Archives: Market Intelligences

Royal Canadian Air Force to Use 19 PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future

Pilatus has signed a contract to deliver 19 PC-21 training aircraft. The PC-21 will not only provide Canada with the most technically advanced training system but also a very cost-effective, environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots.

Pilatus is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a major contract with KF Aerospace as part of its collaboration with SkyAlyne for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) “Future Aircrew Training” (FAcT) program. The contract involves the delivery of nineteen state-of-the-art PC-21 training aircraft.

The nineteen PC-21s will be stationed at the air force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026. They will primarily be used to provide advanced training for aspiring military pilots. The 25-year FAcT program is designed to fundamentally modernize and expand the RCAF training capabilities.

“SkyAlyne is excited to be working with Pilatus on this important project. The PC-21 offers numerous benefits over conventional training aircraft and is equipped with cutting-edge avionics to ensure a seamless transition to frontline jets,” explains SkyAlyne senior executive Kevin Lemke. “In addition, the PC-21’s innovative design delivers a significant reduction inoperating costs and greater efficiency in training operations. These qualities make the PC-21 the ideal choice for Canada.”

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented as follows on this important new contract: “This contract is further proof of the capabilities of our PC-21 training system. Canada ranks amongst the world’s most renowned and professional air forces, and we‘re very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project. We‘re very much looking forward to working with our partners and we can assure everyone of our commitment to providing Canada with the best training system and the best possible customer support. We‘d like to thank everyone for their confidence in Pilatus and the PC-21, our Next Generation Trainer made in Switzerland!”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “This milestone is a significant achievement for all involved, and we’re very proud that the PC-21 will now serve as the backbone of Canada’s military pilot training program for decades to come.”

Proven, integrated training system

The PC-21 by Pilatus offers an advanced training platform specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern pilot training. The PC-21 is known for its efficiency and versatility, and is recognized worldwide as a leading training aircraft. Besides the aircraft itself, the integrated PC-21training system also includes mission planning and debriefing systems as well as training materials – all essential elements to support ground-based training.

The total fleet of PC-21s worldwide currently stands at just under 250. Customers include the world’s leading air forces in Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia. The Swiss Air Force adopted the PC-21 in 2008, and has used it to successfully train future military pilots ever since then.

Source: Pilatus
Photo Credit: Pilatus

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Hungarian Pilot Training Organisation Highlights Physiological Advancements at Abu Dhabi’s Air Expo 2024

PharmaFlight Aviation Academy, a flight training organisation based in Debrecen, Hungary, participated in the Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, held in mid-November, showcasing its cutting-edge advancements in physiological measurement systems.

Representing PHARMAFLIGHT were research leader Gyula Győri, c. associate professor and scientific director; Kornél Szepessy, business development director; Dr. Botond Szűcs, leading biologist and life coach; and Gabriella Farkas, sales manager. The delegation highlighted the unique PHAPA physiological measurement system, designed to optimize selection processes, facilitate fatigue risk management, and support the safe retention of senior employees in aviation.

Key presentations were attended by high-ranking officials, including Didier Mary, main organizer of the Expo; Ziad Elmaamoun, advisor to the Director General of the Social Contribution Authority; representatives of Etihad Airways; UAE Ministry of Defense officials; and senior executives from Global Air Navigation Services (GANS). The delegation also expressed gratitude to Mr. Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Expo Organizing Committee and Emirates Aviation Association, for personally attending their presentation.

The three-day event underscored PHARMAFLIGHT’s commitment to advancing aviation safety and innovation, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.

Source: PHARMAFLIGHT
Photo Credit: PHARMAFLIGHT

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Greece Based Flight School Launches November 2024 Black Friday 15% Discount on Pilot Training Campaign

Skies Aviation Academy, a flight school based in Peraia, Greece, has announced an exclusive 15% discount on all pilot training courses as part of their November 2024 Black Friday promotion. This limited-time offer, available until December 8, 2024, provides aspiring and experienced pilots an opportunity to enhance their aviation careers at a reduced cost.

Courses eligible for the discount include:

  • Integrated ATPL Course
  • Modular PPL, CPL, and ATPL Courses
  • Flight Instructor (FI) Course

With a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to beginners and seasoned aviators alike, Skies Aviation Academy is committed to equipping students with the skills to achieve their aviation aspirations.

Skies Aviation Academy celebrated end of last year its 10-year anniversary of operational excellence, added a Tecnam P2008 JC to its fleet in June 2024.

Source: Skies Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Skies Aviation Academy

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Southeast Asian Carrier Welcomes First of 20 New Airbus Widebody Aircraft in November 2024

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, welcomed the arrival of its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines today as part of the Group’s fleet modernisation strategy.

The aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-MNG, departed from the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France on 28 November 2024 at 8:52pm local time and safely arrived at its home base at KL International Airport (KUL) on 29 November 2024 at 4:52 pm local time. Prior to its arrival, the aircraft was escorted by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet and performed a spectacular flypast, offering plane spotters an extraordinary sight. Upon arrival, the aircraft was greeted with a water salute.

The journey of flight MH5039 took a total flight time of 13 hours and was flown by Captain Khairul Syukri Khalid, Captain Azim Sham Che Din, Captain Zainuddin Hussein and Captain Najwan Reshan Nahdan Rengganathan.

In August 2022, MAG signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028.

Source: Malaysia Aviation Group

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – True Course Simulation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Brett Watts  – CEO of True Course Simulations, a simulator manufacturer that specializes in virtual reality flight training.

True Course Simulation offers a simple 3-step learning process that includes a pre-flight briefing, interactive simulations, and visual demonstrations of maneuvers.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Offerings: True Course Simulations (TCS) provides comprehensive VR-based flight training solutions that include hardware (immersive training devices), software (courseware), and data management tools. Originally focused on military contracts, the company has expanded to serve civilian flight schools globally, prioritizing innovation and efficiency in pilot training.
  • Global Expansion and Partnerships: TCS has established partnerships with flight training organizations worldwide, including recent device deployments to Nelson Aviation College (New Zealand), Embry-Riddle Asia (Singapore), and Sydney Flight College (Australia).
  • Key Trends in Pilot Training: Brett highlighted the increasing demand for efficiency due to rising costs and instructor shortages. Another trend is the growing adoption of automation and VR to supplement traditional training, reducing stress on students and instructors.
  • Impact on Training and Safety: TCS tools improve safety and efficiency by enabling students to master core skills in simulations before real-world training. This approach reduces cognitive overload and better prepares students for complex multitasking in the cockpit.
  • Mission: TCS stands out by offering an integrated system of VR labs, self-guided learning, and performance analytics. The company aims to empower students with confidence and proficiency while supporting partners in modernizing their training systems.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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