Archives: Market Intelligences

Airbus Names New CEO of Airbus Canada and A220 Program Lead from October 2025

Canada  – Airbus has appointed Guillaume Chevasson as the new head of the A220 program and CEO of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Benoît Schultz amid a critical phase in program scale-up and profitability goals. At 42, Chevasson brings 20 years of Airbus experience across finance, corporate strategy, Asia-Pacific sales, and cross-border integration. He has held roles including vice-chairman of EFW and board member positions at ATR and AeroStack.

  • Leadership transition: Chevasson, currently Head of Finance & Controlling for Airbus Commercial Aircraft, will take over from Schultz—who oversaw doubling of headcount, the inauguration of the Mirabel pre-assembly line, and construction of flight-test and delivery centers since 2021. Schultz moves to become Airbus’s global procurement chief.

  • Program ramp-up: Airbus targets an A220 production rate of 14 aircraft per month by 2026; deliveries reached 12 in June. Demand remains strong with confirmed orders from carriers like LOT and Air Niugini.

  • Strategic investment: The Mirabel site benefits from a US $1.2 billion joint commitment by Airbus and the Government of Quebec extending through 2035, reinforcing Canada’s premier position in Airbus global operations.

  • Growth ambitions: Airbus and Quebec see over C$40 billion economic impact from the A220 through 2044. An advanced study on a potential A220-500 stretch—with larger capacity and engine options—is expected to conclude by end of 2025, targeting entry into service in the early 2030s.

About Airbus Canada Limited Partnership
Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, Airbus Canada Limited Partnership is responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Airbus A220 family of single-aisle passenger aircraft.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

Related Posts

US Flight Training Financial Lender Stratus Financial Strengthens Partnership with Flight Training Group Buiqui Aerospace

North America – Stratus Financial’s Head of Sales & School Relationships, Gustavo Sánchez‑Sorondo, visited flight training group’s Buiqui Aerospace’s San Juan operations, strengthening collaboration to support future aviators.

Buiqui Aerospace is a flight training organization with multiple campuses across the US and Puerto Rico. In April 2025 it had commenced a new training cycle with an introductory class for 47 new students, highlighting its continued growth in its aviation training programs.

About Buiqui Aerospace
The name of the school comes from the combination of the surnames of its founders “Buitron Quijano”, three brothers from Quito (Ecuador) who decided to open an aviation school in the United States. It all began as a family flying club in North Perry, Miami, which in 2018 would transform from a flying club to an aviation school with its main headquarters in the city of Kissimmee, state of Florida; Shortly thereafter, the vision of these three young brothers, became a reality and soon the flight school was fully operational. With more than 350 national and international graduate students, alliances with more than 10 airlines and financial institutions, six locations within the United States and three more in Puerto Rico, Buiqui Aerospace has become a renowned school that continues to open its doors to aspiring pilots, operating under Part 61.

Source: Stratus Financial

Related Posts

CAE Awarded Contract by the Italian Air Force to Deliver Block 5 Predator Mission Trainer Plus for MQ-9A Reaper Drone

Italy – CAE announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Italian Air Force to deliver the MQ-9A Block 5 Predator Mission Trainer Plus (PMT Plus). This contract, which also includes initial in-service support for the PMT Plus, underscores CAE’s commitment to providing cutting-edge training solutions that enhance the mission readiness of Italy’s defence forces.

CAE’s PMT Plus, developed in partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is the most advanced training system for the MQ-9A Reaper. It provides a fully immersive training environment that replicates real operational conditions, enabling pilots and sensor operators to transition to flight operations with minimal training on the actual aircraft.

CAE has a long history of supporting the Italian Air Force across multiple aircraft platforms, including the MQ-9A. In 2018, CAE delivered the PMT Block 1 to the Italian Air Force, the first Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) trainer to achieve a Zero Flight Time Training qualification. Additionally, with 10 sites across the country, CAE has been dedicated to supporting military flight training in Italy for more than 15 years, demonstrating its enduring commitment to the Italian defence forces.

“Our dedication to delivering tailored and high-quality training solutions, such as the PMT Plus, significantly contributes to the operational excellence of Italy’s defence forces,” said Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Division President, CAE Defense & Security – International. “This achievement underscores our longstanding collaboration with GA-ASI and our unwavering commitment to support the mission readiness of MQ-9 operators worldwide.”

The PMT Plus enhances mission training for the MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft, enabling flight crews to train on the Italian Air Force’s specific Operational Flight Program (OFP) and includes Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC). The upgrade further improves visual graphics for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and delivers an advanced user interface for instructors.

CAE is recognized globally as the reference in synthetic training for remotely piloted aircraft aircrews. As demand for RPAs continues to rise, these systems play a critical role among modern defence forces, providing support for a wide range of operations, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, interdictions, and close air support. Their ability to operate in complex joint and coalition environments significantly enhances their strategic value, making them a cornerstone of contemporary military operations.

About CAE
At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness—today and tomorrow.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: US Marine Corps

Related Posts

Tecnam and Evionica Collaborate on CBT Program for P-Mentor Aircraft

Italy & Poland – Italian training aircraft manufacturer Tecnam and Polish aviation edtech provider Evionica have entered into a strategic partnership to develop an advanced digital training solution for the Tecnam P-Mentor. The collaboration introduces a next-generation Computer-Based Training (CBT) system designed to modernize pilot ground training across global flight training organizations.

  • The new CBT platform is purpose-built for the Tecnam P-Mentor and supports Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) modules within a single, integrated system.

  • Developed using real-world aircraft data and training insights from Tecnam, the CBT features immersive graphics, scenario-based modules, and precise system animations tailored for modern pilot education.

  • Tecnam and Evionica engineers and flight instructors co-developed the solution to ensure operational accuracy and training realism, enhancing the learning experience for students while easing instructor workload.

  • The P-Mentor is a modern IFR-certified, single-engine piston aircraft used by ATOs and FTOs globally for comprehensive pilot training programs.

  • The CBT solution allows training organizations to reduce emissions and costs by enabling flexible learning formats and lessening reliance on in-person instruction.

  • Tecnam promotes sustainability with its training fleet—flight schools using its aircraft report up to 60% lower CO₂ emissions per CPL student, saving an estimated 10 tonnes of CO₂ over 155 training hours.

Statements

  • “The P-Mentor CBT is a tangible result of our shared vision — a product born from shared expertise, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of what modern flight schools need,” said Mateusz Godun, CEO of Evionica.

  • “Evionica has brought an impressive level of professionalism and digital know-how to this collaboration… Together, we are shaping the standard for next-generation pilot training,” said Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer at Tecnam.

About Evionica
Evionica provides intelligent solutions that improve aviation business and training worldwide. Evionica’s products are tried, tested and trusted by major airlines, flight schools, and training organizations all around the world. Devised, designed, and delivered by aviation experts, Evionica’s e-learning, m-learning, flight training apps, and Weight and Balance tools bring next-generation improvements to this generation’s aviators.

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

Related Posts

Acron Aviation Academy Welcomes 25 New Cadets in July 2025

Sanford, Florida, USA – Acron Aviation Academy welcomed a new cohort of 25 cadets during its July orientation.

Acron Aviation Academy has also launched an incentive campaign for new pilot trainees enrolling in July 2025. The initiative includes financial benefits aimed at easing the initial cost burden for aspiring pilots.

  • The offer includes two months of free housing, valued at nearly $3,000.

  • An additional $2,500 tuition fee credit is available.

  • The housing benefit is limited to the first 20 students enrolling in July.

Source: Acron Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation Academy

Related Posts

FTD.aero Receives B737MAX Device Order from Portuguese Flight Training Organization IFA

Cascais & Viseu, Portugal – International Flight Academy (IFA) has significantly upgraded its Viseu aeronautical training cluster with the acquisition of a Boeing 737 MAX FNPT II simulator. The device, supplied by FTD.aero, will be installed at Viseu’s training cluster in partnership with Piaget Viseu; to supports EASA/FAA-compliant MCC and APS/MCC courses.

  • The simulator features OEM-level components—flight controls, switches, circuit breakers—and realistic fault simulation (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical), with capacity for upgrade to FTD2 type-rating standard in line with upcoming European regulation.

  • Combined with the ALSIM AL250 (for Cessna 172, Piper PA28R Arrow, and Piper PA44) and an A320 simulator operational since 2023, IFA will offers training on two key narrow-body aircraft families

Source: Jose Madeira (International Flight Academy)
Photo Credit: Jose Madeira (International Flight Academy)

Related Posts