ALSIM Completes Device Factory Acceptance Test for 3 Units with UK University Client

France – ALSIM, a leading manufacturer of flight training devices, hosted a team from the University of Hertfordshire for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of three new AL250 flight simulators. The delivery of these simulators marks a significant step in expanding the university’s pilot training capacity and educational offerings. The FAT took place at ALSIM’s facility in Nantes, showcasing the quality and capabilities of the AL250 devices. The AL250 simulators are designed for training across various pilot licensing levels, offering a highly versatile and cost-effective solution. The University of Hertfordshire will integrate these simulators into its aviation program to further enhance student training and align with industry standards.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit; ALSIM

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Global Flight Training Group Skyborne Graduates Honored at Ghana Air Force Wing Parade Ceremony in December 2024

Accra, Ghana – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the 2024 Ghana Air Force Wing Parade Ceremony, presenting pilot wings to 12 newly trained pilots at the Air Force Base in Accra. The ceremony marked the culmination of the pilots’ Ab-initio Flying Training at Skyborne Airline Academy in Vero Beach, Florida.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the versatility of the Ghana Air Force, highlighting contributions to:

  • Disaster relief operations
  • Search and rescue missions
  • Protection of energy infrastructure in collaboration with key entities like the Volta River Authority and Ghana Gas Company
  • Transportation of electoral materials during elections

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the Ghana Air Force through increased investment. He urged the newly winged pilots to demonstrate loyalty, discipline, and leadership in their roles, stating: “Leadership is a calling, and as officers, men and women under your command will look to you for guidance and inspiration. Do not fail them. Your training, both at home and abroad, has prepared you to confront the challenges that lie ahead,” 

Source: Ghana Local Media
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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