Archives: Market Intelligences

Riyadh Air Orders A321neo FTD-2 from MPS Ahead of 2026 Fleet Entry

Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national flag carrier, has contracted flight simulator manufacturer MPS for the delivery of an Airbus A321neo Flight Training Device (FTD-2), strengthening the airline’s in-house pilot training capability ahead of its narrowbody fleet entry.

  • The A321neo FTD-2 will be delivered to Riyadh Air to support pilot training in advance of the airline’s first A321neo aircraft deliveries scheduled for Q4 2026.

  • The device will be built to Airbus Standard 3.0, ensuring alignment with the latest Airbus training and operational requirements.

  • Riyadh Air has firm plans for a 60-aircraft A321neo fleet, forming a core part of its narrowbody operations as it builds scale.

  • The simulator acquisition supports Riyadh Air’s broader ambition to operate to more than 100 destinations by 2030, requiring early investment in scalable and cost-efficient pilot training infrastructure.

Statements

  • “MPS is proud and excited to expand its footprint in the Middle East by receiving this order to support Riyadh Air’s training program,” said Philip Adrian, Chief Executive Officer of MPS. “The partnership between MPS and Riyadh Air champions their ongoing commitment for top-tier pilot development to be performed on the highest quality equipment in the Kingdom,” he added.

  • “As the airline grows with the aim to operate to over 100 destinations by 2030, we have an unwavering commitment to our flight crew to ensure they have the very best training facilities at their disposal throughout their career at Riyadh Air,” said Mattias Dufva, Director Training & Standards at Riyadh Air.

Source: MPS

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AFM – 2026 Pilot Training Industry Relevant Events Calendar

The team at AFM has put together a calendar of events in 2026 of potential interest to pilot training industry stakeholders. For more information or if you know of an event for us to add to the list, kindly contact us.

January

  • 21 – 22 Jan (Dubai, UAE): UAE Civil Aviation Career Fair
  • 28 – 31 Jan (Hyderabad, India): Wings India 2026
  • 30 Jan – 1 Feb (Paris, France): SFMA Le Bourget

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

Please contact us if you know of Pilot Training Industry relevant events taking place which are not already on this list.

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Elixir Aircraft Delivers New Aircraft to Aéroclub du Nivernais in 2025

France – Elixir Aircraft has announced the delivery of a new Elixir two-seater aircraft to Aéroclub du Nivernais, enhancing the club’s training capabilities with a modern, cost-efficient platform.

  • The Elixir will be used for both pilot and student pilot training, supporting general aviation development in central France.

  • Designed as a 4th generation light aircraft, the Elixir offers improved safety, operational efficiency, and reduced maintenance through its proprietary OneShot technology.

  • Aéroclub du Nivernais strengthens its fleet with an aircraft that lowers total operating costs while increasing aircraft availability for training schedules.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Pilot Assessment Solution Provider Symbiotics Seeking to Recruit Key Account Manager in December 2025

United Kingdom – Symbiotics, a global provider of pilot selection and assessment solutions, has announced the recruitment of a UK-based Key Account Manager, supporting its continued expansion across airline, training organisations, and military customer segments.

  • The new role will be based in the United Kingdom, with international travel expected two to six times per year, reflecting Symbiotics’ global client base.

  • The Key Account Manager will be responsible for protecting and growing key client revenues, leading strategic account planning, and identifying new commercial opportunities across existing customers.

  • Responsibilities include building senior-level client relationships, supporting the rollout of new product developments, leading client meetings, attending industry events, and delivering actionable customer insights.

  • The position is offered on a full-time basis (37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday).

  • Symbiotics is seeking candidates with proven key account management experience, strong CRM capability, and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders. Aviation industry experience is beneficial but not essential.

To apply or learn more kindly contact rebecca.fogarty@blakebrookgroup.co.uk

Learn more about Symbiotics by listening to the interview it did with AFM here Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Symbiotics – Leading Aspiring Pilot and Pilot Assessment Solutions – AFM.aero

Source: Symbiotics

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Canada Approves Electric Aircraft for Pilot Training Following University of Waterloo Research

Canada – The University of Waterloo has confirmed that electric aircraft are now approved for use in Canadian pilot training, following Transport Canada’s certification of the Pipistrel Velis Electro and related models—marking a major milestone for sustainable aviation training.

  • Transport Canada has validated the type certification of the Pipistrel Velis Electro, Velis Club, and Explorer aircraft, formally enabling their use by Canadian flight schools and private operators.

  • The approval follows a regulatory update in July 2025 that permitted electric aircraft to be used for pilot training in Canada.

  • The certification process was supported by extensive research and flight testing conducted by the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) in collaboration with national partners.

  • WISA’s research program, led by Paul Parker, Mehrdad Pirnia, and Suzanne Kearns, provided operational performance data that informed both the regulatory framework and certification decision.

  • WISA began operating Canada’s first Velis Electro in 2022, in partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, using the aircraft as part of a “living lab” at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

  • Student pilots participated as pilot research assistants, flying and documenting electric aircraft operations—creating one of the most comprehensive Canadian datasets on electric flight training.

  • The Velis Electro operates at approximately 60 decibels, produces zero direct emissions, and features lower maintenance requirements, making it well suited for circuit training and early-stage ab initio instruction.

Statements

  • “Waterloo played an important role by operating one of North America’s first certified electric aircraft,” said Suzanne Kearns, Founder and Director of WISA.

  • “The information gathered here helped Transport Canada prepare for electric aviation and gave regulators a clearer understanding of how these aircraft perform in real Canadian conditions,” she added.

Source: University of Waterloo / Transport Canada

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