Archives: Market Intelligences

Acron Aviation Names Craig Collins CFO, Caitlin Johnson to Lead Avionics Finance Division

Global – Acron Aviation has announced the appointment of Craig Collins as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

  • Craig Collins joins Acron Aviation from Elbit Systems of America, where he served as Chief Financial Officer since 2021, overseeing a $1.7 billion portfolio and more than 3,500 employees across defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets.

  • Collins previously held senior financial leadership roles at L3Harris Technologies and L3 Technologies, including Vice President of Finance and CFO for the Aerospace Systems Segment (with $4 billion in global revenue) and Senior Vice President and CFO for the Electronic Systems Segment (with $3 billion in annual revenue).

  • His tenure with L3 Communications encompassed multiple global divisions, including the Precision Engagement & Training Sector, where he oversaw operations supporting both defense and commercial customers.

  • Acron Aviation CEO Alan Crawford highlighted Collins’ leadership style and sector familiarity, emphasizing his alignment with the company’s values of speed, accountability, and transparency.

  • The company also announced that Caitlin Johnson will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer for Acron Aviation’s Avionics segment, reflecting continued internal leadership development within the organization.

Statement

  • “Could not be more excited to have Craig Collins join us at Acron Aviation as Chief Financial Officer,” said Alan Crawford, CEO of Acron Aviation. “Craig’s many years of A&D experience, familiarity with Acron Aviation, and hands-on, servant leadership style make him a perfect fit for us. We also all know Craig will MoveFast, OwnIt and SpeakCandidly in line with our values. I am also excited for Caitlin Johnson as she takes on the incredibly important role of CFO of our Avionics segment.”

Source: Alan Crawford (Acron Aviation)

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Portugal’s Sevenair Academy Appoints New Head of Training in 2025

Portugal – Sevenair Academy has announced the appointment of Victor Mendes as its new Head of Training. Mr Mendes was appointed Deputy Head of Training earlier in the year before being promoted in September 2025.

“I’m thrilled to share that I have been appointed as the new Head of Training at Sevenair Academy. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and responsibility placed in me to lead this fantastic team. Taking on this challenge at such a respected organization is a true honor. A special thank you to our Accountable Manager, Carlos Amaro, and our Chief Financial Officer, Martim Sacavém, for their invaluable support and for this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to get started and contribute to the future of such a renowned aviation training organization.” shared Mr Mendes.

Learn more about Sevenair Academy or Mr Mendes by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Victor Mendes (Sevenair Academy)

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CAE Seeks Head of Flight Training for Emirates–CAE Flight Training Centre in Dubai

United Arab Emirates – CAE, the global leader in aviation training, has announced an opening for a Head of Flight Training at its Emirates–CAE Flight Training (ECFT) joint venture in Dubai. The role represents one of the most senior and influential training leadership positions in the Middle East, overseeing operations at one of the world’s largest and most advanced flight training centers.

  • The position will lead a team of approximately 170 professionals, including 120 full-time instructors and staff and 50 freelance trainers, supported by nine direct managerial reports.

  • ECFT’s Dubai facility houses 21 full-flight simulators covering a diverse range of platforms including Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Hawker, King Air, Challenger, and Falcon aircraft.

  • The Head of Flight Training will drive strategic initiatives focused on innovation, regulatory compliance, instructor development, and operational excellence.

  • Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with UAE GCAA CAR-FCL, EASA, FAA, and CFR Part 142 standards while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement across all training programs.

  • The role requires proven experience as a Flight Instructor or Examiner, a strong management background, and expertise in ATO training oversight with recent or current professional pilot licensing per ICAO Annex 1.

  • The successful candidate will work closely with CAE’s global network of training centers, aligning ECFT’s programs with CAE’s worldwide standards of quality and innovation.

For more information or to apply – head to the CAE job post here.

Source: CAE

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Global Flight Training Group, Airways Aviation, Highlights 2026 Hour Building Offer in Portugal

Portugal – 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 highlighted that Airways Aviation Portugal has announced new hour-building opportunities on its Diamond DA40 aircraft at Cascais (LPCS) and Ponte de Sor (LPSO), accompanied by a limited-time launch offer for bookings made before November 15, 2025. The initiative provides affordable flight time options for student and licensed pilots looking to progress toward commercial qualifications under EASA regulations.

  • Standard hourly rates (Rates include fuel and one landing fee; additional landings charged at aerodrome rates):

    • Cascais – €240/hour

    • Ponte de Sor – €230/hour

  • Introductory requirement: A one-hour adaptation flight with an instructor is required for first-time DA40 pilots (€80).

  • Discounted package options:

    • 10h–19h → €220/h (LPCS) | €210/h (LPSO)

    • 20h–49h → €200/h (LPCS) | €190/h (LPSO)

    • 50h+ → €180/h (LPCS) | €170/h (LPSO)

  • Special launch offer: €190/h (LPCS) and €180/h (LPSO) for 10-hour packages purchased before November 15, 2025.

  • Purchased flight hours must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.

For more information contact Airways Aviation.

Source: Airways Aviation

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Cathay Flight Training Centre Welcomes New CAE Airbus A320neo Full Flight Simulator

Hong Kong – Cathay has further reinforced its commitment to safety and operational excellence with the delivery and installation of a state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator at the Cathay Flight Training Centre.

This latest flight simulator is manufactured by CAE, a global leader in training and critical operations solutions for aviation. The new simulator further supports Cathay’s efforts to meet the growing demand for world-class pilot training as it embarks on a comprehensive fleet renewal and expansion plan.

The Cathay Group is investing well over HK$100 billion in its fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation to strengthen the Hong Kong international aviation hub and elevate the customer experience. This includes orders for more than 100 state-of-the-art narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and large freighter aircraft joining the Group’s modern fleet in the coming years, with more than 30 of these being A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

Cathay held a special ceremony in Cathay House to welcome the new simulator from CAE. Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan and Cathay Director Flight Operations Captain Chris Kempis welcomed a delegation from CAE, led by Michel Azar-Hmouda, Division President, Commercial Aviation CAE, as well as special guest Captain Lawrence Wong, Chief, Flight Standard of the Civil Aviation Department for the ceremony.

Cathay’s Alex McGowan said: “Cathay and CAE have built a longstanding partnership focused on delivering high-quality training for pilots and crew, with a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. Over the years, we have integrated a wide range of CAE training devices at our Flight Training Centre in Hong Kong. This partnership has helped Cathay to establish a state-of-the-art training environment, supporting the development of world-class aviation professionals.

“The recent addition of the A320 Neo CAE 7000XR Simulator marks another milestone in this collaboration, further strengthening Cathay’s training capabilities, advancing our training technologies, as well as nurturing future aviation talent.”

CAE’s Division President, Commercial Aviation CAE: Michel Azar-Hmouda said: “This A320 full-flight simulator marks a meaningful milestone in our collaboration with Cathay. Featuring CAE’s advanced Prodigy visual system, the device enhances training realism and supports Cathay’s commitment to operational excellence. As Cathay continues to invest in quality and commonality across its training infrastructure, CAE is proud to be a trusted partner on their journey.”

The Cathay Group’s total fleet numbers more than 230 passengers and freighter aircraft. The Group’s premium full-service airline Cathay Pacific currently operates 16 A321neo aircraft, while its low-cost carrier HK Express operates an all-Airbus fleet of more than 40 A320, A321, A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

Source: CAE

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Portuguese Flight School OMNI Aviation Training Center Partners with Training Provider to Launch Country’s First Advanced UPRT Program

Portugal — OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC) has partnered with Unlimited Aerobatics (UA) to launch Portugal’s first Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) program. This collaboration integrates A-UPRT into all future OATC pilot training courses, while existing students will be given the option to upgrade.

  • The new A-UPRT initiative aims to elevate pilot preparedness and resilience by providing hands-on experience with dynamic stalls and full upset recovery scenarios.
  • Practical training will be conducted using the high-performance Extra 300 aircraft, offering real-world upset exposure with G-load capabilities up to +8/-8G — significantly beyond standard training aircraft.
  • A-UPRT exceeds regulatory requirements, addressing Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I), which remains the leading cause of airline fatalities globally.
  • The program is jointly coordinated by Jorge Loureiro (UA Portugal) and Cástor Fantoba, world champion aerobatic pilot and Director of UA Training.

Statements

  • “It’s a pleasure to have OMNI as a partner to train Portuguese pilots. UA Training seeks excellence, and it is an honour to work together with one of Portugal’s most important aviation groups.” — Jorge Loureiro, UA Training
  • “OATC is setting a new standard in pilot training. By partnering with Unlimited Aerobatics, we are delivering the most advanced and effective A-UPRT program in Portugal.” — Ricardo Cortez, OMNI Aviation Training Center
  • “We will together work to provide the best training for pilots in Portugal to give them a competitive advantage in the global aviation workplace.” — Cástor Fantoba, Unlimited Aerobatics

About OMNI Aviation Training Center (OATC)
Established in 1998 and part of the OMNI Group, OATC is Portugal’s leading flight training academy. It operates the country’s only flight school with a connected airline, recently launched a fleet renewal program, and delivers EASA-compliant training from ab initio to commercial levels.

About Unlimited Aerobatics
Founded by world champion pilot Cástor Fantoba, Unlimited Aerobatics is a premier aerobatic and UPRT training provider. Operating in Spain and Portugal, UA delivers tailored upset training using high-performance aircraft and elite instructors from both competitive and airline aviation.

Source: OATC
Photo Credit: OATC

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