You restart it. Toggle airplane mode. Manually search for networks. 20 minutes later, you’re finally connected, only to receive a text from your carrier warning you that you have already consumed half your daily roaming allowance simply by letting your email sync in the background.

This is the reality for thousands of airline crew members navigating the complicated world of international mobile connectivity. But it doesn’t have to be.

When your workplace spans 50 countries

For cabin crew, pilots, and airline staff, maintaining reliable mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury. It’s an operational necessity. Between coordinating layovers and navigating unfamiliar cities, accessing maps and managing banking across time zones, mobile data underpins both work responsibilities and daily survival on the road.

Yet the very nature of airline work exposes the limitations of how mobile roaming was designed to function. Multiple countries per week, unpredictable schedules, constant border crossings: these realities clash with traditional roaming models.

Traditional roaming assumes occasional international travel. It wasn’t built for professionals who might touch down in three different countries within 48 hours, or who need consistent connectivity across a dozen destinations in a single month.

Why pilots and airline crew are switching to Holafly Plans

This is precisely why a growing number of aviation professionals are abandoning traditional roaming entirely. Instead of managing multiple SIM cards, expensive day passes, and unpredictable charges, they’re turning to Holafly Plans. It’s a single, permanent eSIM that provides continuous connectivity across 160+ destinations.

Unlike traditional roaming or even destination-specific eSIMs, Holafly Plans are specifically designed for people who cross borders as part of their job. One eSIM. One global plan. No switching, no surprises, no roaming charges.

For airline crew working 15-20 international days per month, this shift is transformational and convenient. Instead of paying $10-12 per day in roaming fees across multiple countries, crew members pay a single monthly subscription that covers everywhere they fly.

The difference in practice is immediate: land in any of 160+ destinations, and your phone automatically connects to the local network. No activation required. No manual network selection. Just instant internet the moment you step off the aircraft. Users can choose between two flexible options: an unlimited data plan for maximum convenience, or a more budget-friendly 25GB limited plan per month—both designed to fit different travel patterns and usage needs.

The hidden costs of traditional roaming

The problems with traditional roaming go far beyond inconvenience. Crew members regularly face exorbitant roaming charges, with bills running into hundreds or thousands of dollars for modest data usage during short layovers.

Then there’s the accidental in-flight roaming trap. Phones sometimes connect to airborne networks while still in the air, triggering charges that bypass standard “land-based” roaming protections. The result: massive, unexpected bills that are nearly impossible to dispute.

Even country-specific data packages rarely align with crew schedules. When crew members switch countries, they need to go through the entire purchase process again,whether it’s an eSIM or traditional local SIM. While modern short-term plans (like three-day options) help reduce waste compared to older packages, a seven-day plan purchased for a three-day layover still means wasted money and expired data. Physical SIM cards require constant swapping, which is time-consuming, easy to lose, and increasingly impractical when you’re managing life across multiple continents.

Meanwhile, background apps quietly drain data allowances. Automatic updates trigger without warning. Phones struggle to switch networks reliably. Battery life plummets as devices burn power searching for signals in areas with poor coverage.

The economics: What flight crew members actually save with Holafly

The financial case for switching to Holafly Plans becomes clear when examining actual airline crew travel patterns.

According to aviation industry standards, cabin crew typically operate five to six international trips per month, with each trip involving two to four days in destination environments requiring mobile data. This translates to 10-20 international data usage days monthly, depending on routes, base assignments, and seniority.

Consider three representative crew profiles:

Light crew member (10 international days/month):

• Traditional roaming cost: $1,200/year
• Holafly Plans with crew discount: $389/year
• Annual savings: Up to $811

Typical crew member (15 international days/month):

• Traditional roaming cost: $1,800/year
• Holafly Plans with crew discount: $389/year
• Annual savings: Up to $1,411

Heavy crew member (20 international days/month):

• Traditional roaming cost: $2,400/year
• Holafly Plans with crew discount: $389/year
• Annual savings: Up to $2,011

These calculations use conservative estimates of $10 per day for traditional roaming. This figure doesn’t account for excess data charges, speed throttling after caps, or the administrative hassle of managing multiple activations and add-ons.

Ready to eliminate roaming charges and stay connected across 160+ destinations?

Get your exclusive 50% airline crew discount at benefits.holafly.com/plans/aircrew

How Holafly Plans work

Holafly Plans operate on a fundamentally different model than traditional roaming or even destination-specific eSIMs. Two primary options cater to different usage patterns:

Light plan: 25GB per month across 160+ destinations
Unlimited plan: No data limits, with the option to add a local phone number from the US, UK, or Canada for receiving SMS

Both plans include mobile hotspot capability, can be cancelled anytime, and work across 160+ destinations. All on one eSIM that never needs swapping.

A standout feature called “Always On” provides a safety net. When a monthly plan expires, instead of losing connectivity entirely, users automatically receive 1GB of backup data each month. This emergency data works in over 76 key destinations and requires no setup. It simply activates a few hours after the main plan ends.

It’s designed for essentials: WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, emails, and critically, opening the Holafly app to purchase a new full plan. As long as the eSIM remains installed, Always On stays continuously available.

Built to support the way pilots and crew travel

The reality of airline crew travel is fundamentally different from typical passenger experiences. A single week can involve multiple countries, layovers across continents, constant network switching, and unpredictable route changes.

This level of movement exposes the gap between how roaming was designed in theory and how it performs in the reality of modern aviation work. Traditional models assume occasional international trips. They weren’t built for professionals whose job description includes crossing borders as routine.

What airline crew need today, and what Holafly Plans provides, is connectivity that functions as seamlessly as the aircraft systems they rely on every day. Not as an occasional add-on, but as a fundamental need.

Exclusive 50% discount for aviation professionals

Recognizing that airline crew represent some of the most demanding users of global connectivity, Holafly now offers a 50% discount exclusively for aviation professionals.

This special rate applies for up to 12 consecutive payments, representing over $300 in annual savings beyond the already significant cost reduction compared to traditional roaming.

Aviation professionals interested in exploring this option can find details and request a discount code at benefits.holafly.com/plans/aircrew.

The end of roaming friction

Historically, airline staff have been among the earliest adopters of travel-related innovations, from onboard technology to airport services. What proves essential for crew today often becomes standard for frequent travelers tomorrow.

For aviation professionals tired of roaming surprises, manual activations, and the constant friction of managing connectivity across dozens of countries, the question is no longer whether to switch, it’s how much longer to wait.

Ready to eliminate roaming charges and stay connected across 160+ destinations?

Get your exclusive 50% airline crew discount at benefits.holafly.com/plans/aircrew

The solution required an unprecedented cross-continental collaboration, with experts from Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Atibaia, Sao Paulo, traveling thousands of miles to share knowledge, set up equipment, and ensure the new facility could match the standards of its American and Brazilian counterparts.

The effort brought together professionals whose combined expertise proved essential to launching APS Malaysia. Tuan Azli, recruited to serve as Director of Operations, became employee number two and helped to select the facility location from among 39 potential sites. 

Chris Mays, Composite Blade Lead and Inspector with 25 years of aviation experience from Illinois, made three trips to Malaysia to help set up the shop floor and train certified staff on proprietary processes. 

Felipe Franco, APS Brazil Operations Manager, also made three trips to Malaysia, bringing 25 years of aviation experience and firsthand knowledge from establishing the Brazilian facility years earlier.

And Orlando Alas, an ASNT NDT Level III inspector (Highest certification level from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing), also traveled from Illinois to train Malaysian technicians in the specialized field of nondestructive testing, a critical capability that is difficult to source locally.

Together, they bridged continents, cultures and technical disciplines to establish what ultimately opened on June 24, 2025: Southeast Asia’s first propeller repair facility licensed by Collins Aerospace to perform 568F and 247F propeller system repairs and overhauls, powered entirely by Malaysian talent.

Tuan Azli: Building the foundation from site selection to operations

Azli, who is Malaysian, was recruited by Fergus Lopez, APS AP’s Managing Director. The pair had previously worked together at GKN Aerospace in Johor. Azli joined as employee number two, with a daunting first assignment.

“My very first task was to evaluate over 38 sites to decide which one was most suitable and most practical for us,” Azli told AeroTime. “So that was the first task that I undertook, even though I was still in the UAE at the time.”

Working alongside Lopez and the HR manager, Azli helped evaluate 38 potential locations within a 20-30 kilometer radius of Kuala Lumpur before finding the ideal spot in Shah Alam, Selangor: a building under construction near a logistics park, away from heavy traffic, with room to grow.

Once the location was secured, Azli focused on building the team, hiring approximately 25 people for the pioneer group. Training them, though, presented a unique challenge.

“APS is the only licensed facility or company by Collins to perform overhaul for the 568F/247F propeller sytems,” Azli explained. “In terms of the present, there is no company within ASEAN that can match APS’ capability.”

A multi-faceted training strategy

The extensive training requirements involved with establishing a brand new facility required splitting activities between the two established APS facilities. Ten technicians traveled to Lake Zurich, while ten went to Brazil, for intensive training programs lasting between two and four weeks, depending on their roles.

According to Azli, the training at both locations was identical. The split was purely logistical: the first batch of 10 technicians was hired two months before the second group, allowing time for their US visa applications to be processed. Once approved, they traveled to the US for training. The second batch of 10, hired later, went directly to Brazil to avoid visa delays, ensuring both groups could complete training around the same time.

The training emphasized hands-on skill development under subject matter experts: senior mechanics with Triple T (Train the Trainer) certification from both US and Brazilian facilities. Production team members received extensive hands-on training with propeller components, while support staff in supply chain and customer service focused on mastering Quantum, the company’s ERP system.

“They talk less, but they learn a lot because it’s hands-on,” Azli noted, explaining how technical knowledge transfers effectively even across language barriers. “When we perform the work, it has to be according to the CMM— components maintenance manual. So when they conduct the training, there will always be a CMM in front of them, which is aviation language.”

Four-phase implementation

The training program extended beyond initial overseas sessions through a carefully orchestrated approach. Trainers from the US and Brazil traveled to Malaysia three times: first, for a month-long facility setup and equipment commissioning; then, to prepare for certification audits; and finally during first production runs, to ensure quality standards matched those of established facilities.

“We want to give assurance to customers that the product that came out from this facility will be identical to our shop in Brazil and US,” Azli said.

The facility became operational in June 2025 with approximately 20 operations staff. As Director of Operations, Azli’s responsibilities span operations, production, supply chain, facility management, and customer service— essentially everything except HR, finance, quality and sales.

With foundational training complete, APS Malaysia is now pursuing additional capabilities on an as-needed basis. Recently, five technicians returned from Brazil after training on new products such as actuators, a pattern Azli expects to continue as the facility expands its service offerings.

Chris Mays: Establishing composite operations in three visits

When Chris Mays first stepped into what would become APS Malaysia’s production facility, the space was nearly empty. While much machinery was in place, many items had not yet arrived. As a Composite Blade Lead and Inspector from Illinois, his role went far beyond training— he was there to support the Team to build the operation from the ground up.

“The first time I was basically helping them set up the shop,” Mays told AeroTime. “It was pretty empty, so we had to guide them on what tooling they needed and where it should be.” “I set aside quite a bit of time to revisit a lot they had done in training as a group.”

Mays made three trips to Malaysia, each with a different focus as the facility progressed toward opening. His expertise and Certification in compression wrap processes, gained during a three-week training stint in 2015 at Collins Aerospace’s OEM facility in Figeac, France proved essential to establishing Malaysia’s capability.

Organizing for success

During his second visit, around a month after the first, equipment had arrived and required systematic organization. Mays worked methodically through every department, making teams remove unnecessary items and stock only what each station needed.

“I basically helped them set up every station with all the tooling that they needed just for that station,” he said. “I had them put on a big whiteboard for each station what was missing.” 

That visit also involved quality audits with APS’s quality manager, a critical step that took considerable time before the facility could open. “There were a lot of items that they had to correct, to no fault of their own. There is a lot to it.” Mays noted, as the facility worked to meet the stringent requirements of Collins Aerospace’s license. “By the time we left there two weeks later, it was a different shop. Needed items arrived and put in place. And Quality items corrected. Things moved very quickly. It was impressive.”

Beyond the manual: practical training

At Lake Zurich, Illinois Mays trained three Malaysian technicians destined to become certified staff, as secondary inspectors who sign off on compression wrap processes. The training covered microscope work, calibration procedures, process validation, technical data interpretation, and installation techniques for components like deicers and nickel sheaths.

Mays’ teaching philosophy relied on demonstration first then in depth review of documentation and technical data. “Sometimes I don’t even have them read first—I’ll show them how it’s done, then I have them read the documentation and tech data so they better understand what I just did.”, he explained.

The method proved effective partly because aviation manuals can be difficult to parse. “The publications can be quite complicated especially for the proprietary processes.”

From training to production

By his third visit to Malaysia, the facility was ready for actual production, a testament to the team’s quick learning and dedication.”They worked so hard to get things right and ready to go. They had some late nights.” 

The Malaysian team’s work ethic and professionalism impressed Mays throughout the process. “They were very willing to work, very interested in what was going on, very gracious, wanting to make sure that my time there was comfortable,” he said. “ I hope we made their time here enjoyable, for most it was their first time in the US”. 

Beyond the technical collaboration, Mays found unexpected cultural common ground. The team’s sense of humor aligned with his own sarcastic style, something he attributed to their exposure to American movies and television. “We just had a great time, they were a lot of fun.” he admits. 

“It was great to come together from opposite sides of the world, from different cultures and backgrounds to achieve this goal,” Mays reflected. “It was a pleasure working with the Malaysian team and I look forward to our future collaborations.”

Felipe Franco: Bridging Brazil and Malaysia through shared experience

When Felipe Franco first arrived in Malaysia, he carried with him something no manual could provide: the memory of every challenge APS Brazil had faced when it opened its doors in 2016.

As APS Brazil Operations Manager, Franco brought 25 years of aviation experience shaped by major Brazilian operators including LATAM Airlines, Embraer, GOL Airlines, and Collins Aerospace’s Aerostructures facility which coincidentally, is the very same building that now houses APS Brazil. His deep familiarity with composite operations and his hands-on role in establishing the Brazilian shop years earlier became essential assets during Malaysia’s start-up phase.

Like Chris Mays, Franco made three technical visits to Malaysia, each aligned with a different stage of the facility’s progression toward operational readiness.

First visit: Anticipating problems before they occur

Franco’s first trip was marked by a unique advantage: he already knew exactly what could go wrong.

“When APS Brazil opened in 2016, I lived through every challenge of bringing the machines online for the first time,” Franco recalled. “Because the equipment in Malaysia was practically identical, I could anticipate the issues and help the team avoid delays.”

Franco traveled with Fabio Nascimento, who had been responsible for the Brazilian shop during its original start-up. Together, the two repeated a familiar journey, this time in Kuala Lumpur.

“The machines had been inactive for several years,” he explained. “During power on, anything can happen. If it had happened in Brazil before, I already knew how to troubleshoot it and get things running.”

Beyond the technical setup, Franco also supported the team in mapping process flow, checking material requirements, and helping reorganize the supply chain and process sequence, ensuring that Malaysia started with a strong and proven operational foundation.

Second visit: Training meets troubleshooting

The second visit was intended to focus mainly on On-the-Job Training (OJT) for the Malaysian technicians. But a new challenge quickly emerged: several core machines were still not fully operational.

“The adhesive curing machines were completely down because the team didn’t have access to the previously installed software,” Franco noted. “With support from the team in Brazil, I was able to reinstall and update the systems using the same setup we run back home—and get them working again.”

During this trip, Franco also recovered and stabilized machines that showed remaining operational faults, completed final configuration alignments between Brazil and Malaysia, and continued hands-on training with the technicians across all stations.

His presence ensured the facility could finally transition from preparation mode to full readiness.

Third visit: First blades off the line

By the time Franco returned for his third and final visit, APS Malaysia was ready for its biggest milestone yet: producing its first two composite blades.

“With my experience in sequencing blade repairs and knowing exactly how and when each process should be done, I mapped out every step they needed to follow,” Franco explained. “The Malaysian team executed everything with incredible motivation—and they actually exceeded what we had planned.”

Both blades were completed before Franco’s final day on site, marking the true operational beginning of APS Asia-Pacific.

A bridge built on mutual respect

Despite his role as a mentor, Franco emphasizes that the experience was deeply enriching for him as well.

“My learning was even greater than what I was able to teach,” he reflected. “The exchange of ideas, the cultural connection, the teamwork—it was a personal and professional gain for all of us.”

The collaboration between APS Brazil and APS Malaysia not only accelerated the shop’s readiness but also built a long-term bridge of knowledge between the two regions.

“It was inspiring to see how committed the team was,” Franco said. “Working side by side, sharing cultures and solving problems together—it’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my career.”

Orlando Alas: precision testing across time zones

Finding certified nondestructive testing inspectors in Malaysia proved particularly challenging, especially for ultrasonic inspection, one of the most difficult NDT methods to master. That’s where Orlando Alas became indispensable.

As an ASNT NDT Level III inspector at APS Lake Zurich, Alas holds the highest certification level with authority to train and certify others. He was trained in Figeac by Collins Aerospace and he is authorized to train APS NDT inspectors to perform the ultrasound inspection in accordance with the component maintenance manual.

Two-continent training program

Alas’s involvement began in April 2024, when he was asked by Azli for advice in hiring NDT technicians. Eventually, one Malaysian NDT technician traveled to Lake Zurich for two weeks of comprehensive training covering magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic inspections across various components beyond just propeller blades.

Later Alas traveled to Malaysia to train four technicians, focusing on ultrasonic inspection of composite blade areas. Blades and educational samples were prepared by Alas in the US and sent to Malaysia. The week-long program included theoretical instruction, hands-on practice and testing.

“The training has the normal parts— the theoretical parts, then the practical part and the test,” Alas said. “We spent around one week training them.”

His responsibilities extended beyond instruction. During his Malaysia visit, Alas audited the NDT area to ensure proper equipment and procedures were in place, and continued advising on equipment acquisitions after returning to Lake Zurich.

Support without borders

Even after the Malaysian team independently handled formal training and their first production run, Alas remained available for questions via email and WhatsApp, often responding late into the evening.

Alas welcomed regular questions from the team, understanding that technical training requires ongoing clarification as technicians apply their knowledge in practice.

According to Alas, NDT certification requires ongoing commitment. Inspectors must recertify every five years and complete annual eye examinations. Currently, only one Level III inspector works at Lake Zurich, with another in Brazil, while Malaysia is developing its first.

Building connections beyond training

The partnership between Lake Zurich and Malaysia went beyond transferring technical knowledge: it fostered genuine relationships across continents. When the Malaysian team visited Lake Zurich, the company organized a badminton game, honoring Malaysia’s passion for the sport. Alas brought his daughter, who was on her school’s badminton team, to join. “My daughter played with them. It was memorable,” he said, adding that the experience taught her about different cultural customs.

A model for global collaboration

The collaborative effort resulted in a facility that opened on June 24, 2025, with APS CEO Daniel Colbert and Selangor Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari attending the ceremony alongside the Malaysian team.

The investment in comprehensive, cross-continental training has positioned APS Malaysia as a strategic hub for propeller maintenance in the Asia Pacific region, providing OEM-level service previously unavailable in Southeast Asia. The facility currently serves ATR 42/72 and Airbus C295 aircraft, with plans to expand capabilities as demand grows in the region’s rapidly developing aviation market.

Technical excellence transcends geography when supported by dedicated training, cultural openness and genuine collaboration. Azli, Mays and Alas exemplified these principles. Building a world-class facility demanded more than equipment and procedures, it required professionals willing to travel across continents, invest countless hours and share their expertise to ensure success.

As APS looks toward expansion into India and Australia, the Malaysia success story provides a proven blueprint: invest in people, share knowledge freely, and excellence will follow.

As flight turnarounds compress and regulatory requirements for “evidence-based” briefing expand, the industry faces a growing Time-Information Paradox: pilots are expected to be more informed than ever, yet they have less time to synthesize the disparate data points required to achieve that state.

The cost of cognitive friction

Operational risk is frequently birthed in the “white space” between manuals, NOTAMs, and charts. When flight crews are forced to manually assemble a mental model of an aerodrome from flat, textual, or disconnected sources, they incur a heavy cognitive load. This “friction” does more than just cause delays; it erodes safety margins.

Research in Human Factors (HF) suggests that when the brain is over-taxed by the act of searching for information, its capacity for Threat and Error Management (TEM) is significantly diminished. In high-stakes environments, the transition from “reading” to “understanding” must be near-instantaneous. Any delay in that transition is a period where the crew is operating under an incomplete mental picture—a prime condition for runway incursions, altitude deviations, or procedural non-compliance.

Systemic risks and content drift

From an operator’s perspective, the challenges are systemic. Airlines are subject to clear regulatory expectations to ensure that briefing content is accurate, current, standardised, and demonstrably accessed. In many organizations, these requirements are still met through manual data handling and static documentation, creating exposure to error, content drifts, and inconsistencies across crews.

Furthermore, the lack of objective, auditable data regarding what was actually briefed leaves a hole in the Safety Management System (SMS). Without granular visibility into the briefing process, safety managers are often forced to rely on retrospective declarations, making it difficult to identify systemic weaknesses before they manifest as incidents.

The shift toward Adaptive Risk Management

The industry is reaching a tipping point where static threat lists are no longer sufficient. A threat that exists at 10:00 AM in clear visibility may be irrelevant by 2:00 PM in a thunderstorm. Traditional briefing methods often fail to account for these temporal and environmental variables, leading to “briefing fatigue” where pilots may overlook critical risks hidden within a sea of irrelevant data.

To maintain the highest levels of operational excellence, the industry requires a shift toward Adaptive TEM—a proactive approach where risk identification is dynamic, context-aware, and aligned with the specific realities of the flight at hand.

Bridging the gap with Airport Briefing

At Synapse Aviation, we recognized that solving these systemic risks required a fundamental redesign of the briefing interface. Airport Briefing was engineered specifically to eliminate the friction that compromises safety.

By consolidating scattered data into an intuitive, 3D visual environment, Airport Briefing transforms the self-briefing process from a search-and-interpret task into an immediate spatial experience. Our platform replaces lengthy textual descriptions with interactive visualizations, drastically reducing cognitive workload while strengthening situational awareness.

Key pillars of the Airport Briefing solution include:

• Data Integrity: Automated, ARINC 424-driven data management ensures that crews are always working with the most current information, eliminating the risk of manual error or content drift.
• Adaptive TEM: Our latest evolution goes beyond static lists, highlighting relevant risks based on specific environmental and temporal factors—providing proactive risk anticipation at effectively zero incremental time cost.
• Measurable Compliance: We provide detailed, auditable records of the briefing process, giving operators the objective evidence needed to support SMS effectiveness and regulatory oversight.

In an era of increasing complexity, Airport Briefing ensures that the most critical information is not just available, but understood, allowing crews to focus on what matters most: sound decision-making in the moments that count.

Speaking exclusively with AeroTime at the MRO Asia Pacific 2025 event in Singapore, APS President and CEO Dan Colbert said the company’s Malaysian facility, which opened in June 2025, is already processing products for major customers including ATR.

“We’re thrilled that after a number of years, we finally have the facility up and running,” Colbert said. “We are in the region to support our customers and make them more efficient by reducing turnaround times and providing a more cost effective solution for their needs.”

APS, which recently marked 72 years in the industry, is expanding at an opportune time for the region. According to a December 2024 market analysis by consulting firm Skyquest, while North America currently dominates the propeller aircraft market, the Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing market for aircraft propeller systems. This is thought to be driven by rapid economic growth, increasing air travel, and expanding regional connectivity.

Building the Malaysia facility

Leading the regional expansion is Fergus Lopez, Managing Director for APS Asia Pacific, whose extensive background in the aerospace industry spans work with major companies including StandardAero, Meggitt, Parker Aerospace, and GKN.

Establishing the facility required extensive planning and site evaluation. Lopez and his core leadership team evaluated 39 potential sites before finding the ideal location in Shah Alam, Selangor. 

In an earlier interview with AeroTime, Lopez said: “We wanted a site that projected professionalism and could also accommodate growth. I immediately saw the potential of the building. It was close to a logistics park and away from heavy traffic.”

Within two weeks of joining APS, Lopez hired the company’s HR Manager and Director of Operations. Together, they built a team that is now 100% powered by Malaysian employees. The facility officially opened on June 24, 2025, with a ceremony attended by Colbert, special guests, and officials including Selangor Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari.

“The team exceeded expectations on all fronts, from hiring and qualifying trained technicians, building a state-of-the-art facility, and achieving all necessary aviation regulatory certifications in good timing,” Lopez said.

Since opening, the facility has been actively processing propeller systems for ATR aircraft, with plans to expand its MRO capabilities for additional aircraft types including the Airbus C295 over time.

Competitive advantage

APS is a Collins-authorized repair source for the region and the only provider offering specialized propeller MRO services in the Asia Pacific.

“We are the only one that provides this particular service of MRO for propellers, which gives us a lot of leverage with regards to proprietary repairs and the ability to provide OEM standard MRO services,” Lopez told AeroTime at the MRO APAC event.

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Regional expansion plans

With ATR’s order book projecting another 1,000 aircraft by 2035, APS is committed to continued growth in the region. The Kuala Lumpur facility will serve as the company’s center of excellence, while APS explores additional locations including India and potentially Australia.

“We’re looking at places like India with a huge fleet as a potential to put another facility where we can bring in work and do initial inspections and triage, then send the major inspections and overhaul work back to our center of excellence in KL,” Colbert explained. “But we need to make sure we’re close to the customer.”

Safety culture and operations

Lopez emphasized a culture of open communication and uncompromising safety standards. He encourages direct communication with technicians and regularly walks the facility for safety checks and informal conversations with the team.

“In the aerospace industry, making mistakes has consequences,” Lopez noted. “If you want to work in an organization like APS, you must have a good sense of safety and quality within you.” Because of this, the APS Asia Pacific team has adopted “No Compromises” as its safety tagline.

Industry outlook and AI integration

Both Colbert and Lopez expressed optimism about the industry’s trajectory. Colbert noted that the sector has rebounded to pre-COVID levels and continues to see growth in passenger travel.

On the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in MRO operations, Colbert said AI will be instrumental in maintenance planning, record-keeping, and predictive analytics. 

“When we look at MRO, we look at maintenance planning, maintenance records, and staying on top of things—being more predictive in what operators need and want to keep their fleets in the air. AI can play a very key role now, and it will just continue to grow,” Colbert told AeroTime.

Meanwhile, Lopez emphasized that while AI offers significant advantages in predictive maintenance and real-time data analysis for cost reduction and planning, certain aspects of MRO work remain irreplaceable.

“Some things we need to do the very old-fashioned way – the actual manual labor that goes into things like composite repairs,” Lopez said. “You can never use AI to get those types of repairs accomplished.

As APS celebrates over seven decades in the aviation industry, the company’s Asia Pacific expansion positions it to capitalize on the region’s robust growth. With its Malaysia facility operational and plans for further regional expansion underway, APS is poised to meet increasing demand for specialized propeller MRO services while helping shape the future of aviation maintenance in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.

This transformative three-day gathering is designed to help attendees tap into the strengths of multigenerational teams, sharpen their communication skills and leave with practical tools to effectively advance their goals.

The NBAA Leadership Conference will take place Feb. 2-4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together several hundred current and future leaders from across the business aviation community.

This year’s theme, “From Potential to Performance: Unlocking the Best in Yourself and Your Team,” focuses on strengthening attendees’ leadership abilities, sparking new ideas, expanding their professional networks and enhancing their ability to harmoniously integrate work and life while resisting ‘burnout’ in what can be a highly demanding industry.

On the program schedule is an exciting lineup of six acclaimed keynote speakers who will offer their insights and perspectives on how to strike these vital balances in their careers and lives.

For example, business aviation veteran Stephanie Chung, best-selling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You, will emphasize the importance of moving beyond past challenges and defeats to grow as both an industry professional and as a person. 

“I’ve literally gone from baggage room to a boardroom in a span of 40 years, and I can tell you, I’ve learned a couple things along the way,” she said. “Some things I knocked out of the park; some things, I fell flat on my face. We’re going to talk about all of it at the Leadership Conference.”

“We’ll discuss how we create lives that not only look good on Instagram and LinkedIn, but that actually feel good,” added Erin Stafford, a recognized leader on burnout and sustainable peak performance. “Lives where we’re continuing to thrive at a level of peak performance, but we’re doing it in a way where we’re not ruining our health and our relationships.”

Former American Ninja Warrior and award-winning speaker Alex Weber will share with attendees how to “Unleash the Unstoppable You.” “This is going to be an incredible gathering,” Weber said. “I’m so excited to join you to lead beyond changes, lead beyond challenges and achieve the goals that matter most for you and for everyone who needs you. I cannot wait to see you in February in San Antonio.”

The NBAA Leadership Conference will also feature Paul Angone, author and creator of AllGroanUp.com; certified mental performance coach Dr. Cindra Kamphoff; and stand-up comedian David Rendall, who will all bring their unique perspectives and energy to the event. 

The event will kick off with a welcome session featuring NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, who will share updates on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of business aviation.

Beyond the stage, learning continues through collaboration and shared experiences. Connect with hundreds of business aviation professionals during exclusive networking opportunities, including two evening receptions, daily lunches, dedicated networking breaks and a final toast to leadership to close out the event.

Bookending the conference will be two optional NBAA Professional Development Program courses. On Monday, Feb. 2, Future-Ready Leadership – New Strategies for Leading the Evolving Workforce will offer current and emerging leaders tools to sharpen their ability to lead in the face of today’s shifting workforce dynamics.

Following the conference on Thursday, Feb. 5, the session Understanding Culture, Total Rewards and Compensation will feature an intensive one-day deep dive designed to equip business aviation leaders with the essential strategies for building a thriving workplace. The course will examine the five components of total rewards for employees: compensation, benefits, well-being, development and recognition.

Learn more and register for the NBAA Leadership Conference.

“The Leadership Conference? Inspiring. Practical. And honestly, a reminder that we are all still learning, no matter how many years we’ve been in the game. I have spent the last two decades in private wealth management, helping executives and families during life transitions, including first-time aircraft purchases. NBAA has helped me bring that work into a space I genuinely love.” 

– Gregory M. Chapman, CPWA CEPAM Morgan Stanley

However, practical, quantifiable examples of real-world applications are harder to come by. It doesn’t matter how much space companies devote to talking about AI in their annual reports and strategic plans. The sad reality is that most AI projects, in fact, fail to leave the pilot stage or don’t integrate with the business mainframe.

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, given the industry’s track record in early technology adoption, it was an airline that provided one of the earliest cases of success and, what’s more, has chosen to showcase this success as a case study for the industry

The collaboration between tech startup Fetcherr and Brazilian airline Azul is the rare exception that proves the rule: AI can actually work at scale and deliver very tangible financial results.

At the World Aviation Festival 2025 in Lisbon (October 7-11, 2025), the two companies showcased their success story, offering attendees a glimpse at the power of large market models (LMM) when applied to airline pricing. André Américo, Director of Planning & Revenue at Azul Airlines, and Dr. Uri Yerushalmi, Chief AI Officer at Fetcherr, presented their collaboration on stage.

After the presentation, the two experts sat down with AeroTime to discuss how they successfully deployed LMM technology at Azul, one of Latin America’s largest carriers, operating nearly 200 aircraft and carrying around 30 million passengers in 2024.

“The key was doing it step by step, adding one market at a time and scaling it up,” explained Américo, who revealed that the airline achieved a 3-5% revenue uplift from the moment it began deploying Fetcherr’s technology.

This technology was progressively scaled up by Azul until it covered around 50% of its operations, then it was rolled out across the entire business.

Américo explained that the actual technology rollout, for which Azul also had the full support of Fetcherr data scientists, was actually the easy part. The most challenging aspect was getting a highly experienced team, which was already high performing in its own right, to change its mindset and embrace this new tool and framework.

“We are wasting less time and inputting information into the system and have a lot more time to strategize and find ways to align our revenue management function with other marketing initiatives,” Américo explained, dismissing any lingering fears about AI-induced disruption in corporate environments. Américo also explained how, in addition to boosting revenue, Fetcherr’s LMM has saved around 10% of his team’s manual overhead. Analysts can now allocate this time to work on other high value projects.

This effectiveness can be attributed, in no small measure, to Fetcherr’s tailoring of its LMM to fit the specific needs of Azul, and of the airline industry more generally.

In this regard, Dr. Yerushalmi highlighted how the model is trained with a large amount of market data, which makes it accurate for airline pricing purposes.

“It is doing endless simulations, scanning possible decision making and choosing the right pricing policy,” he explained, adding that Fetcherr’s LMM helps airlines like Azul connect the dots about what is happening in the market.

Fetcherr helps airline revenue managers like Américo do less firefighting and focus on strategizing. However, Dr. Yerushalmi was also keen to highlight that the same principles and technology are suitable for other airline functions that require data-based complex decision-making.

This has not gone unnoticed in the investment community. In September 2025, Fetcherr closed a $42 million Series C funding round led by Salesforce Ventures, which will help it expand in the airline industry as well as in other verticals.

Having demonstrated the power of its LMM in one of the most fiercely competitive industries, Fetcherr is now ready to help companies in other industries make better pricing decisions.

You can watch the full interview below.

However, with the development and release of the Cirrus SR Series G7+ in 2025, that is exactly what happened.

‘Gamechanger’ is a word often adopted in aviation, with any number of new developments or innovations seemingly claiming that title. But to be truly worthy of that accolade there must be a significant shift in the current way of thinking or doing something.

With the Cirrus SR Series G7+’s entry into service, the US aircraft manufacturer introduced Safe Return Emergency Autoland, an autonomous emergency landing system backed and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has been certified by EASA, CAA and ANAC, as standard equipment in the aircraft. This was the first time in history a manufacturer has integrated Safe Return Emergency Autoland into a single-engine piston aircraft.

The introduction of Safe Return Emergency Autoland in an advanced, high-performance aircraft designed with the signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) is particularly important in the training environment. Cirrus aircraft offer flight instructors, schools and students with an elevated flying experience thanks to the company’s safety design philosophy.

“Let’s make an aircraft that has the most technologically advanced avionics and safety features”

“Right from the start, the design of the Cirrus was designed around making an aircraft that has the most technologically advanced avionics and safety features,” said Ivy McIver, Executive Director of the SR Series Product Line at Cirrus.

CAPS was the first general aviation whole airframe parachute system produced in an FAA certified aircraft, and Cirrus continues to be the only company that offers the safety feature as standard equipment on all aircraft models.

Another significant factor in Cirrus aircraft design is the pilot and passenger experience. Central to that concept are intuitive touchscreen avionics that are easily read by the pilot and the passenger with large multi-function displays showing information such as fuel and destination arrival time.

“To give peace of mind we’ve evolved the aircraft to incorporate more safety features and creature comforts to keep it modern, comfortable and safe for everyone,” added McIver.

Today Cirrus has delivered over 10,000 SR Series aircraft with over 18 million hours of flight time.

Cirrus’ dedication to innovation, safety and advanced aircraft avionics, makes the SR Series a highly revered and trusted fleet trainer for airlines and flight schools around the world.

Lufthansa’s European Flight Academy, United Aviate Academy and the Airbus Academy have all incorporated the SR20 as part of their trainer fleet while Emirates Flight Training Academy has adopted the SR22 for cadet training.

McIver believes that the success of the SR Series has been successful with some of the industry’s largest carriers because the aircraft bridges the gap between trainers and the types of planes flown at the airlines.

“If you put someone at their early stages of flying into an aircraft that has advanced features in it, the transition into a more complex aircraft is more straightforward. The SR Series is faster than your traditional trainer. The faster the aircraft go, the more advanced the landing is, so you need to plan your descent, approach and arrival. This helps cadets get their head in the game with how to sequence those things and set them up for success with faster and more advanced aircraft that they’re going to eventually go and fly at the airline,” explained McIver.

McIver also highlights the SR Series avionics that are “very straightforward and extremely intuitive to use.”

The aircraft allows trainees to continuously dig deeper into their advanced training. Cadets can begin using 10% of the avionics and as they progress in their training, they lean further into more complex processes.

“They can add different avionics features into their repertoire, and practice using those advanced features, so that when they transition into an airline platform, they have the experience with all the different features and avionics,” said McIver.

With the introduction of the SR Series G7+, Cirrus elevates what global airlines can expect from advanced trainer aircraft such as the SR Series with the Safe Return Emergency Autoland providing something that is truly unique.

In the event of an emergency anyone in the cabin can press the red button, activating Safe Return Emergency Autoland. Once activated advanced algorithms and sensors autonomously take command of the aircraft, communicates with air traffic control, navigates to the nearest suitable airport, executes a landing while

While Safe Return Emergency Autoland is there for emergency situations involving pilot incapacitation the system can be expanded to assist when a pilot is task saturated, overwhelmed, spatially disoriented or flying into a circumstance that gets over their head.

“If a student goes out on their first solo flight and the weather turns and gets worse than they are capable of navigating through, the aircraft may be more capable when Safe Return Emergency Autoland is activated than they are,” explained McIver.

The feedback from airlines supports the need for an autonomous emergency system with carriers reporting situations where the Safe Return Emergency Autoland would have helped.

Jerry Pharr, Executive Director of Fleet and Special Mission at Cirrus, recounted how flight school investment in Cirrus SR Series aircraft is highly valued by cadets and their families due to the aircraft’s safety functions.

“The complexity of the avionics equates to a less complicated operation due to advanced technology features in a Cirrus and reduced workload. The capability of these aircraft is great. Flying becomes less complicated and pilot workload is reduced,” explained Pharr.

According to Cirrus, performance and safety remain the number one reasons that carriers select their aircraft to train their next generation of pilots.

“Emirates operate the latest and biggest jets that Airbus and Boeing have to offer, so they’re naturally inclined to lean toward the more technologically advanced platforms,” said Pharr.

Airlines are also attracted to the continued relationship they can establish with Cirrus through their Authorized Network of Training and Service Centers.

“It’s not just delivering aircraft and saying thank you for your business, moving on,” added Pharr to his response about flight training in a Cirrus. Cadets receive the same quality of instruction in the eighth hour as they did during the first hour.

“The Cirrus flight training quality that they’re seeing at the end of the day is higher,” said Pharr.

Texas Southern University is the world’s first university with a fleet of the SR Series G7+ aircraft equipped with Safe Return Emergency Autoland.

Texas Southern University’s current fleet already uses the SR Series G7 but opted for the G7+ as well due to the aircraft’s “robust safety systems”.

Commenting on the new fleet university President J. W. Crawford III said: “The acquisition of this new fleet of advanced technology aircraft marks a defining moment in the continued ascent of Texas Southern University Aviation. This investment signals our institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation and opens the door to boundless opportunities for current and future Texas Southern University students.”

To learn more about the Cirrus SR Series G7+ visit www.cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/sr-series.

The coming together of the long-term collaborators aligned perfectly with Unical’s growth strategy, as one of the aviation sector’s leading global aircraft parts and components suppliers.  

Leading the process of welcoming ecube to the Unical family was the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharon Green, a 35-year aviation industry veteran.

AeroTime recently had the chance to discuss Unical’s evolving story with Green at MRO Europe, drawing on her vast experience to gain an insight into where the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market is headed.

Green joined Unical in 2022, having previously held C-level positions at The Memphis Group and as the CEO for GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services) Materials and AerCap Materials.

Founded in 1990, Unical now expands across the United States (US) and Europe, providing aircraft parts and components of USM to international partners in more than 90 countries.

The company’s itinerary includes 90 million available parts across over one million unique part numbers. Now, with ecube onboard, it is able to provide an enhanced support service that includes aircraft storage and disassembly.

World’s first A320neo fleet disassembly

Green highlighted the company’s acquisition of a fleet of Airbus A320neo airframes earlier this year as a seminal moment for Unical and ecube, and indeed the industry as a whole.

When asked about Unical’s recent successes, Green said: “The Neos have obviously been a big piece of that and that was just a pure partnership with a lessor. We have multiple sources, but the biggest source was the lessor that’s developed. We knew they were going to be the first to come out.”

ecube commenced disassembly of the Airbus A320neos in April this year, generating high-demand material for worldwide aircraft operators. At the time of the interview, Green said there were two remaining for disassembly.

Typically, the A320neo has been viewed as being too young for disassembly, but with industry issues surrounding engine availability, aircraft owners are being forced to make tough decisions.

Unical believes more A320neos will become available for disassembly, but it will be around a decade before the aircraft are seen more regularly.

Green was actually working for The Memphis Group when it became the first company to acquire A320 CEO airframes for disassembly.

“Through the years, you learn that the first to come out is going to be successful. We just had no idea how successful the Neos would be,” she explained.

Green noted that the company was taking a bit of a chance with the A320neo acquisition, but they knew that operators of the aircraft wanted the newer parts even if CEO material would still work.

With ecube carrying out the A320neo disassembly as part of Unical, Green said it was an “education,” drawing on the team’s expertise and knowledge about the process.

Unical acquisition of ecube

As a global leader in aircraft storage, disassembly and transition services, Unical saw ecube as an ideal partner when it acquired the company in 2024.

With extensive facilities in Coolidge, Arizona, Castellón, Spain, and its headquarters in St Athan, Wales, bringing ecube onboard was an attractive proposition.

ecube holds Diamond Level AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association) accreditation across all its sites, as well as maintenance approvals from multiple aviation regulators including the FAA, EASA and the CAA.

Having worked at aircraft parts companies since 1992, Green knew the importance of in-house disassembly capability, describing the acquisition of ecube as “critical”.

With the two companies together, rather than Unical providing a third party with a list of parts, with ecube there is greater opportunity for collaboration and exhausting all material during disassembly.

And while Unical benefits from working with a disassembly and transition service provider, ecube has also prospered from close contact with a parts company.

“I think it’s mutually beneficial. Now with a parts company behind them, ecube has access to all the history of the parts that Unical sells so we can go in and help the customer do even more. I think that’s a credit back to the customer,” Green explained.

Other new business opportunities are also set to arise from their collaboration. Green points to customers using ecube for aircraft storage that may be open to other options available to them.

New global opportunities

Asia has become an emerging market for Unical, particularly with the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s (CAAC) initiative for globally harmonized aircraft disassembly and parts traceability.

Earlier this year, ecube and Unical committed to register their next 100 aircraft disassembly projects under the AFRA-CAAC program. 

Green previously said that Unical has historically been most successful on the buy-side in the Asia-Pacific region but “anticipates a quarter or more of our sales will come from that region” as processes are harmonized.

Through the AFRA-CAAC program, blockchain-powered traceability ensures that every disassembled component meets and exceeds the highest safety and regulatory benchmarks. 

The blockchain-powered database of aviation assets will be powered by Block Aero, ensuring that every component harvested from retired aircraft meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and transparency.

The accreditation announcement and roll out of the blockchain technology is expected in early 2026.

Staying ahead of the competition

Green explained that large parts of the USM industry are very closely interconnected, meaning that “some of your biggest competitors” are also “some of your biggest customers”.

“We have repair shops and MRO operations, so you’re buying parts as much as you’re selling parts,” she said.

In 2023, Unical moved its base from California to Glendale, into a 599,000 square foot facility that includes its parts warehouse and corporate team.

The relocation was guided by a need to streamline processes. Relocation involved moving millions of parts with thirty trucks, travelling six days a week between California and Arizona.

Also based at the Glendale facility is Unical’s FAA, EASA and UK-certified 145 Repair station. There, it provides maintenance, repair and overhaul of airframe and accessory components, including in-house capabilities for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Engineered Repairs, and tooling fabrication.

For Green, it is Unical’s disassembly and MRO capabilities that set it apart from others working in the sector.

“Our component repair shop is completely captive, so it does no third-party work, which of course speeds our parts to market,” she said.

A team built with knowledge and expertise

Since joining Unical in 2022, Green has been struck by the remarkable depth of knowledge and expertise among employees throughout the company.

“Whether it’s landing gear, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or engines, the Unical team is like nothing I’ve ever seen, but across the board at every level,” she remarked.

The Unical workforce has been strengthened further since Green was appointed to run the company, with technicians and engineers from other leading USM providers also moving over.

“We’ve got the best of the best that have come together. It makes it a very dynamic environment to be in,” she added.

Challenges of changing global tariffs

With customers worldwide, Green said that the change in global tariffs has been one of its biggest challenges recently.

Headquartered in the US, Unical relies on its ability to export parts and components across borders with as little friction as possible.

With ecube part-based in Wales, UK, Unical was able to establish a warehouse there, enabling materials to reach customers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Following the process of disassembly, aircraft parts would normally return to Unical’s main headquarters in Glendale, Arizona, but with European operations in place, the company avoided placing additional financial burdens on its customers.

“Since the landscape has been evolving so quickly, we’ve decided to remain adaptable and wait until things settle,” Green explained.

Trends within the industry

According to Green, some companies are currently finding it difficult to acquire aircraft, something the CEO said Unical is not experiencing due to its unique positioning.

“We have moved to more programmatic buys, so we’re buying multiple aircraft at a time. There’s not a lot of people that take that tack, whether it’s risk or financing or backing or whatever. There can be multiple reasons, but ultimately it has made a difference with our customers when you can be a one-stop shop,” Green said.

Unical said currently it would have expected to see more aircraft retirements but highlights this as a “good thing” as “ultimately you want them in the air”.

As Green has previously stated, the more planes are in the air, the higher the need is for maintenance and by extension, for parts and as a group, the entire aviation services lifecycle is covered.

To learn more about Unical Aviation visit the company’s website.

Scenarios such as the above have exposed a critical vulnerability in exams taken online. According to EASA’s 2024 Annual Safety Review, statistics from 2023-2024 show that 83% of current remote proctoring systems can be defeated using readily available technology. From a security standpoint, this makes the examinations meaningless.

The aviation industry can’t afford certification shortcuts. This has taken secure digital proctoring from being a useful advanced feature to something that is now considered essential. 

Another critical issue is that the fourth quarter of 2025 is the last opportunity to secure funding for next year. Aviation training organizations must show they have viable solutions in place now if they want budget or grant approval for implementation in 2026.

Constructor Tech brings battle-tested solutions to the aviation industry

As organizations work to solve this problem, Constructor Tech has been gaining significant traction in the sector. The company provides educational technology platforms with specialized digital proctoring capabilities.

Constructor Tech, which boasts a growing list of aviation industry clients including the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Logicom Hub, and Magnetic Group, brings proven expertise to this critical challenge. 

The company’s growth in the aviation sector shows two things: the problem is urgent, and its approach works. Constructor Tech has recognized that aviation needs more than off-the-shelf testing security, and it requires purpose-built solutions for an industry where competency verification directly impacts safety.

Aviation training isn’t one-size-fits-all. It ranges from routine competency checks to career-defining type ratings, from theoretical knowledge tests to practical skill validations. 

Constructor Tech has built its platform to work with this complexity, rather than against it. Instead of forcing every organization into the same rigid system, the company has made it flexible enough to adapt to different security needs.

That flexibility didn’t come from guesswork. The team spent real time with aviation professionals, learning what their work actually looks like: navigating intricate regulations, coordinating tests for crews spread across continents, managing different time zones. All of that real-world experience went into how the proctoring system actually functions.

FAA and EASA findings reveal widespread testing vulnerabilities

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have been monitoring training oversight across national authorities, and what they found isn’t encouraging. 

Inconsistencies showed up everywhere, revealing significant gaps in how aviation certification is being handled.

The violations documented aren’t catastrophic issues that would immediately ground fleets or shut down operations. But here’s what matters: they point to a gradual erosion of certification standards that could undo decades of safety progress. These findings require immediate attention, not because planes are falling from the sky, but because the foundation of aviation safety is slowly cracking.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, some training organizations grabbed whatever was available, usually Zoom or Teams, and assumed video monitoring would suffice. It didn’t take long for test-takers to figure out the workarounds: angle the camera just right to hide a second screen, use a virtual background to cover notes taped to the wall, fake technical issues when you need outside help. What was supposed to be a step forward ended up creating new vulnerabilities that hadn’t existed with in-person testing.

And it’s not just aviation regulators pushing for change. The International Organization for Standardization is preparing to release ISO 42001, which will require digital proctoring solutions for certification centers across every industry. What started as an aviation problem is fast becoming a universal compliance requirement.

For aviation companies, the choice is straightforward: build a solid testing security strategy now while you have time to evaluate options, or scramble later when deadlines hit and your choices narrow considerably.

The true cost of audit failures

When aviation regulators find security breaches in certification programs, it’s not just a compliance issue. It becomes a financial nightmare. And it can haunt training organizations for years.

The immediate impact

Picture this: EASA or FAA auditors flag security issues. Everything stops. Testing programs freeze completely, sometimes for three to six months. During that time, organizations are bleeding money. We’re talking €50,000 to €150,000 lost while certifications sit in limbo.

The thing is, the suspension is just the beginning.

Emergency fixes can be brutal on budgets. They cost 40-60% more than if you’d planned them properly. Organizations scramble. They rush to buy new systems. Staff will require retraining. Documentation needs rewriting now. All this panic spending? It drains money that was meant for actual growth.

The hidden time drain

The human cost might be the worst part. Take 100 flagged exams. That’s between 93 and 176 hours of your staff’s time gone. And these are not junior employees either. We’re talking about senior positions who should be bringing in revenue. Instead, they are stuck doing investigations and fixing problems. 

And then there are the consultants. Add another €25,000 to €75,000 just for their fees. The whole resolution process becomes a black hole. Time disappears. Money disappears.

It gets worse when you confirm actual exam misconduct. The bill for cleaning up that mess? You’re looking at €121,500 for every 1,000 compromised cases. And these are not just one-time headaches. The costs keep coming back. There’s got mandatory retraining. Group retesting. And someone has to figure out which certifications are actually still valid. Needless to say, it is all exhausting work.

When trust breaks

Reputation damage lasts the longest. Once word gets around that your standards are compromised, revenue typically drops 15-30%. Major airlines cancel contracts. Good quality instructors would not want to associate with your company.

Insurance companies won’t be fooled either. They spot certification problems and jack up your premiums. And those rates will stay high long after you’ve fixed everything.

When regulators stop trusting your certification programs, everything can fall apart fast. Small security oversights snowball into threats that could kill the whole organization.

The three-year bill

Let’s talk about real numbers. One major audit failure will cost you €350,000 to €500,000 over three years. That includes everything: the immediate fixes, delays, consultants, lost contracts. All of it.

And when you realize that proactive security would have prevented all of this, it’s all too late.

Aviation training organizations have a simple but crucial choice. They can work with established providers like Constructor Tech and pay predictable costs for solid testing security. Or they can roll the dice and risk paying much, much more when audits go wrong.

In aviation, your reputation and regulatory compliance determine whether you survive. 

A tale of two continents

Ask American and European aviation training directors about their proctoring deadlines, and you’ll hear very different stories. Both groups are stressed, but for different reasons.

In the United States, it’s a race against the calendar. The FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant application closes in early February 2026, but procurement teams know the real deadline comes much sooner. Technology vendors need firm quotes by early January 2026, which means organizations that are currently still evaluating options are running out of time. 

The grant represents a genuine opportunity: use federal funding available today to build the testing infrastructure you’ll need for years. Miss the window, and you’re left explaining to leadership why other organizations moved ahead with modern proctoring while yours is still patching together outdated solutions.

Europe faces a different kind of pressure. There’s no grant to chase, but there are audits to pass. Training organizations operate under constant EASA oversight, and for good reason. Aviation safety depends on rigorous standards.

EASA does not wait for annual reviews to identify problems. The agency monitors compliance continuously, and when gaps appear, the consequences are real: operational disruptions that can drag on for months while organizations scramble to fix what went wrong. It’s not a sprint toward a single deadline. It’s ongoing vigilance where falling behind means serious trouble.

What’s interesting is that despite these different pressures, American and European organizations are arriving at the same conclusion. The specific motivations might vary, but the outcome is identical: upgrading testing security is no longer optional.

US pressure: February grant deadline. European pressure: year-round audits.
Different pressures, same conclusion: modern proctoring is no longer optional.

Constructor Tech’s Comprehensive Advantage

Here’s what makes Constructor Tech different: it gets aviation. While competitors retrofit generic testing platforms and call them industry-compliant, Constructor Tech built its platform specifically for the industry’s unique challenges—and it shows in every feature.

Flexible proctoring modes

Maintaining rigorous exam standards while managing costs is a common challenge. Constructor Tech offers multiple proctoring modes from AI automation and post-review analysis to live monitoring and hybrid recording. This allows organizations to match the level of oversight to each testing scenario without overextending their budget. 

Whether it’s routine checks for ground crews or high-stakes pilot exams, companies can apply the right level of security without sacrificing essential safeguards. Constructor Tech’s flexibility sets it apart from other solutions that often restrict customers to rigid, one-size-fits-all models.

AI-driven violation detection that gives exam managers their time back

Constructor Tech’s AI-driven violation detection represents a significant shift from traditional proctoring. A human supervisor can realistically watch only a few test-takers at once, and even then, fatigue can set in, they can get distracted, and subtle warning signs slip through.

By contrast, AI never loses focus. It monitors every session simultaneously, tracking eye movements, picking up on unusual sounds or environmental shifts, and flagging behavioral patterns that would be nearly impossible for a person to catch in real time.

This changes how exam and assessment managers spend their days. They don’t have to watch hours of tape looking for something suspicious; instead, they get marked instances that already contain timestamps and context. The AI does the tedious detective job so they can focus on making real decisions.

Multi-layered security framework

Anyone who has administered online exams knows the challenge: test-takers determined to find workarounds can be remarkably resourceful. They’ll use a second device, mirror their screen to another monitor, or run the exam inside a virtual machine to bypass restrictions. 

Constructor Tech’s security framework anticipates these tactics. Its secure browser detects connected devices, blocks screen sharing and virtualization, and monitors for unauthorized access. This creates a testing environment where common workarounds simply don’t work. It’s all-in-one protection, so there are no gaps between different systems.

Speech recognition technology

In aviation, verbal communication skills aren’t just a formality, but critical to safety. 

Constructor Tech’s speech recognition technology helps ensure verbal assessments measure genuine competency. It monitors for signs of collaboration, distinguishes real speech from translation tool outputs, and flags stress patterns that may signal dishonest responses, adding crucial verification to exams where verbal proficiency truly matters.

Clear violation reports that actually make sense

When a violation is detected, Constructor Tech explains what happened in straightforward language, rather than cryptic error codes. Administrators can immediately understand the issue and decide how to respond, without needing to dig through documentation or contact support. It’s a simple feature that saves considerable time.

Infrastructure that solves the data sovereignty problem

Data sovereignty might sound like a technical detail, but it’s often what kills procurement deals for regulators and national authorities. Constructor Tech’s infrastructure sits in Europe with GDPR-compliant data centers, which means data sovereignty concerns get addressed from the start—no workarounds, no exceptions needed.

Organizations don’t have to wade through complicated data transfer agreements or explain to regulators why sensitive certification records are being stored halfway around the world. The infrastructure is already positioned where it needs to be, eliminating a barrier that frequently complicates vendor selection for aviation authorities across Europe.

Here’s the bottom line: generic proctoring tools were built for corporate training and university exams. They’re adapted, retrofitted, and made to “work” for aviation.

Meanwhile, Constructor Tech was built from day one with aviation regulators, instructors, and training directors at the table. Every feature exists because someone in aviation needed it, from type ratings to recurrent checks to regulatory audits.

When a single compromised exam can cost hundreds of thousands in remediation, you need more than a platform that sort of works. You need one that understands the real stakes. 

Constructor Tech knows the difference between a routine competency check and a career-defining type rating. The company’s platform speaks aviation’s language because it was made with aviation in mind. That’s not something you can bolt onto a generic system later. And in this industry, that difference matters.

How Constructor Tech handles real digital proctoring scenarios

Constructor Tech’s flexibility matters most in actual deployments.

Take one of its clients, Logicom Hub, an aviation training provider that specializes in dangerous goods instruction. Logicom Hub’s exams require test-takers to reference specific regulatory materials during the test. Most rigid proctoring systems would flag that as cheating. Constructor Tech configured the monitoring to allow those authorized references while keeping tight security on everything else. It’s the kind of customization that only works when you understand that aviation testing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Another client, the Irish Aviation Authority, which oversees aviation safety and regulation in Ireland, needed absolute certainty about where its data would be stored. Sensitive certification information couldn’t leave the EU. Constructor Tech’s infrastructure is already based in Europe, so Constructor Tech got what the client needed without special workarounds or exceptions.

The company stores all data in GDPR-compliant European data centers, which handle privacy requirements while still supporting thousands of simultaneous exams worldwide without performance issues.

Constructor Tech’s broader vision taking shape

Digital proctoring may solve an urgent problem, but Constructor Tech sees this as an entry point to solving something larger. 

Training organizations, not just those in aviation, currently juggle disconnected systems for learning, testing, and compliance tracking. 

Constructor Tech’s long-term vision is to integrate these functions into a cohesive platform. The company has identified more than 20 gaps it intends to fill, working with partners to expand its capabilities steadily over time.

Aviation certification is at a turning point

As 2025 wraps up, here’s the reality: training organizations can’t keep kicking their testing security problems down the road. Regulators are watching closely. Funding is there for the taking. And solutions like Constructor Tech have already proven they work in real operations. Yes, there’s a window to get ahead of this, but it’s closing fast.

Think about this: exam integrity issues now affect 83% of training certifications. It’s a trust crisis that threatens the entire training ecosystem.

For CFOs mapping out 2026: You already know the math. Proactive investment now costs a fraction of what you’ll pay in emergency compliance fixes and audit failures later. Every audit failure runs €350,000-500,000 over three years. Your security investment? Less than a quarter of that. Book a budget review with Constructor Tech before year-end and they’ll show you exactly where you’re exposed and what it’ll cost to fix it versus what you’ll pay if you don’t.

Training Directors, your clock is ticking. Q4 is realistically your last shot to get budget approved and solutions running before regulators tighten the screws. You need board approval, vendor selection, and implementation, all before the new requirements hit. Start with Constructor Tech’s readiness assessment this week. It takes two hours and gives you everything you need for that budget presentation.

Exam Managers dealing with daily violations: You’re the ones catching flak when tests get compromised. You know better than anyone what’s broken. Constructor Tech’s assessment will finally give you the ammunition to push for the tools you actually need. Not another band-aid solution but real security that makes your job manageable again.

Right now, you get to choose your solution, your timeline, and your budget. Wait six months, and those choices get made for you.

When thinking about Hune’s life, it seems that this name might have done the trick, as he is somebody who has overcome many obstacles.

Hune, who graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science (2023) and a master’s degree in Business Administration (2024), talked to AeroTime to share his inspiring story.

In 2026, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University celebrates its 100th anniversary. The institution has campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as a Worldwide campus offering online degrees and education at more than 110 sites around the globe. Through the decades, the private university, which focuses on aviation and aerospace programs, has been known for its commitment to the military and veterans.

Hune, a veteran himself, shared his setbacks and successes and how his studies at Embry-Riddle taught him how to overcome life’s obstacles. 

Not a traditional childhood

Hune’s story begins in Madison, Wisconsin, where, just a week after he was born, his father was sent to prison to serve a 12-year sentence. His mother also battled with substance abuse while bringing up Hune, his older sister and two younger brothers.

“I didn’t really have a traditional childhood story,” Hune said, adding that his focus on surviving took up the space of having big dreams. “I just focused on day-to-day survival.”

Without a role model to look up to, Hune admitted that he could not find the drive to go to school. 

“My mom dropped out of school when she was 16,” he said. “My dad dropped out in middle school, so education wasn’t at the forefront of my brain.” 

Homeless but hopeful

When he turned 15, Hune became homeless and recalled that he spent much of his early high school years “sleeping in parks and out of cars.”

However, Hune was eventually fostered by his English teacher, giving him the foundation of a residence, albeit temporarily, for the remainder of his high school years.

Inspired by a friend’s mother who was a therapist, as well as his own experiences, Hune decided to study clinical psychology in college. 

“I wanted to do research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and children in war-torn countries,” he said.

As an all-American lacrosse player in high school, Hune secured a lacrosse scholarship to study psychology first in Boca Raton, Florida, and then in Illinois. However, without proper adult guidance on financial literacy, Hune fell into debt. Balancing academia with athletics proved difficult, and by his sophomore year, he had dropped out of college and returned to Wisconsin.

While Hune wasn’t certain about his career path, he knew he had to make a decisive choice about his future.

“I didn’t know what I was really passionate about, except for writing,” he recalled. “One day I just woke up, walked into a Marine Corps recruiter’s office, and said, ‘I don’t care what the job is, I just need to get out of Wisconsin as fast as possible.’

Six weeks later, Hune was on his way to boot camp.

Learning structure

The U.S. Marine Corps gave Hune the structure and discipline that he craved and needed. 

“I didn’t know anything about the military, but I was a tough guy and told myself, ‘if I’m going to join the military, it’s going to be the hardest branch that we have’.”

The U.S. Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military, both physically and mentally, and it has the most rigorous boot camp, lasting 13 weeks.

For four and a half years, Hune served as a logistics sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps. During this time, he developed expertise in communications and problem solving as he led global operations and managed supply chains in various countries.

Finding the perfect undergraduate program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Due to his military background, Hune decided to pursue further education in logistics. However, he found that while most colleges only offered the subject at master’s level and first required the completion of a bachelor’s degree, Embry-Riddle was different. 

“I chose Embry-Riddle because they had a really good undergraduate program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management,” he said. “I didn’t really know too much about aviation, other than smelling the jet fuel from the aircraft carrier as they fly out. But I just really liked how Embry-Riddle was comfortable working with active-duty members and veterans in general.”

Hune started the course during his final year with the US Marine Corps, noting that he appreciated how Embry-Riddle made studying possible for students who were also still active service members. 

“They had a classroom on the base where I was deployed,” Hune said. “There’s an option for online classes. They had a really good structure so that I could have time to submit assignments.”

After a few years with the U.S. Marine Corps, Hune found himself wanting to reconnect with his family. In 2021, he left the service and moved back to Wisconsin. 

“Once I got out of the service, I moved off the base, so I wasn’t in the classroom anymore,” he said, adding that he was able to complete the rest of the course online. This, he said, he loved because it gave him structure.

Giving credit to Embry-Riddle instructors

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University currently has two main residential campuses: Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. It also has more than 110 locations worldwide, including in Asia and Europe, and online offerings for flexibility and accessibility. 

Hune said one of the best things about his experience studying at Embry-Riddle was the “reasonable and understanding” instructors. The fact that Embry-Riddle instructors are available in many locations across the country provided Hune with the ability to adjust his studies to suit his schedule. 

According to Hune, the instructors he met at Embry-Riddle were “some of the most fascinating people with the craziest stories and careers”.

While the instructors are renowned in their fields and have made extraordinary contributions to the industry, Hune said they still take the time to make learning a great experience for Embry-Riddle students.

Hune also appreciated the small class sizes and felt that he was able to gain a lot of one-on-one time with instructors when needed. Even when he had to take some courses and classes online due to his work schedule, Hune said that the instructors made him feel like he was physically on campus. 

For Hune, one instructor deserves special mention -Dr. Stacey Mumbower, assistant professor in Embry-Riddle’s Department of Decision Science and Analytics. 

“Out of all my degree programs at Embry-Riddle, she was hands down my favorite instructor,” he said. “She set up classes and the structure really well to make it really easy for students to learn something extra challenging.” 

Embry-Riddle: “falling in love” with aviation 

For Hune, one factor in his decision to take up a bachelor’s degree was the pressure to catch up to his peers, many of whom already had degrees.

His initial plan, he said, was to just gain a bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible and get it over and done with. However, while studying at Embry-Riddle, Hune said he found himself developing a passion for aviation, aerospace and learning, and began adding additional programs and classes to his schedule.

He said: “There was an associate program in Aviation Business Administration, which was interesting. Then I saw another program in Technical Management.”

“I had my first associate program in Aviation Business Administration in 2022 and then my second one was in Technical Management in 2023 and then I got my Bachelor’s in the spring of 2023. And then I started my MBA in aviation in August of 2023,” he continued. 

Hune is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Business Administration at a private local university and is expected to graduate in 2027.

Dreaming big for the first time

Growing up, Hune had never seen himself as an academic. But as he progressed through his courses at Embry-Riddle and started to excel, his mindset began to shift.

“It became more about the simple fact that I was not supposed to be here,” he explained. “I never thought I would reach this point, so I’m kind of doing all this in large part for the little me. He never thought I could make it into this world.” 

Hune may not have had the luxury of dreaming big as a child, but his time at Embry-Riddle opened doors to possibilities he had never envisioned. With no prior background in aviation, Hune managed to discover an entirely new future.

“One day, I’d love to be a program and data analyst for NASA or Boeing,” he said. “For now, I’m preparing – going to school, building skills and setting myself up to keep learning and growing until that opportunity comes.”

To learn more about degrees and opportunities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

AeroForce® X is designed to deliver operational value throughout the entire mission chain – from ISR missions (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) to electronic reconnaissance and missions with heavy payloads. Thanks to its combination of high payload capacity and long flight duration, the system significantly increases operational range and effectiveness. With a planned flight duration of up to 40 hours, a maximum take-off weight of below 5 tonnes and a payload capacity of up to 1.3 tonnes, AeroForce® X is suitable for complex and extensive various missions. The system thus combines long range with endurance and offers a versatile platform for a wide range of mission profiles.

AeroForce® X is based on a modular concept that allows multiple configurations for different, complex operational scenarios. By networking with other systems, AeroForce® X can operate in direct cooperation with manned reconnaissance aircraft, significantly increasing efficiency and precision.

A particular advantage is that AeroForce® X is developed ITAR-free and is therefore available to international partners without US restrictions.

‘With AeroForce® X, we offer a tailor-made, rapidly available solution that meets the increasing demands of modern surveillance and reconnaissance missions – especially when it comes to protecting critical infrastructure,’ explains Neset Tükenmez, CEO of Aerodata AG. ‘Our platform integrates state-of-the-art sensor and mission system technology and guarantees maximum precision and reliability in the most demanding operational scenarios.’

The AeroForce® X is developed and manufactured entirely in Germany – a guarantee of the highest quality and safety standards. Initial ground tests and flight trials are already planned for 2026.

Aerodata AG will be exhibiting its latest product developments for unmanned and manned airborne surveillance at this year‘s Dubai Airshow from 17 to 21 November. Interested visitors are cordially invited to learn more about the capabilities of the AeroForce® X at booth 639.

“Aviation is entering a new era driven by enhanced efficiency and increased innovation,” said Florian. “These themes are redefining how airlines, manufacturers, and suppliers operate. Rising fuel costs, decarbonization targets, and increasing passenger expectations are creating new pressures across the value chain.”

“For Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, the response is not simply to adjust, but to lead and innovate, placing people and regional collaboration at the heart of its strategy. As both a key market and centre for technological advancement, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) play a pivotal role in Honeywell’s global vision.”

Acquisitions such as Civitanavi and CAES, along with new facilities in Krakow, are strengthening autonomy and AI capabilities. At the same time, collaborations with organizations like INJAZ UAE engage 800+ STEM-focused students annually,” added Florian.

“Long-term commitment is also exemplified by various service collaborations and licensing agreements, like the recently inaugurated F124 Engine Service Center in Madrid with ITP Aero, which reinforces Honeywell’s role as a trusted partner across the region.”

Smarter, safer, and more efficient aviation technologies

Honeywell is working to advance autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI) to help make aviation safer and more resilient, Florian explained. A key example of this is the Honeywell-led DARWIN program, led by Honeywell under the European Union’s SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking.

“This project is looking at combining artificial and human intelligence to advance single-pilot operations in Europe,” he said. “Today, most commercial aircraft require two pilots due to the intensity of cockpit workloads and the need for cross-checking decisions. Project DARWIN aims to address this through AI-powered digital assistants that work within a human-AI collaboration framework to support extended minimum crew and single-pilot operations while ensuring safety and manageable workloads.”  

“Similarly, Surface Alert (SURF-A) technology addresses one of aviation’s most pressing safety concerns by providing pilots with real-time alerts to prevent near-miss incidents in and around runways.

Runway incursions are collisions between aircraft on the runway, primarily caused when an unanticipated aircraft enters an active runway. Preventing these, along with excursions where an aircraft veers off the runway, and wrong-surface events hinges on two key elements: time and visibility. Honeywell’s SURF-A uses GPS data, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), and advanced analytics to detect potential incursions up to 30 seconds before they occur.”

According to Florian, these innovations highlight how Honeywell is looking to adapt to the needs of the future of aviation. Importantly, Honeywell’s safety solutions are aligned with the aviation industry’s broader priorities, ensuring they address both immediate operational needs and long-term transformation.

Europe: a local footprint with a global impact

Honeywell operates across 18 European countries, with major hubs in the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Romania. “The company’s wide footprint enables it to combine global scale with regional expertise, ensuring innovation is developed close to customers, regulators, and communities,” explained Florian.

“The Brno centre in the Czech Republic is a flagship facility, where engineers are advancing aerospace technologies such as cockpit automation, advanced air mobility, space technologies, and black boxes. These are not theoretical exercises, but practical solutions directly enhancing safety and operational efficiency.”

“Our teams are focused on solving region-specific challenges while reducing time-to-market to ensure that customers have fast and reliable access to the solutions they need within their region.”

Driving the sustainability transition

As the aviation industry prepares to meet its Net-Zero Goal by 2050, sustainability has become a defining priority across every aspect of the sector, from innovation to long-term business strategy.

According to Florain, Honeywell is advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), e-fuels, and broader climate-neutral technologies. The company’s Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Unicracking technology converts liquids and waxes from processed biomass into SAF that produces up to 90% fewer carbon emissions than conventional fossil-based jet fuel.

“From optimising air traffic flows to developing lighter, smarter onboard systems, even an incremental improvement can deliver significant carbon reductions when scaled across fleets and regions, helping airlines meet both regulatory and societal demands for greener aviation,” he commented.

Collaborating with regional stakeholders

Florian added that Honeywell recognizes that aviation innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Deep collaboration with airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), regulators, and startups is integral to the company’s approach. “Customers are no longer just looking for products – they’re seeking strategic collaborators who can co-develop solutions, adapt to evolving needs, and deliver strategic insights that go beyond hardware and software,” he explained.

“By working closely with customers, Honeywell ensures its technologies are not only technically advanced but also aligned with operational realities. Whether it’s pioneering air traffic management platforms like new ground control systems for unmanned drones, developing advanced cockpits, or SAF-ready solutions, Honeywell is shaping the future of aviation alongside the industry’s key stakeholders.”

Florian concluded, “The next chapter in aviation will be defined by those who can deliver on safety, local priorities, and scalability simultaneously. Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, with a strong presence in EMEA, is uniquely positioned to lead this transition.”

“By aligning technology with real-world needs, Honeywell is more than a provider of aerospace solutions; we are a catalyst for transformative change. Together, in collaboration with our industry stakeholders, we are helping the industry navigate one of the most pivotal transitions in its history, building a smarter, safer, and more efficient future for aviation.”

Under these renewed agreements, Turkish Technic will deliver comprehensive landing gear overhaul services for Pegasus Airlines’ Airbus A320neo fleet over the next six years. In addition, Turkish Technic’s expert maintenance teams will provide continuous base maintenance support on two dedicated maintenance lines between the Fall 2025 – Winter 2026 period, ensuring the fleet’s operational efficiency and reliability.

As one of Turkish Technic’s valued and long-term partners, Pegasus Airlines continues to benefit from the company’s integrated maintenance solutions, extensive technical expertise and globally recognized quality standards. These new agreements reaffirm both companies’ mutual trust and commitment to advancing Turkish aviation on the global stage, while further strengthening their enduring partnership.

Commenting on the agreement, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, Mikail Akbulut stated: ‘‘We are delighted to reinforce our partnership with Pegasus Airlines through these new agreements. For 20 years, we have been expanding the range of our services to provide the highest quality maintenance services for Pegasus Airlines. We sincerely appreciate

Pegasus Airlines’ steadfast confidence in our expertise as we reinforce Türkiye’s position in the global aviation industry together.”

Regarding the continuation of the partnership, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, Güliz Öztürk, said: “We are very pleased to further strengthen our long-standing collaboration with Turkish Technic through these new agreements covering our A320neo fleet. Strong technical capabilities, efficiency, and reliable partnerships form the foundation of steady growth in aviation. As Pegasus, we place great importance on supporting domestic collaborations that enhance Turkish aviation’s global competitiveness while ensuring world-class operations. This agreement represents not only a step forward for today, but also a reflection of our vision to shape the future of aviation together.”

Operating as a one-stop MRO company with high-quality support, competitive turnaround times, and comprehensive in-house capabilities at its state-of-the-art hangars, Turkish Technic ranks among the world’s leading MRO companies and continues to be a reliable global partner, offering maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering, modification, tailor-made component supply, and reconfiguration to many domestic and international customers at five locations.

The concept of IROPS includes any situation in which passengers are denied boarding for reasons alien to them. This could be due to a whole array of factors, from adverse weather conditions to industrial action or even instances of overbooking by the airline.  

Currently managed by the second generation of the founding families, Value Group started in northern Italy as a provider of crew services (accommodation and transportation namely) to airlines.  

The turning point came around 2004 with the implementation of EU 261, a package of European regulations that set the rights of passengers and the obligations of transport operators in case of delays, cancellations, and other travel disruptions.  

Over the last two decades, the Value Group has grown to become a reference point for handling disrupted customers during irregular operations.  

Quite a few years ago, airlines usually provided these services directly and with their own staff. In the past staffing wasn’t a problem since airlines had sufficient personnel on the ground to manage disruptions in-house and on the spot.  

However, as the competitive market evolved, particularly with the emergence of low-cost carriers, airlines found themselves in the need to trim their structures, with the result that it became increasingly difficult to handle these services internally. 

“The airline station manager is becoming an endangered species! It is going extinct,” joked Value Group’s co-CEOs, Daniele Bocchieri and Thomas Sergnese, when AeroTime met them during World Aviation Festival, a trade show dedicated to the airline industry technology ecosystem, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal, October 7-9, 2025. 

The trade show created an opportunity for providers such as Value Group in which operators could outsource the management of irregular operations situations.   

Technology with a human touch 

“We use technology to respond as quickly as possible when disruptions occur, because the first 30 minutes after a disruption are critical. This is when passengers are actively looking for solutions. If you’re not quick enough to react, you’ll damage your brand image and negatively impact the airline’s Net Promoter Score (NPS).” explained Bocchieri and Sergnese, to summarize their core value proposition.  

During the conversation with AeroTime, the co-CEOs took pride in the proactive approach to disruption that the company’s software facilitates.  

Value Group has introduced AI and large language models into its software in order to predict disruptions proactively. While many disruptions are unpredictable events, “if you are working on these matters every day, you learn to identify patterns and detect potentially disruptive situations before they happen,” the duo explained.  

By linking data points to weather conditions and other factors, Value Group can anticipate potential disruptions, which gives its customers a significant advantage in preparing resources in advance.   

“This isn’t a reactive job—it’s about preparing in advance and ensuring all pieces are in place when a disruption hits. We also help airlines make informed decisions based on current market conditions: canceling in Bilbao versus London versus elsewhere requires different strategies and resource allocation.” the company’s co-CEOs explained. 

Value Group’s IROPS-management platform integrates directly with the airlines’ IT systems, at both flight operations and booking systems (DCS, PSS, or similar platforms) level. This allows Value Group to get the latest information about flight disruptions and provide the hotel and transportation solution directly to customers when this occurs. Passengers don’t need to download a dedicated app, since Value Group is able to send them all they need via links embedded in messages or through integration with the airline app.  

Presenting the Rubik Platform  

The suite of services includes a flagship service called Rubik, which provides a layered approach to disruption management:  

Rubik can see across the airlines’ systems when and where an instance of disruption occurred, for example, when a flight has been cancelled.  This automatically triggers actions based on a set of rules. Not all disruptions may be handled the same way, for example if a flight is cancelled with enough time in advance due to previously announced industrial action, no service request may be activated, since the passengers have already been taken care of through other channels.  

However, if the disruption requires an immediate response on the side of the airline, Rubik goes into action communicating with the affected passengers offering them accommodation options, transportation, and other services they may need. Passengers can then select and book their preferred options through this interface.  

Self-handling is an innovative capability introduced by Value Group. “Passenger satisfaction is often measured by how quickly they can get to a hotel or how many hours they must wait at the airport without information.” the company directors added. 

“This summer, we launched a landmark project with one of the world’s leading airline groups enabling 100% self-handling of passengers during disruptions across over 200 airports,” they shared proudly.  

Technology makes it possible to handle the needs of most passengers efficiently, but, of course, there are always segments of customers that for a range of different reasons may require more personalized attention. This is when the “human touch” comes into play. Even then, ground staff have access to a module of Value Group’s software, which helps them handle these cases quicker.  

“Before you may have 150 people queueing, waiting for assistance. Now, maybe it’s just 10 or 20 passengers who require human help since most travelers can just use their phones and don’t need or don’t want to get face-to-face assistance,” added Bocchieri. “With our approach, we can handle 100% of passenger needs. One without the other doesn’t really work.”  

Value Group has onsite staff at 20 airports across Europe, and it has even taken this concept of in-person attention as far as investing in dedicated lounges, called “VG Lounges”. 

As of October 2025, Value Group has five lounges operating in major airports, the latest of which has just opened at London Heathrow. In the lounge, passengers have a dedicated space where they can be taken care of, rather than rambling around the terminal. Value Group complements its assistance with a number of complimentary amenities, such as water and coffee, which help make an inherently negative experience more bearable.  

Likewise, Value Group offers a service called “MAVRK”, which allows airlines to manage their crews and also offers crew members the possibility of monitoring their accommodation, departure times, and transportation schedules on a dedicated app.  

Value Group has a network of suppliers, including hotels, transportation providers, and the like, which is able to provide services at 433 airports globally.   

The firm’s Operations Management System (OMS) is an intelligent data base is able to connect with them all across the supply chain. Value Group is able to anticipate, for example, how many rooms are available and where even before the disruption takes place. When a disruption hits, the system can quickly access the existing market inventory and reconfirm availability.   

Bocchieri and Sergnese highlighted how this reconfirmation step is critical since it is essential to always verify with the suppliers to ensure disrupted passengers will not face additional problems.  

The value of consistency 

While regulations such as EU261 provide a strong rationale for airlines to contract Value Group’s services, the Italian firm also operates in many other markets, from the United States to India, in which operators do not face such obligations.  

Having a robust disruption IROPS-handling system, however, still makes a lot of sense.  

“Everyone focuses on direct costs, such as how much does a hotel room cost for a disrupted passenger. But there are hidden costs of not handling customers properly,” explained Bocchieri and Sergnese. “Have your customers sleep at the airport and see how your NPS drops…We are talking about real money! It’s an investment that makes sense because you retain customers and reduce excessive claims. What is the cost of losing a customer?” 

The same goes for service consistency. Passengers expect consistent, reliable service regardless of the regulatory framework of the place in which the disruption happens.  

In this regard, Value Group’s co-CEOs are clear about their vision: “We’re creating a global standard for irregular operations management and passenger care.”   

On December 1–2, 2025, the Future Aero Festival, an exclusive two-day conference, will bring together leading innovators from aviation, policymakers, startups, and investors from around the world. 

Hosted by the Sustainable Aero Lab, the event focuses on honest and deep on-stage discussions that don’t rely on slides but deliver valuable insights on the future of aviation. 

Another key objective is fostering meaningful personal connections across the industry’s players.

The 2025 edition will feature an outstanding lineup of global leaders, including: 

• Ekaterina Zaharieva – European Commissioner for Startups, Research & Innovation 
• Nathalie Stubler – Chief Sustainability Officer, Safran 
• Constantijn van Oranje – Special Envoy, TechLeap 
• Maarten Stienen – COO, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 
• Suzanna Chiu – Head of Ventures, Amadeus 
• Bjorn Fehrm – Airliner Analyst, Leeham Consulting LLC 
• Daniel Moczydlower – President & CEO, Embraer-X 
• Tim Boeltken – Co-Founder & CEO, Ineratec 
• Nico Buchholz – CCO, Deutsche Aircraft 
• Michael Winter – Chief Science Officer, RTX 
• · Axel Krein – Executive Director, EU Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking 
• …and more from across venture capital, OEMs, and advanced aviation. 

Topics on the agenda include: 

• All an Airline Wants for Christmas Is…? KLM Perspective 
• The 10 Most Interesting Aviation Statistics of 2025 
• Where the Money Flies Next in Aviation – Raw Insights from the Top-Notch VCs 
• From Garage to Runway: How Startups Are Reinventing Flight 
• The Anatomy of Tomorrow’s Aircraft 
• …and much more on the future of aviation, innovation, breakthrough technologies and coming trends! 

The Future Aero Festival will also host up to 50 aviation startups, alongside leading investors  including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, DiamondStream Partners (lead investor in JetZero), United Airlines Ventures, Transavia Ventures, Safran Corporate Ventures, Amadeus Ventures, and many more. 

Why Attend: 

• Unmatched networking: Connect with leaders from airlines, OEMs, suppliers, startups, and investment funds. 
• Exclusive insights: Hear directly from those shaping the next era of the future of aviation. 
• Startup showcase: Discover up to 50 emerging ventures reshaping the skies. 

The Future Aero Festival isn’t just another conference – it’s where aviation’s biggest conversations happen. 

More information is available at www.sustainable.aero/future-aero-festival. Secure your spot at the Eventbrite. 

Almost a century later, Embry-Riddle remains a global leader in aeronautical education, with more than 160,000 alumni around the globe and two residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. Nearly 20,000 students are currently enrolled with the Worldwide Campus, which provides online programs and in-person offerings at over 110 locations worldwide, including those in Asia and Europe.

Embry-Riddle’s global expansion and longevity would not be possible without its people, including professors who often play the role of mentors, in addition to their roles as instructors.

Dr. Aaron Glassman, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), is a department chair and associate professor and has been with Embry-Riddle for over 16 years. 

On top of being a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Team representative and a Gold Seal Flight Instructor, Glassman also previously served as the program chair of the Master of Science in Management (MSM). He is currently an Associate Professor of Management focused on aviation applications in the College of Business at Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. 

AeroTime had an exclusive opportunity to speak with Glassman, where he discussed Embry-Riddle’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in its academic programs, how Embry-Riddle’s training programs evolve to meet the demands of today’s aviation sector, what inspires his work as he approaches two decades of service and more. 

Embry-Riddle’s commitment to military and veterans

Embry-Riddle is also known for its commitment to military and veterans. 

Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus has been highly ranked as a leading institution for veterans by the U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade. Glassman, whose first job at Embry-Riddle was teaching at the Norfolk Navy Base in Virginia, declared that the university’s support of the military is a “point of pride”.

“We’re a military-friendly institution both in practice and by label, and it’s fun to take the background skills and experience of a service member and then springboard them into potentially a different career or a different career trajectory,” Glassman said. 

He added that Embry-Riddle has an “extremely large” population of transitioning service members, active-duty military, veterans and affiliated students.

“The discipline, honor and all the things that go with service to our country aren’t lost on Embry-Riddle,” Glassman said. 

Embry-Riddle in the age of AI

Over its 100-year history, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has seen its fair share of technological developments, from transitioning to the digital age to online courses. The latest transformation, AI, has already made its way into Embry-Riddle’s academic programs.

Glassman noted that, while AI is new and trending, the roles of technology and cybersecurity have been around aviation for years. 

“The first autopilot and the first auto landing were all technologies, but now we’re in a place where airports, for example, can do movement tracking on concourses, and airlines are doing the same thing. We’re seeing that on the ancillary revenue side, where we can predict who’s going to purchase what and at what price, so we can bring the most value to the customer humanly possible,” he said.

Glassman added that these are possible with advanced machine learning and AI, “but without these things— well, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs as a technology-forward university to not include these in our curriculum”.

Glassman described AI as a tool that has a myriad of capabilities, just like any technology. At Embry-Riddle, he said, the academic programs educate on the difference between positive and negative uses of AI. 

”We want to make sure that all of the tooling that we equip our students with and embed in our curriculum — and as an extra layer, deliver through our curriculum — are the right things.”

He also shared that the university has internal committees, external constituents, stakeholders and industry advisory boards that monitor the curriculum and use of AI. 

“[The committees] look at what we do and validate that it is the correct thing, that it is moving in the right direction and that we’re remaining on the leading edge of what needs to be taught,” he said. 

Glassman said that this monitoring ensures that, when Embry-Riddle’s graduates leave the programs and walk into the halls of the industry, they are prepared to bring their respective employers forward. 

Integrating aviation safety in a digital environment

Due to the fact that safety is the cornerstone of aviation, Glassman said that almost all of Embry-Riddle’s curriculum, including business and economics courses, includes topics of safety and risk management.

“It’s a cornerstone principle. Airlines and airports want to be efficient, reliable and safe. Safety is something that we talk about and teach everywhere, and considering how things funnel up in complex systems, impacts on safety can’t be understated.” 

To instill a mindset of safety, resilience and responsibility among students from day one, Glassman reckons that the approach should begin with systems thinking and complexity, regarding everything as an integrated network. 

“It’s fascinating to hear how students dialog about things they might not ordinarily have thought about, but bringing that to the forefront allows that conversation to lead — and our industry needs the safety conversation to lead at all times. So it’s a win / win from our point of view.”

Making space for current issues and evolving student learning styles

When asked how Embry-Riddle has adapted its training programs to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving aviation sector, Glassman highlighted the university’s dynamic approach to curriculum design.

“We make space for our faculty to deliver just-in-time updates and current events in every course,” Glassman explained. “We know we can’t build a course and expect it to have a multi-year shelf life, because things age quickly. Our goal is to make sure students are learning the latest and greatest.”

According to Glassman, one of the ways that Embry-Riddle achieves this is by giving its faculty the freedom and flexibility to bring in the latest and most current events from their respective backgrounds and experience.“I’ve had faculty members attend board meetings at major airlines on a Wednesday and then share what they learned with their students on Thursday.”

This near-real-time integration, he claimed, ensures that students gain exposure to the most relevant developments shaping the industry. “It allows our students to see the best of the best and keeps our curriculum fresh,” he said.

When it comes to the evolution of student learning styles and changes over recent years, Glassman noted that today’s learners approach education very differently from past generations.

“Our students have information at their fingertips,” Glassman explained. “They can access almost anything faster than ever before.”

Due to this rapid access to information, Glassman noted that students are no longer seeking rote memorization or static content. “Our students want synthesis. They want application. And they want real-time relevance.”

According to Glassman, that means ensuring that students are prepared not just academically, but also practically. “When our graduates walk into their first day on the job, whether it’s a new role or a promotion, they want to feel confident that they can perform from day one,” he said. “The curriculum is designed to provide that comfort and familiarity, so the skills and knowledge they gain translate directly into what employers are looking for.”

Innovation in hands-on learning at Embry-Riddle

Embry-Riddle’s hands-on approach to learning has also undergone innovations through the years. An example of this, Glassman said, is the university’s creative use of emerging tools and technologies across classrooms, laboratories and hangars.

“We use a wide range of tools, whether it’s a virtual crash lab, a business simulation system or even leveraging platforms like ChatGPT to stage group competitions in the classroom,” Glassman explained. “These kinds of approaches allow students to compete, to gamify learning and to engage in ways that mirror the dynamics of corporate America, where competition drives performance.”

He noted that students thrive on that sense of competition. “Even a small point lead can keep them up at night, fueled by energy drinks, determined to do the best possible job. That’s part of the culture we’re tapping into.”

But while gamification plays a role, Glassman emphasizes that technology is most powerful as a tool for efficiency and authenticity. “ChatGPT and other technologies are incredible time-savers. To some extent, the student who masters the tools of the trade will get ahead.”

This, he suggests, is why Embry-Riddle integrates these technologies directly into its curriculum, so that students not only use them, but also understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind them.

Amid all these developments, though, Glassman still cautions against overreliance on technology. 

“Sure, I could use ChatGPT to write a paper on a subject I know nothing about, and it might look elegant on the surface. But ask me two questions about it and it’ll be obvious I don’t actually understand the material. That’s not the kind of learning we want,” he said.

According to Glassman, Embry-Riddle focuses instead on ensuring that students’ critical thinking remains at the forefront. “The goal is for our students’ minds to always lead, with technology following as a support. Tools should enhance efficiency, but the real driver of success is still the students’ own understanding and ability to integrate concepts.”

A student’s journey at Embry-Riddle

Glassman describes a student’s journey at Embry-Riddle as a fully personalized and lifelong experience, rather than a linear path from enrollment to graduation.

“It’s an individualized journey,” Glassman explained. “We walk alongside our students every step of the way — from the very first point of contact when they’re exploring programs, through graduation, into job placement with the support of our outstanding career services team and even beyond, with aftercare for our alumni. It’s a complete lifecycle, and every touchpoint is designed to send the message: we care. Because we truly do.”

The journey, Glassman said, is also tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse student populations. 

“Everyone should have the experience they need, and it’s our job to deliver it in a way that aligns with their lives.”

In short, Embry-Riddle’s mission is not only to equip students with technical expertise but also to cultivate well-rounded leaders who are prepared for success across industries.

How Embry-Riddle meets global demands for aviation talent

From pilots and engineers to technicians and air traffic controllers, the worldwide demand for aviation professionals continues to rise, and Embry-Riddle is positioning itself to meet the industry’s needs head-on.

“Aviation and aerospace have always been on the leading edge. And yes, the industry is cyclical with hot and cold periods, but Embry-Riddle has responded through growth,” Glassman said.

That growth has been both broad and intentional. “We’ve expanded our faculty, increased our capacity and strengthened our curriculum,” Glassman explained. “At the same time, we’ve doubled down on our identity as an aviation and aerospace institution.”

Glassman stressed that the university’s goal is not only to meet workforce needs but also to shape professionals capable of thriving in organizations of all sizes. 

“We want to produce the next employee for some of the largest firms in the world, but also for mid-sized and smaller companies along the way,” he said. “Our responsibility is to prepare graduates who are ready to contribute anywhere in the world, wherever their careers take them.”

It is a responsibility that Embry-Riddle takes seriously. “That’s an important burden for us to shoulder,” Glassman noted. “But it’s one we deliver on every single day, and we’re proud of it.”

Embry-Riddle’s global industry collaborations

Through the years, Embry-Riddle’s global reach has opened doors to collaborations with airlines, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul providers (MROs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and aviation authorities around the world. 

For Glassman, these connections are not just strategic partnerships. Rather, they are the heart of how Embry-Riddle stays aligned with industry needs.

“We have partnerships with almost every domestic airline,” Glassman told AeroTime. 

“One of the things I’m most proud of is how interconnected this community is.” 

“When I attend conferences like MRO Americas in Atlanta or visit the core 30 airports, I can’t walk through without being stopped for a conversation about aviation or aerospace. Even though aviation is global, it’s still a small, tightly knit community. We run into each other at airports, aboard aircraft and at industry events all the time.”

That sense of connection, Glassman pointed out, also strengthens Embry-Riddle’s role within the industry. 

“It’s remarkable to see how woven the university is into the aviation ecosystem,” he said. “Our partnerships aren’t just paperwork. They are lived experiences, and they show how closely we are aligned with the needs of aviation today.”

Embry-Riddle: Shaping the next generation of aviation executives and innovators

Embry-Riddle is renowned for producing some of the most skilled aviation and aerospace professionals in the world, but as Glassman pointed out, technical expertise is only half of the equation. Just as important, he said, is leadership. 

“It’s critical. We couldn’t do what we do without it [leadership],” Glassman said. “That’s why we’ve designed our curriculum so that leadership competencies are woven into almost everything we teach.”

Glassman shared that Embry-Riddle’s faculty have seen many organizations falter when leadership is overlooked. 

“Entire airlines and mergers have failed because those skills weren’t embraced at every level: upper management, mid-level and frontline teams. True success only happens when the whole organization buys in.”

To illustrate his point, Glassman used the example of a flight deck. “You can be an incredible pilot with flawless technical skills. But if you can’t lead a crew, manage resources and bring a team together to complete a mission, you’ve missed the mark. Aviation requires teamwork, and so does every business. Technical ability alone is not enough. Leadership is what makes everything work.”

This philosophy shapes Embry-Riddle’s specialized leadership certificates and its MBA programs in aviation. Glassman believes that the aim is to give students more than just technical know-how. It’s also to train them to navigate corporate environments, sharpen communication and teamwork, and prepare themselves for career advancement.

“A lot of our students, especially those in their 30s, are already employed,” Glassman said. “They’re not just looking to get better at their current jobs. They want to ‘level up’ and move into leadership roles. That’s where we come in. Our holistic approach combines technical expertise with the leadership mindset needed to take that next step.”

For Glassman, leadership education is inseparable from technical training. “Leadership is the force multiplier.It’s the thing that turns individual excellence into organizational success.”

Looking forward: Glassman on the future of Embry-Riddle and aviation education

Given his close to two decades of expertise and experience at Embry-Riddle, is there anything that excites Glassman about the future of the university and aviation education?

“That’s a powerful question,” he said. “I love playing the futurist. I wish I had a crystal ball that worked a little better. But one of the things I’m immensely grateful for is timing. We are living in one of the most extraordinary milestone eras in aviation.”

Glassman explained that the aviation industry has already achieved a strong foundation. 

“We have a good product. We have airplanes that fly, and they fly safely. We have a system that is reasonably reliable, and for the most part, things work. But what excites me now are the new technologies that are reshaping the field. We are talking about urban air mobility, uncrewed systems and the modernization of our national airspace system to incorporate all of these new types of traffic. These are transformative conversations.”

He placed today’s developments within the broader context of the history of aviation. “The industry has always moved forward in milestone moments,” Glassman said. “We had the first flight, then the rise of airlines, the Jet Age, supersonic travel and the Space Age. Now we are in what I would call the ‘Technological Age’ of aviation.”

“Taking into account Embry-Riddle’s beginning–created by two fearless and ambitious entrepreneurs–looking toward the uncharted future represents both an opportunity and a privilege for Glassman.

 “I truly feel blessed to be on the leading edge of this new technological age of aviation, to witness and participate in it,” he said. “It is a remarkable place to be.”

To learn more about degrees and opportunities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

For over 8 years, Bytron and Boeing Jeppesen have worked together to deliver FliteBrief, a tailored version of Bytron’s flagship platform, skybook.

Integrated with Boeing Jeppesen’s Aviator application for pilots, the partnership has empowered flight ops teams to streamline dispatch workflows, enhance briefing efficiency, post-flight reporting and improve overall operational safety.

Trusted by approximately 120 airlines worldwide

Today, the collaboration is supported and trusted by approximately 120 operators, representing close to 3,000 aircraft worldwide.

Many of these operators also benefit from additional modules such as Airfield Watch, NOTAM Watch and Reporting & Analytics. Bringing deeper insights, greater compliance and situational awareness to their daily operations.

Shane Spencer, CEO of Bytron Aviation Systems: “Extending our partnership with Boeing is a clear recognition of the vital role we play in streamlining airline operations. Together, we not only deliver a world-class dispatch and briefing solution, but we also support airlines in achieving measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and performance.”

The long-term agreement underlines the strength of the Boeing Jeppesen and Bytron collaboration, reinforcing the commitment to continually evolve the solution in line with airline needs, regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

John Stobbie, Product Manager at Boeing: “Our collaboration with Bytron ensures airlines have the tools they need to adapt to today’s operational challenges. The seamless integration of FliteBrief and Aviator provides dispatchers, flight crew and operations managers with critical data at the right time, helping them operate with greater confidence and efficiency.”.

With the combined expertise of Boeing Jeppesen and Bytron Aviation Systems, airlines can achieve seamless, data-driven operations across all phases of flight.

Driven by strong demand across multiple platforms, Comlux America’s current backlog comprises 28 aircraft, including six A220s for Magnifica Air, four ACJ TwoTwentys, fifteen A321 NEOs, and three A320 NEOs. To accommodate this extensive pipeline, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indianapolis Airport Authority to expand its hangar capacity and operational footprint.

As part of the agreement, Comlux America will:

• Add two new hangars by Q1 2026, providing 4 additional narrowbody bays, and
• Complete a further expansion by the end of 2026, adding 4 more bays for narrowbody programs

These projects will enhance Comlux’s capacity and flexibility, enabling it to accommodate a growing mix of VIP completions and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) projects.

In alignment with its infrastructure investments, Comlux America is growing its employee base to meet increased production demand. The company’s workforce expanded by 20% in 2025, with a further 20% increase planned in 2026.

The Comlux Production Center has also doubled its workforce in 2025 and increased its footprint from 12,000 sq. ft. (1,115 m²) to over 26,000 sq. ft. (2,415 m²), positioning it to handle the elevated 2026 workload.

“The strength of our backlog and the expansion of our facilities and capabilities are central to Comlux’s next phase of growth,” said Adam White, CEO Comlux America. “It’s also a key factor in bringing new investors on board. Their confidence reflects the resilience and scalability of our business model as we continue to serve a global client base.”

Comlux America’s ongoing growth and new jobs creation are greatly supported by the Government of Indiana.

Mike Speedy, Secretary of Business Affairs, State of Indiana expresses Indiana’s position: “Indiana is proud to support Comlux America as it continues to expand its footprint and highly skilled workforce in Indianapolis. Their investment underscores our state’s leadership in advanced aviation which further strengthens its partnership with global aviation industry. Comlux’s growth not only drives economic opportunity here at home but also reinforces Indiana’s position as a hub for innovation in aerospace.” 

Comlux America’s continued investment in its people, facilities, and capabilities underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in VIP completions and MRO as well as enhancing its competitiveness in a growing market segment.

Operating to 190+ airports across more than 800 routes, Wizz Air is powered by over 9,000 employees — from pilots and cabin crew to engineers and office staff. With over 250 new aircraft on order, attracting skilled captains and first officers remains a top priority.

In Romania, Wizz Air operates from 13 airports with 228 routes to 85 destinations in 27 countries. Over 1,600 people work for the airline here, including German-born Captain Andre Ludwig, who has spent almost seven years flying in Romania. He describes Wizz Air as “young, dynamic, positive and dedicated.”

Captain Andre Ludwig’s journey

Andre’s fascination with flying began at just three years old, visiting the flightdeck on a family holiday. Although financial challenges initially led him to train as an automotive engineer, his passion for aviation never faded. With family support and a loan, he enrolled in flight school — and never looked back.

After experience with legacy airlines, Andre joined Wizz Air through the Direct Entry Captain Program, which he praises for its fairness and transparency:

“Whoever comes prepared and knows what we’re asking for can become captain. There’s no prejudice.”

This program allows First Officers who have accumulated 3,500 flying hours to directly jump into the Captain’s seat and was a key reason why Andre applied. Unlike other airlines with unclear timelines, Wizz Air offers a clear path: pass the interview, complete training, and step straight into the left seat.

Why choose Wizz Air?

For Andre, practical perks played a big role. Flying from Bucharest gave him direct connections to his German hometown, making it easy to see family. Wizz Air offers excellent network links between Romania and many European destinations, which he says pilots really value.

Wizz Air’s growth and stability were also decisive:

“The company is stable. Financially, it’s growing. The business model works.”

Pilots return home after each shift, with no layovers — a lifestyle change Andre embraced after years of living out of a suitcase.

“It’s nice to be home every day. Even though Romania isn’t my original home, it feels like it now.”

Life as a Wizz Air pilot

Andre was “extremely happy” to be accepted into the Direct Entry Captain program, proud that Wizz Air recognized his potential. Based at Bucharest Băneasa, he works with a diverse team of colleagues and now trains other captains.

He highlights the young Airbus fleet as a major plus:

“Having this young fleet, we rarely have technical issues. This means it’s very comfortable for us as pilots”

His roster typically includes one return flight a day, occasionally up to two short return flights. Andre works on a 14/7 schedule – 14 days on followed by seven days off – which he describes as offering an excellent work-life balance.

Living in Romania

Before joining Wizz Air, Andre had never visited Romania. He approached the move with curiosity and was “very positively surprised.” English is widely spoken in Bucharest, and he found the city vibrant and welcoming, with plenty of things to do.

Wizz Air supported his relocation through a specialist company that arranged paperwork, accompanied him to official appointments, and provided hotel accommodation for the first month. He quickly found an apartment and settled into life in Bucharest with ease.

Join the Wizz Air pilot team

Seven years on, Andre says he wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wizz Air and Romania to other pilots:

“It’s really fun. It never gets boring. The company and base are growing — there are plenty of career opportunities.”

His own career has progressed rapidly: he’s now a line trainer and part of the recruitment team. He particularly values Wizz Air’s fixed roster and confirmed staff travel benefits.

“I didn’t know how long I’d stay, but this is the longest I’ve been with any airline in my 15-year career. That says a lot.”

Wizz Air also fosters a “just culture”, encouraging learning without blame.

“We all make mistakes. Instead of punishment, we focus on learning from them.”

Starting your journey

Wizz Air will host Virtual Open Days for pilots on November 12^th, where you can learn more about the recruitment process, salaries, rosters, and retention bonuses.

Wizz Air pilot benefits include:

• Basic salary increase for Captains after each 1,000 hours flown with Wizz Air
• Fast career progression (Safety Captain, Instructor, Management Pilot)
• Travel benefits on Wizz Air flights
• World-class training on a modern Airbus fleet
• A financially secure, growing airline with one of Europe’s greenest operations
• Indefinite contract with loss of licence, travel and life insurance

Ready to apply? Visit onedoor.wizzair.com to start your pilot journey

For over 20 years, Switzerland-based Comlux has been guiding VIP customers through the complexities of the business aviation sector, drawing on its vast experience across multiple facets of the industry. 

Business aviation is currently on the up, with record numbers of people utilizing private aircraft, and jet deliveries being projected to rise by 8-11% in 2025, compared to last year. 

For Comlux and Gaona, the demand to fly privately is growing thanks to a customer base that is increasingly looking to avoid crowded airports and busy flights on commercial aircraft.  

“In some parts of the world, like America, a private jet is like a car. I don’t see any aspects changing this,” Gaona said. 

Gaona joined Comlux in 2007, around four years after the company was founded. Before that, he led the VIP aircraft division at Airbus, now known as Airbus Corporate Jet.  

“I had to sell 40 planes in 10 years [at Airbus]. And then in eight years, I sold 120 of them,” Gaona said.  

Explaining his move to Comlux, Gaona reveals that he was approached by the shareholders to lead a mission to build up an integrated company.  

“This covered the operations, the completion, and, of course, the trading, buying and selling of planes, which is a job that I knew the most,” he said.   

Future proofing Comlux

Gaona emphasizes diversification as a cornerstone of Comlux’s success, pointing to the company’s unique ability to offer a comprehensive suite of private aviation services under one roof — from bespoke cabin installations to full-scale aircraft management. 

At Comlux, though, diversification goes beyond simply offering a broad range of solutions. It reflects a strategic approach to business resilience that means if one part of the world is ‘shaky’, there’s always another where the company can continue to thrive. 

“I have always tried to have several different businesses, several locations, several markets and an international team,” Gaona explained. “We have 35 different nationalities. There is always a war somewhere in the world. If it comes to the country or the region where you are doing business, you perish by not having business. Comlux works almost everywhere – in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.”  

Comlux also has its own completion center and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities in Indianapolis, United States, where it can customize and refit aircraft cabins.   

Buying and selling planes

Gaona describes the transaction division within Comlux as both “strategic” and “very important”. Over the past 17 years, the company has amassed sales of more than 100 aircraft.  

“It’s strategic, because every time I sell a new plane, I will offer the client to use Comlux Completion for cabin outfitting, and then later I will try to convince them to give me the plane for operations. We had clients who did that, and for them it was extremely good, because at the end they say, ‘with one company I can cover everything’,” he explained. 

While Comlux is synonymous with selling large aircraft by Airbus and Boeing, including the ACJ TwoTwenty, the company has had huge success selling and operating more traditional private jets, including Bombardiers and executive aircraft by Embraer.  

“We are perceived as, let’s say, a company working only with the big aircraft, but it’s not true. We sell Praetors, Gulfstreams and many others. We are not married to anyone or dating anyone,” Gaona joked. “We just have one exception, which is the TwoTwenty program that we developed together with Airbus.”  

Comlux is contracted to fit the cabins of the first 17 ACJ TwoTwentys and has bought six of the aircraft itself. Gaona points to its partnership with Airbus as an example of just how effective the company’s sale process can be. 

“We resold the six aircraft, and three are already flying and in management by Comlux. And all these aircraft were done in our cabin completion facility,” he explained. 

‘Everything starts by selling a plane’

“In fact, from experience, everything starts when you sell a plane. If you are involved in the sales process, you have a good chance, for example, to have an aircraft on management. If you are involved with an ACJ or BBJ during the sales process of the green aircraft, then you have a good chance to at least tender for the cabin. If you are not part of the sales process and you learn from AeroTime that Mr. Hicks bought a BBJ new or ACJ new, it’s too late.” said Gaona.  

The selling or buying of an aircraft requires technical, commercial, contractual and legal skills, while some customers may also request assistance with aircraft financing.   

Comlux prides itself on having built an experienced team of professionals to provide these services.  

“We always tell the customer, ‘We have the full menu, or you can take only the main course. If you don’t want to take a certain starter, you can go and decide to do it by yourself’. We are not forcing any client to take the plane, the cabin and the operations,” said Gaona. 

Asking the right questions  

Gaona explained that, when he first meets a potential buyer, his first rule is to ensure that he asks the right questions to understand and establish what the customer needs. 

“The first question to ask is, what is the type of missions you are doing regularly? Then, how many passengers are you going to fly? How many hours do you believe you will be flying per year? And finally, the ballpark figure price – I don’t know, $50, $80, $120 million,” he said. 

Gaona joked that, while he would prefer to sell an A380, it’s necessary to drive the client towards the aircraft that it is right for them.  

“Many times, I have sold a $20 million aircraft to a client because that is what they need,” said Gaona. “Something I always say is that there is no aircraft better than the other in the same category, they’re all about the same. You must sell the aircraft based on the client’s ability to operate and to pay.”  

He added: “An aircraft costs money. It’s not just a toy that you have parked somewhere, because that costs money, even if you don’t fly. So, you must assess properly if this is a plane you need and the plane you can afford.” 

Maintaining your asset 

Maintaining the value of the asset is also something that Gaona raises, should the client want to sell the aircraft in the future and maximize the return on their investment. 

“If you want to do that, then you need to make sure that your aircraft is properly maintained, stored and eventually upgraded from time to time,” he explained. 

Gaona noted that internet capability on private jets has become an increasingly important part of the sales process, with a distinct rise in the number of customers requesting it onboard.  

“Now people are used to flying with their WhatsApp and iPad and so on. The planes which were made 10 years ago have internet that is extremely slow. You need to upgrade if you are the owner of one of these planes and you want to do charter,” he explained.  

Among Comlux’s aircraft transaction team, around half are engineers who “like sales”, and if a potential client has particularly complex technical questions, then the company’s chief pilot is on hand to answer. 

Gaona saves his fiercest criticism for aircraft brokers and the lack of regulations protecting the aircraft sales process.  

“There are too many people working in this industry who believe there will be a billionaire in two years, and some of them don’t even know how an aircraft flies,” said Gaona.  

He added: “I come from a school where we sell the merit and the advantage of the plane. We say, ‘this plane can do this range, has this cabin altitude, it can do this kind of cargo volume and chartered, you can expect this income’ and so on and so on.”  

‘He sold more than 12 or 13,000 planes in 20 years’ 

Gaona singles out former Airbus Chief Operating Officer-Customers, John Leahy, for instilling him with the necessary skills and experience to sell planes.  

“John Leahy was the number one salesperson in the world – probably still even today. In his time, I think he sold more than 12 or 13,000 planes in 20 years. He was extremely competent and built up an extremely competent organization. Working with him, I had the chance to learn about marketing, engineering and flying,” added Gaona.  

Currently, the smallest aircraft for sale at Comlux is a Pilatus PC-12 and the largest is the Airbus ACJ330, although two years ago the company sold a Boeing 777 VIP. 

Gaona says that the increase in large business aircraft reflects the current trend for “bigger and bigger” cabins.  

According to Gaona, potential customers are “really flirting” with the price of both ACJs and BBJs, as opposed to traditional private jet manufacturers.  

“This is because their client is asking for a wider cabin, for better comfort. That’s the issue. Some of the planes have an even wider wingspan and length than an airliner. So, the trend over the last five years – big cabin, bigger aircraft, and that’s interesting,” he says.  

While ACJs and BBJs are traditionally bigger than other executive aircraft, the advent of the TwoTwenty means that customers can get that much larger cabin for more or less the same price as a purpose-built business jet. 

“Everyone is trying to get a wider cabin, more space for everyone, more comfort – and, of course, internet,” said Gaona.    

He added: “Some people say, ‘I prefer the time when we did not have all this internet, and at least when we were flying, we could rest’. Well, my friend, it’s too late.” 

‘I never start something myself if I don’t think I’m going to do well’ 

Reflecting on Comlux in general, Gaona says that he feels “very proud” of what the company has achieved and firmly believes its success is down to the entire team, which has been meticulously built.  

“My role has been to define strategies, some objectives, bring in the right people to the right place, mainly in management, and make sure these people will hire the right people to work with them. I am among the ones who believe that the success of Comlux is the success of everyone at the company,” said Gaona. 

He added: “Could we have done more? Probably, but I never start something myself if I don’t think I’m going to do well.” 

Gaona is particularly proud of the opportunities Comlux gives to young people, with selected ones embarking on a two-year long training program, leading to more responsibility and then better pay.  

“This strategy of offering several aspects of the business to one client, there are not too many companies who have done it, and I think I’m proud that we did it. Many times, people told me, ‘You are going to fail, you should stop, you should not do that’. And every time it happens, I think, I’m moving in the right direction, let’s continue,” said Gaona.  

And for any potential client that has yet to work with Comlux, Gaona’s message is simply to “use people who will help you to choose the right plane”. 

“Buying an aircraft is a big investment, even when buying a $10 million plane,” he says. “It’s big money. Make sure you pick the right people and you’re not listening to the first one who contacts you and then compare. The buyers are very smart, they’re quick to understand who is who.” 

To learn more about Comlux visit the company website,

The launch of Smart Documents follows the debut of Smart Regulations, TrustFlight’s groundbreaking agentic AI platform for aviation regulatory search and compliance. Together, they form the foundation of TrustFlight’s SmartSuite — a connected ecosystem built to eliminate the friction between regulatory intelligence and operational execution, enabling a new era of safety, efficiency, and compliance in aviation.

Built specifically for the aviation industry, Smart Documents provides an intuitive, web-based editor with AI-powered authoring assistance, integrated review and approval workflows, and seamless distribution tools that help organizations create compliant documentation with minimal effort. By combining regulatory expertise, intelligent automation, and modern usability, Smart Documents ensures every manual update is faster, more accurate, and more efficient — helping operators save millions of labor hours each year.

Centrik 5, one of the aviation industry’s leading Quality and Safety Management Systems, integrates directly with Smart Documents, allowing approved manuals and updates to be seamlessly published into the platform for controlled distribution and acknowledgment tracking. This integration also creates a closed-loop compliance environment, where every procedure, change, and approval is traceable across safety, risk, and audit workflows.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how aviation organizations create and manage documentation,” said Karl Steeves, CEO of TrustFlight. “Smart Documents delivers aviation-specific intelligence that understands regulatory and operational complexity. This advancement removes the manual burden of compliance authoring and allows documentation to evolve at the pace of business. We are excited to roll out TrustFlight’s SmartSuite of products to demonstrate how agentic AI delivers measurable improvements in safety, compliance, and efficiency.”

Building on TrustFlight’s commitment to purposeful innovation, Smart Documents introduces advanced AI features designed specifically for aviation documentation. Its integrated AI assistant accelerates content creation by generating new material directly within chapters using both regulatory and organizational context. Editors can revise, expand, condense, or re-tone existing text through simple natural language instructions, reducing editing time from hours to minutes. Beyond authoring, the system provides intelligent assistance that can answer complex questions, evaluate compliance against current regulations, and translate documentation into other languages. The result is faster, more accurate, and more confident documentation across every update.

With the combination of Smart Documents and Smart Regulations, TrustFlight’s SmartSuite now offers the first end-to-end AI-driven compliance environment in aviation — from real-time regulation search and interpretation to compliant document creation and distribution. By bringing these systems together, TrustFlight is redefining how regulatory knowledge and operational documentation coexist, creating a connected foundation for the future of digital aviation.

Smart Documents is now available to operators, maintenance organizations, and regulators worldwide. To learn more or request a demonstration, visit www.trustflight.com/smartdocs. TrustFlight will also showcase Smart Documents and Smart Regulations live at NBAA-BACE, taking place October 14–16, at Booth #2514.

The GO TEAM combines licensed B1, B2, and C engineers with specialized sheet metal, composite, and NDT technicians. This mix enables the unit to handle a wide variety of assignments – from supporting the delivery of factory-new aircraft, to carrying out cabin modifications, to executing major structural repairs on narrow- and wide-body fleets. Teams are assembled with the right skills for each case, whether it’s restoring airworthiness after an unexpected finding, preparing an aircraft for ferry flight, or completing time-critical repairs at a remote airport.

Mobilization is fast: JOB AIR Technic can dispatch a tailored team within hours, ensuring operators and lessors avoid the cost of repositioning aircraft to a hangar facility. GO TEAM missions regularly include engine and APU changes, flight control and landing gear replacements, systems troubleshooting, and extensive structural work. The team’s proven record ranges from routine field support to complex wide-body structural recovery and the return-to-service of repossessed assets. Each intervention is executed to regulatory standards directly at the customer’s location, minimizing downtime and cost.

With approvals from EASA, FAA, BCAA, TCCA, Cayman Islands, and 2-REG, JOB AIR Technic is equipped to support operators and leasing companies across multiple jurisdictions. Combined with a growing portfolio of successful deployments for leading European carriers and lessors, this positions the GO TEAM as a uniquely capable and trusted solution for flexible fleet support.

The GO TEAM represents just one of the many specialized aircraft maintenance services that JOB AIR Technic provides to its customers worldwide. Founded in 1993, JOB AIR Technic is an established independent MRO provider based at Ostrava-Mošnov Airport in Central Europe. The company operates two hangars capable of accommodating up to eight narrow-body or three wide-body aircraft, supported by more than 450 skilled professionals.

Beyond base maintenance, JOB AIR Technic offers a comprehensive suite of services across the aircraft lifecycle, including component repairs, end-of-life solutions with disassembly and storage capacity for up to 50 aircraft, supply chain and tool loan support, and EASA Part-147 approved training programs.

With a strong customer base of airlines, lessors, and MRO partners, JOB AIR Technic combines nearly three decades of experience with modern facilities and international certifications to deliver flexible, customer-focused maintenance solutions.

As every year, JOB AIR Technic will participate in the MRO Europe exhibition in London. You will find the company’s stand number 505 in the North Halls of the Excel exhibition center.

The World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), has become a strategic platform to help meet that target. It functions not just as an exhibition, but as a matchmaking arena connecting global defense manufacturers with Saudi buyers, regulators, and local suppliers.

According to CEO Andrew Pearcey, WDS is “intrinsically linked to Saudi Vision 2030,” with localization forming a cornerstone of its mission. “We function as a vital conduit for strategic access and investment into Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning defense ecosystem, including the aerospace sector,” he told AeroTime. Programs like Meet the KSA Government and WDS Connect have been designed to facilitate direct engagement and actionable partnerships.

Technology in the spotlight

The 2026 edition will sharpen the focus on technology. From live flight and static aircraft displays to the new Saudi Supply Chain Zone, WDS aims to highlight local aerospace manufacturers, MRO providers, and technology suppliers. “These dedicated features are designed to accelerate technology transfer and foster partnerships across the entire defense sector, including aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and broader innovation,” Pearcey said.

Advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems will also be featured prominently at the Future Defense Lab, further underscoring the aerospace industry’s role in multi-domain integration. With Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) as a National Strategic Partner and exhibitors from over 80 countries, WDS has experienced rapid growth. The 2024 edition alone generated SAR 26 billion (almost $7 billion) in signed deals.

Pearcey called the show’s growth “a clear signal of the international confidence WDS has attained,” adding that WDS 2026 is “meticulously designed to accelerate the elements needed for a sustainable aerospace and defense sector in Saudi Arabia.”

From buyer to partner

Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied on international suppliers for military aircraft and maintenance. Today, that model is evolving. Agreements with companies like Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopters are helping shift MRO capabilities into the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is also pursuing co-production and technology transfer agreements in key aerospace segments with companies such as Baykar and Embraer. WDS supports this transition by fostering dialogue and co-investment opportunities.

Pearcey said, “WDS creates an environment conducive to the formation of joint ventures, job creation, and critical technology transfer, all designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s local capabilities while supporting the global industry.” One example is the new Investor Program, which aims to connect international investors with Saudi SMEs operating in high-value sectors, such as aerospace.

Space, talent, and advanced technologies

While WDS 2026 won’t feature a dedicated Space Zone, space-related content is embedded throughout the show. “You may find exhibitors showcasing satellite communication systems, geospatial intelligence solutions, space-based surveillance technologies, and cybersecurity for space assets,” Pearcey explained. These technologies are also integrated into the Future Defense Lab and will be part of discussions in the Content Theater, particularly around the militarization of space and the need for resilient space infrastructure.

Another focus for the show is talent development. The Future Talent Program, run in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will include a new “Defensethon” innovation challenge. “It’s designed to inspire and engage Saudi youth, building the next generation of talent for the defense and aerospace industries,” said Pearcey.

A national ambition on display

Since its launch in 2022, the World Defense Show has mirrored the pace and ambition of Saudi Arabia’s defense-industrial transformation. As the Kingdom expands its capacity in military aviation, drone manufacturing, MRO, and space, events like WDS provide a window into both the progress and the partnerships driving that growth.

“What excites me most is seeing our role in showcasing new technologies and systems that will help define the future of defense,” Pearcey said. “WDS 2026 is an essential platform to attend for anyone looking to contribute to this evolving future.”

Whether Saudi Arabia can truly transition from buyer to aerospace power remains to be seen. However, with billions committed, partnerships expanding, and industrial capacity slowly being built, WDS 2026 will offer a glimpse into where the Kingdom is heading and who it wants to bring along for the journey.

For over 100 years, British Airways has been the nation’s flag carrier, delivering premium service, leading from the front, flying customers throughout its extensive worldwide network.

And those same values that made British Airways a beacon for global airline travel have been faithfully preserved in its newest subsidiary, BA Euroflyer.

Based at Gatwick Airport (LGW), BA Euroflyer launched in 2022, to serve some of the most popular short-haul holiday hotspots from London’s second busiest airport.

Fast forward three years and BA Euroflyer’s fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 planes are busier than ever, with a growing network of over 40 destinations. The most recent addition to the network are Rabat in Morocco and Graz in Austria, launching for the Winter 2025 season.

With its enduring focus towards the future, there is no better time to become part of BA Euroflyer’s unique pilot pathway – Aspiration for Command.

A first officer with the right skills, tenacity, energy and experience will now be able to fulfil their aspirations for command at BA Euroflyer, on the A320 fleet at London Gatwick within the expected timeframe of 12 months.

Working for BA Euroflyer – a culture like no other

From its Sussex HQ at London-Gatwick, BA Euroflyer has established its own confident, bold identity, with a team of connected colleagues who all share the same ambition – to take the airline to new heights.

As a wholly-owned British Airways subsidiary, employees can be sure that they will experience a vibrant and energizing team culture where communication on a uniquely personal level is valued, and colleagues are always central.

BA Euroflyer pilots return to their Gatwick base every evening, whether they’ve flown from Catania or Corfu or from Agadir to Antalya, allowing them to adopt a healthy balance between their career and other important interests and responsibilities.

A fixed pattern roster and a preferential bidding system means flight crew can even preference for early starts or working into the evening, so whether you’re an early bird or night owl, each individual preference is tailored for.

And as part of the wider British Airways’ family, you will also benefit from working alongside colleagues who are also experts in their fields, helping to proudly represent the UK’s flag carrier brand globally. 

The Aspiration for Command pathway

BA Euroflyer’s Aspiration for Command pathway is unmatched, with experienced first officers from any airline able to transition to captain within an expected timeframe of 12 months.

Joining as a Direct Entry Pilot, first officers, who have qualified with the minimum of 2,500 hours flying time, will train alongside BA Euroflyer’s own first officers on the path to becoming a captain.

Those who enter the Aspiration for Command pathway successfully are seasoned, high caliber pilots with strong leadership skills who envisage themselves leading their own aircraft with an airline like BA Euroflyer.

As well as technical training, those on the Aspiration for Command pathway will also undertake a bespoke ‘Essentials for Command’ course.

The course incorporates crew resource management (CRM), along with preparation and supportive flights led by expert trainers, to prepare trainees for the Command Course and developing the skills to lead in operations.

Successful candidates will also spend time in simulators to build on the skills honed as a first officer and further develop these towards a role as a commander.

Why Aspiration for Command is the right move in your career

The Aspiration for Command pathway provides a supportive and defined route for experienced first officers who are looking to move into the left-hand seat and become a Captain.

The program also enables first officers to access a route to command, while benefiting from rigorous training at an airline that is highly respected around the globe for the standard of its pilots. 

What’s more, if you dream one day of flying long-haul as captain for British Airways on the largest aircraft in the world, then there could be no better springboard than BA Euroflyer.

With the right skills and experience, the Aspiration for Command pathway will welcome you into the BA Euroflyer fold, no matter which airline you currently fly for.

It’s a unique opportunity to work for an iconic brand and become part of one of the world’s leading airlines.

Life as a BA Euroflyer commander

Once part of the Aspiration for Command pathway, the benefits to trainees will be immediate and will only continue to grow once fully qualified as a BA Euroflyer commander.

The starting annual salary as a first officer on the Aspiration for Command pathway starts at £78,000, plus allowances of around £14,332.

On successful completion of your command course, your annual salary will increase to £115,460, plus allowances of approximately £25,148, with annual incremental pay uplifts on a 15 point pay scale.

At the point of joining the pathway also earns you a place on the ** British Airways master seniority list, allowing you in the future to bid for how you want your career to develop, whether it be training our future pilots or moving to larger aircraft on British Airways’ long-haul fleet.

You will also benefit from fully funded type rating courses with no bond attached, plus 30 days of holiday per year and of course the excellent travel concessions you would expect across the full British Airways network as well as many other airlines.

Marc Schavemaker, Head of Air Operations at BA Euroflyer, said:
“Joining our Aspiration for Command pathway is a fantastic opportunity for any First Officer with the skills and experience to become a BA Euroflyer Captain. This programme affords the opportunity to build on the leadership, technical, and decision-making capabilities crucial for command; offering an ideal pathway for those seeking to advance their flying careers in our dynamic and growing organization.“

To learn more about the BA Euroflyer Aspiration for Command pathway and to apply visit the airline’s website.

In an age where delivering solutions to keep military aircraft fleets flying is essential, Spantech delivers solutions in a fraction of the time of conventional suppliers, working with clients to provide bespoke and adaptable solutions to meet their changing needs.

Demand for military MRO capacity continues to rise

With demand increasing year after year for military aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, there is an ongoing need for additional MRO capacity to be built to meet this growing demand.

Ongoing global geopolitical instability, paired with renewed great power competition, is driving governments to expand and modernize their military aircraft fleets, which in turn drives a need to keep these aircraft serviceable and flying.

More recently, NATO allies have increased their defense budgets while new military aircraft types continue to be introduced. These new platforms require far more complex and costly maintenance than earlier generations of military aircraft, which, as a result, is driving military MRO spending sharply upward.

According to data analysts at Oliver Wyman, military MRO demand will expand 14 times faster over the next 10 years until 2035 than the sector did between 2019 and 2024. 

However, a global shortage of military MRO capacity is stifling this growth, with a lack of capacity, labor, parts, and engineering expertise all contributing to this bottleneck. The net result of all this is more grounded, unserviceable aircraft, leading to fewer mission-capable hours across air forces worldwide.

Closing the time gap

To close this gap and address the need for more MRO capability in the short term, defense forces require infrastructure that can be delivered in months, not years, so that aircraft fleets can remain operational.

While more traditional infrastructure can take years to establish, from the design stage to customer handover, Belgian specialist firm Spantech has the expertise in delivering MRO facilities in just a fraction of the time over more traditional infrastructure solutions.

Pre-engineered MRO hangars can fulfill that requirement by offering facilities at a predictable cost, with rapid delivery, and the resilience required for military operations.

What Spantech has done is refine and adapt to the specific needs and scale of the aviation industry. With its modular constructive technology, referred to as ‘Construction 2.0’ by the firm, Spantech can design, construct, and deliver effective and durable MRO facilities as MRO customers’ demands and requirements shift.

This is the same method Spantech has used to build film studios, which are currently used by the likes of Netflix, Sony, and MGM.  

Spantech’s highly specialized expertise and knowledge of the market allow the company to exactly understand the needs of the client and suggest solutions to any challenges that may arise.  

Supplying modular military grade hangars to MRO customers

Pre-engineered modular hangars such as those built and supplied by Spantech can compress timelines dramatically, with proven delivery in months instead of years, allowing for more streamlined and reliable future operations planning by air forces.

Spantech’s MRO solutions can provide hangarage quicker and at a lower and more predictable cost than more traditional hangars, with all critical systems (such as doors, firefighting, overhead cranes, and ground pit systems) fully integrated into the final product.

“When it comes to aviation projects, most of the value is in what we do on-site. We have a very smart way of putting together the truss system we manufacture off-site,” explained Romain Genot, project manager for Spantech.

“We have a patent on the foldability of our truss system. You have two parallel rafters, which are the structural beams, and are connected by diagonals. You can remove those diagonals and transport the whole system to wherever you need to install it.”  

Genot compared this way of doing things to the more traditional constructive approach other firms follow, which will involve building the hangar one element at a time. According to Spantech, its methodology allows it to complete projects at least three times as fast as some of its competitors.  

“We do things differently at Spantech. We first assemble the ceiling of the hangar on the ground,” he said. “This is laid out in modules, which are like the ribs of the structure. Then we fit out a liner on top and the electrical wiring. We can also add insulation, sprinkler systems, ventilation, whatever is needed, while on the ground. And then we lift it.”  

Another key difference between a Spantech hangar and a more traditional structure is that the former uses aluminum for its manufacture.

With their patented folded trusses and pre-drilled holes, the same hangar structure could be shipped anywhere in the world with relative simplicity, versus a more traditional structure that may need specialized transportation solutions to get it to the final construction site.

In October 2024, Spantech impressed the MRO industry by announcing that it had completed a huge hangar capable of housing either an Airbus A380 aircraft or four narrowbody aircraft simultaneously at Spain’s Teruel Airport (TEV) in under six months. 

The facility, which was built for French maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) firm Tarmac Aerosave, boasts 34-meter-high walls and a 95-meter span, and was built using its Construction 2.0 modular construction technology. You can read more about this project on AeroTime here.

New MRO hangar at Brussels Airport

In addition to the Teruel hangar, another prime example of Spantech’s capability in the field of pre-engineered modular hangars has just been handed over to its customer.

In July 2025, the company completed the handover of a newly constructed MRO hangar at Brussels Airport (BRU) in Belgium to the customer, SABENA Engineering.

The new military-grade MRO hangar, which was completed by Spantech in just four months onsite at Brussels Airport, demonstrates how this model translates defense budgets into aircraft availability more quickly and efficiently.

The hangar, measuring 75 by 80 meters, with a maximum floor-to-ceiling height of 25 meters and providing 6,000 m² of floor space, is now Belgium’s largest military-grade MRO hangar.

The new hangar can accommodate either a single widebodied aircraft, such as the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, three narrowbody aircraft, or a single example of the Airbus A400M Atlas.

With construction beginning in September 2024, the new facility was constructed on site by February 2025, and following completion, it was handed over to the customer in July 2025 – just ten months from order to handover.

As the hangar was built on the footprint of a previous building, little additional groundwork or preparation was required, expediting the overall construction process. With the structure being built by Spantech at assembly plants in Germany and Poland, the hangar sections were subsequently transported to Brussels, where construction began on site.

Being built off-site meant that a reduced workforce was needed in Brussels, resulting in reduced space requirements at the site itself, with minimal disruption to the daily operations at Brussels Airport.

Equally, as the hangar was built on the footprint of a previous building, little additional groundwork or preparation was required, expediting the overall construction process.

The construction process

Below is a Spantech time-lapse video which illustrates the relative simplicity of the new Brussels Airport hangar, built over the course of months versus years for a more conventional hangar structure.

The video shows how several processes can be conducted simultaneously with Spantech structures, such as the ground assembly and lifting of several sections of the structure and fitting panels that would eventually become the walls of the hangar. This method not only reduces construction time but also the need for on-site skilled labor. 

The new hangar, with its 40-ton vertical lift door, is expected to be used for around 60% of the time on military MRO contracts, while the remaining 40% will be taken up by SABENA Engineering’s commercial clients.

Primarily, the company will be supporting the Airbus A400M Atlas fleets of the Belgian and Luxembourg air forces, with line maintenance capabilities as well as heavy maintenance capabilities also on offer.  

Although lifting a door weighing 40 tons (manufactured by the renowned manufacturer Champion Door) may sound like an onerous task, it is one that the team of engineers at Spantech is familiar with. The door is hung and adjusted with millimetric precision by just one employee using a range.

This level of accuracy required is achieved by designing and pre-assembling the different components in the factory instead of on-site. The controlled environment of the factory allows Spantech to ensure each component will work exactly as designed on a computer once installed in the building. 

Upon handover, the new hangar was already fully equipped with all the ancillary services required for it to be operational from day one.

These included a fire suppression system, plus heating/air conditioning, and a full electrical installation.  Spantech’s in-house expertise in all these fields resulted in the on-time and on-cost handover of the hangar to SABENA Engineering.

Key benefits of Spantech hangars

Other advantages offered by Spantech hangars include that the modular design and construction allow for a higher degree of future-proofing and state of readiness for other potential scenarios. Primarily, its modular design allows for either scaling (enlargement or adaptation) or even the potential for full relocation, making it ideal for military surge operations and rotating detachments of air force aircraft and personnel.

Spantech’s customers have a choice of materials and revetments to use on the walls and roof. Clients can choose between sandwich panels, polycarbonate sheets, and more cost-effective PVC membranes.

Spantech’s team can guide clients through the cost and longevity of each option. Additionally, clients can install solar panels on the roof, should they wish.

The new hangar at Brussels Airport, for example, features a ceiling made up of almost 100% translucent uPVC panels, which not only provide a watertight and insulated environment but also allow as much natural light as possible into the workspace below for precision working on military aircraft and their high-tech components.

A changing landscape

With the landscape of military (as well as commercial) aviation ever-changing, the internal flexibility of Spantech’s hangars can allow for a range of maintenance and other projects, some of which may involve maintenance on uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) or electric vertical take-off/landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and any other requirements that may develop in the coming years.     

Moreover, the materials and construction methods used by Spantech lower lifecycle financial costs and also reduce the environmental impact.

Spantech buildings are designed to last up to 50 years, while the company says it can reduce maintenance costs down to one-third of traditional constructions, with Spantech attributing this in great part to the use of membrane liners, which provide good tolerance towards material fatigue and thermal-induced dilation and contraction. It is also due to the use of inherently corrosion-free aluminum in the framework and galvanized steel elements.

With the ability to drastically reduce the costs of construction and supply of new MRO capacity, plus being able to supply such facilities a fraction of the time that a conventional hangar can take to design and build, Spantech’s solutions provide infrastructure in readiness for the near future’s MRO requirements, as well as providing adaptability for tomorrow’s fleets of military and commercial aircraft. 

According to Oliver Wyman, the global market for military MRO services will total around $97 billion in 2025, but is forecast to grow over the next decade, as MRO costs grow and spending rises at about 1.4% per year. That means militaries could be spending more than $111 billion on MRO by 2035.

Conclusion

The capabilities offered by Spantech hangars will allow the world’s military MRO providers to adapt their maintenance capacity as air forces develop in the coming years in the face of an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

Equally, they will be able to do this with a high reliance on construction costs and timelines, with a trusted solution that can beat more traditional hangarage facilities in both arenas.   

Spantech representatives will be attending MRO Europe, being held in London between October 14 and 16, 2025. 

Mark Searle, IATA’s Global Director of Safety, highlights the significance of holding the conference in China, given the country’s strong safety record in aviation. “Hosting WSOC in China offers a fresh perspective on current safety initiatives,” Searle explains. “The exchange of insights and best practice will help raise safety standards globally.”

Crisis Management: Separating Fact from Fiction
Crisis management will be a key focus at WSOC 2025, with an emphasis on improving industry preparedness. Recent incidents have highlighted the ongoing need for robust crisis response strategies. Searle, underscores the critical issue: “Relying on speculation or unverified experts can distort facts and impede efforts to objectively identify causes and improve safety in the industry.”

At WSOC, experts will explore how the aviation community can better handle crises by eliminating guesswork and focusing on clear, evidence-based decision-making. The conference will stress the importance of building response frameworks that rely on verified information rather than external influences, which can cloud judgment and delay effective action.

Dangerous Goods: Addressing the Growing Threat of Lithium-Ion Batteries
As more passengers carry electronic devices on board, managing dangerous goods, especially lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, has become a critical safety concern. Recent incidents, including fires caused by overheated power banks and faulty batteries, have underscored the risks these devices pose. At WSOC 2025, the focus will be on enhancing cabin crew training to better recognize and manage these hazards.

Experts will explore best practices for identifying potential risks from power banks, laptops, and other battery-powered electronics, as well as emergency procedures for handling battery-related incidents. The goal is to equip cabin crew with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure safety as the number of electronic devices carried by passengers continues to grow.

GNSS Spoofing: Tackling a Growing Threat
Another critical issue to be addressed at the conference is the rising threat of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) spoofing. Although conflict zones have traditionally been the focal point, the scope of GNSS spoofing is broadening, with more isolated incidents being reported. The growing accessibility of spoofing equipment raises alarms about potential risks to global aviation. Attendees will discuss how to move from awareness to actionable solutions, focusing on limiting the opportunities for spoofing and mitigating its impact on operations.

Improving Runway and Wildlife Safety
WSOC will also present groundbreaking tools aimed at improving runway safety. Traditionally, runway safety initiatives have been fragmented, often tailored to specific regions or airports. This year, IATA will introduce a more unified approach, leveraging ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) to create a comprehensive runway safety toolkit. This initiative aims to identify systemic issues, define improvement measures, and establish success metrics for enhanced runway safety globally.

Similarly, wildlife management will be another key area of focus. IATA will unveil a toolbox of recommended practices to streamline wildlife hazard management, emphasizing the importance of a more proactive and coordinated approach to minimizing wildlife-related safety risks at airports.

Risk-Based IOSA: A New Approach to Auditing
More familiar safety themes will also be revisited, including the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which has recently moved ‘risk-based’. This methodology allows airlines to focus on the specific risks that are most relevant to their operations. The shift to Risk-Based IOSA is already delivering positive results. Searle explains, “It challenges airlines to take a closer look at their operations and audits have become more consistent through a single, standardised auditor pool. We’re seeing more positive safety trends as a result.”

Risk-Based IOSA has already demonstrated its effectiveness in improving safety. With over 440 airlines on the IOSA registry, the audits have identified an average of 28 findings per audit, although some airlines have reported single-digit findings, while others have identified as many as 90. The ultimate goal is a downward trend in safety-critical findings over time, something that has already been demonstrated with airlines who have undergone two risk-based audits.

Tackling Emerging Safety Issues
Several other safety topics will be explored during conference, including:

• Aircraft Equipment Mandates: As airlines face pressure to implement mandatory equipment upgrades, the conference will examine the logistical challenges of meeting these requirements, particularly when the necessary equipment is unavailable within the prescribed timelines.

• Spectrum and 5G Mitigation: With the expiration of temporary 5G mitigation measures, there is increasing concern about potential interference with radio altimeters. WSOC will explore how the industry can address this issue and ensure the development of altimeters capable of filtering out such interference.
  
  
• Rescue and Firefighting Services: While airports declare their firefighting capabilities, there’s a growing need for regular checks to ensure these services are consistently meeting operational standards. WSOC will discuss how airports verify their rescue and firefighting capabilities to guarantee readiness in case of emergency.

WSOC: A Pivotal Event for Aviation Safety and Innovation
WSOC is more than just a conference; it is a key event in the aviation industry calendar, setting the stage for advancing safety and resilience across the sector.

Despite the challenges, aviation continues to be one of the safest modes of transport says Searle, “Air travel is incredibly safe, and the topics being discussed at WSOC reflect our unwavering commitment to maintaining that safety record. We expect lively debates and fresh perspectives that will drive the industry to even greater heights of safety.”

Through collaboration and continued innovation, WSOC 2025 will help ensure that aviation remains a model of safety and operational excellence in the years to come.

WSOC will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, showcasing the breadth of expertise needed to continue to drive safety improvements.  Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, and Searle will join forces with industry leaders and safety experts such as Xie Bing, CEO and President, Xiamen Airways; Yannick Malinge, SVP and Chief Product Safety Officer, Airbus; Elmarie Marais, CEO, GoCrisis; Al Madar, VP Operational Safety and Deputy Chief Aerospace Safety Officer, Boeing; and Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, UK AAIB.

Their insights are expected to fuel meaningful discussions and promote collaborative solutions.

View the WSOC Program.

Taking place from 7-9 October at FIL in Lisbon, the 2025 edition will see the CEOs of IAG, TAP Air Portugal, RwandAir, IndiGo, Vueling, and others take to the stage – sharing exclusive insights into the strategies shaping the future of commercial aviation.

With 600 speakers and more than 4,500 aviation professionals expected to attend, WAF 2025 promises a packed agenda covering AI and machine learning, digital transformation, customer experience, airline retail, and sustainability.

Daniel Boyle, General Manager of Transport at WAF organiser Terrapinn, said: “From airline CEOs and airport visionaries to digital innovators and sustainability leaders, this year’s WAF programme is our most ambitious yet. It’s a rare opportunity to hear from the people leading the biggest shifts in aviation today – those driving strategy, deploying new tech, and setting the pace for global aviation.”

This year’s WAF speaker roster includes:

• Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA
• Luís Rodrigues, Chairman and CEO, TAP Air Portugal
• Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir
• Luis Gallego, CEO, IAG
• Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo
• Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO, Star Alliance
• Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports Company
• Carolina Martinoli, President and CEO, Vueling
• Vivian Cheung, CEO, Hong Kong International Airport

The event will feature sixteen conference tracks across three days, each designed to spotlight key innovations and actionable solutions for airlines, airports, and travel tech providers. With 400+ exhibitors, live demos, and dedicated networking spaces, attendees can expect meaningful engagement with decision-makers from across the industry.

To learn more and secure a spot at WAF 2025, visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/WAF25/AeroTime

For details on this year’s speaker line-up, visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/aviation-festival/speakers.stm

This strategic move reinforces AirStart’s commitment to diversifying its inventory, enhancing its share in the ATR/regional aftermarket and ensuring a steady supply of high-quality spare parts for operators worldwide.

AirStart’s Vision & Strategic Rationale

This acquisition supports AirStart’s growth and diversification strategy, ensuring a wider parts portfolio across regional fleets.

By strengthening its ATR aftermarket capabilities, AirStart is responding to growing demand for affordable, reliable spare parts in regional aviation.

AirStart reaffirms its commitment to ATR operators globally, helping airlines extend fleet life cycles, reduce costs and maintain operational reliability.

“This acquisition is another important step in AirStart’s growth story. By expanding our ATR portfolio, we are reinforcing our position as a trusted aftermarket partner and delivering greater value to our customers through reliable, diversified inventory – especially for our North American ATR customers who sometimes struggle with their supply chain.”

Rob Wills, President of AirStart

The ATR family is the world’s leading regional turboprop aircraft, with more than 1,200 in service across 200+ airlines in 100 countries. As ATRs are designed for 25+ years of operation, demand for aftermarket support and replacement parts is increasing sharply. This acquisition positions AirStart to capture a greater share in this fast-growing segment.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to work once again with Aergo and with our long-time partners at AAIM. These projects not only diversify our inventory but also provide ATR operators with timely, high-quality solutions.”

Sam Cupelli, Director of Sales & Acquisitions at AirStart

The aviation industry is strongly based on relationships.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with AirStart.”

Aergo Capital

The dismantling begins at AAIM Morocco in October 2025. Future acquisitions will continue to expand AirStart’s role as a leading aftermarket supplier in the aviation sector.

About AirStart

AirStart provides critical maintenance support to airlines, repair stations and trading partners around the world.

Every day, AirStart helps airlines around the world avoid the multiple negative consequences of grounded aircraft through its innovative Rapid Exchange (RX) program. RX allows commercial airlines and business jet operators to exchange unserviceable parts for replacement components immediately and at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new parts outright.

Supplying consumable and rotable parts for practically every commercial aircraft in the sky, AirStart can be credited with helping thousands of passengers avoid equipment-related delays and helping the aviation industry in Canada and beyond continue to prosper through its efficient cost-cutting services.

As an accepted vendor at over 500 aviation-buying entities, AirStart has credit terms with every single component supplier globally and is AS9120B certified and an accredited ASA member. AirStart adheres to the highest quality standards in existence in the aerospace industry. For more information, please visit airstart.com.

Airline Pilot Club (APC) will soon introduce a pair of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools to enable flight instructors to observe, record, classify, and assess pilot competencies more efficiently. The ‘Project ORCA’ tools will evaluate trainee and instructor performances against ICAO Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) standards.

“The Project ORCA initiative is the next in a suite of AI-powered applications which enhance and streamline each phase of a pilot’s journey – from recruitment and training to operational readiness,” said Cedric Paillard, CEO of APC.

Using a structured, ICAO-aligned framework during training events and flight operations checking, instructors/examiners record pilot actions, decisions and behaviors (Observe). All performance data, including flight phase, exercises, and observable behaviors (OBs), is logged in a structured, time-stamped format (Record). Using an advanced native AI audio and video analysis, the AI system maps OBs to the relevant ICAO competencies and sub-competencies, enabling standardized evaluation across different sessions and instructors (Classify). Then, using the CBTA grading scale (1-5), the AI calculates scores – how many, how often, how well, outcome TEM – and applies pass/remedial/ fail logic (Assess).

The tool generates comprehensive training reports tailored for students, instructors, and management alike. These reports support record individualized pilot feedback by providing heat maps that clearly indicate strengths and development areas. With AI-driven insights, all stakeholders gain a transparent view into competency progress, ensuring that training and assessment are aligned, data-driven, and actionable across every level of the organization.

Instructors remain in control; they can accept, edit, or reject the automated grading evaluation suggestions.

For instructor assessment, the Project ORCA tool analyzes key training events against instructor-specific competencies and Obs duringbriefing, training event, evaluation, debriefing.

“As a data-driven, standardized, evidence-based assessment process, the Project ORCA tools can help airlines and flight schools cost-efficiently ensure regulatory compliance in CBTA/EBT environments, improve instructor consistency and accelerate pilot development,” said Andy O’Shea, Chairman of APC.

The new AI instructor-support tools are being developed in partnership with leading airlines and training organizations, and are designed to integrate with existing training management systems, learning management systems and HR platforms. Following test and validation phases, initial deployment is planned for Q1 2026.

To request a demonstration of the forthcoming APC AI instructor tools, contact roisin@theairlinepilotclub.com.

• Q: What are APC’s new AI-Powered Instructor Tools, PROJECT ORCA?

A: PROJECT ORCA is a new suite of AI-powered tools developed by Airline Pilot Club (APC) to support instructors and examiners in flight training and checking. Using ICAO’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework, PROJECT ORCA tools enable more efficient observation, recording, classification, and assessment of pilot competencies.

• Q: Why is APC launching this now?

A: The aviation industry faces rising training demand, instructor workload pressures, and regulatory emphasis on CBTA/EBT. PROJECT ORCA provides a standardized, data-driven solution to enhance training quality, improve consistency, and support faster pilot development.

For Instructors / Examiners

• Q: Does PROJECT ORCA replace the instructor?

A: No. Instructors remain in full control. PROJECT ORCA provides suggested assessments, which the instructor can accept, edit, or reject.

• Q: How does PROJECT ORCA help during a session?

A: PROJECT ORCA automatically records performance data, maps observable behaviors to ICAO competencies, and proposes CBTA scores (1–5) with pass/remedial/fail logic. This saves time, reduces subjectivity, and ensures consistent grading across sessions.

• Q: What about my own performance as an instructor?

A: PROJECT ORCA also supports instructor calibration. It evaluates key instructor behaviors in briefing, training, evaluation, and debriefing, helping ensure consistency and alignment with best practices.

• Q: Will PROJECT ORCA increase my workload?

A: Quite the opposite. By automating data capture and first-pass grading, PROJECT ORCA reduces administrative burden and allows instructors to focus more on teaching and mentoring.

For Airlines & Training Organizations (ATOs)

• Q: How does PROJECT ORCA integrate with existing systems?

A: PROJECT ORCA is designed to connect with most training management systems (TMS), learning management systems (LMS), and HR platforms through secure APIs.

• Q: What benefits can an airline or ATO expect?

A: Key benefits include:
– Consistency of grading across instructors and locations
– Evidence-based reporting for audits and regulator reviews
– Cost-efficient CBTA/EBT compliance
– Faster trainee progression and reduced training hours lost to inconsistency
– Enhanced instructor development and oversight

• Q: What is the timeline for rollout?

A: Following validation with partner airlines and ATOs, initial deployment is targeted for Q1 2026. Demonstrations can be arranged from late 2025.

For Regulators

• Q: How does PROJECT ORCA ensure regulatory compliance?

A: PROJECT ORCA is aligned with ICAO CBTA/EBT standards and provides transparent, auditable training records. Each assessment includes structured data on how many, how often, and how well observable behaviors were demonstrated.

• Q: Is the AI a “black box”?

A: No. Instructors and regulators can see how the AI mapped behaviors to competencies and how scoring decisions were calculated. Instructors always have final authority.

• Q: Will PROJECT ORCA reports be accepted in regulatory audits?

A: Yes. PROJECT ORCA produces structured, time-stamped reports with full traceability, designed to support regulators in oversight and audit processes.

For Pilots / Trainees

• Q: Does the AI decide whether I pass or fail?

A: No. PROJECT ORCA proposes assessments, but instructors retain final authority over pass/fail outcomes.

• Q: How does this affect me as a trainee?

A: You will receive clearer, evidence-based feedback including heat maps that highlight strengths and areas for improvement. This transparency can accelerate your development.

• Q: Will my personal data be safe?

A: Yes. All data is handled in compliance with GDPR and aviation data protection standards. Only authorized training staff and regulators will have access to your records.

Technology & Data

• Q: What kind of data does PROJECT ORCA capture?

A: PROJECT ORCA captures structured performance data (flight phases, exercises, observable behaviors), time-stamped instructor inputs, and—where authorized—audio/video streams for analysis.

• Q: How does the AI achieve accuracy?

A: PROJECT ORCA uses advanced pattern recognition to map pilot behaviors to ICAO competencies. Its assessments are validated against instructor inputs, with continuous improvement during test and deployment phases.

• Q: What is “advanced native AI audio and video analysis”?

A: “Advanced native AI audio and video analysis” refers to an innovative approach in which PROJECT ORCA processes audio and video data directly to assess various training situations. Unlike traditional methods that rely on converting spoken words into text, PROJECT ORCAskips this intermediate transcription step. This means the analysis is more direct and efficient, focusing on the raw audio and video signals.

PROJECT ORCA models scrutinize these signals to extract relevant cues without needing a human-readable transcript. The analysis targets acoustic features, speech patterns, interaction timing, and contextual markers, rather than just the words spoken. This approach allows PROJECT ORCA to detect behaviors, communication styles, workload stress cues, and procedural adherence even in noisy environments like simulators or aircraft.

For video, when enabled, PROJECT ORCA can recognize gestures, control inputs, instrument scan behavior, and crew coordination patterns. This comprehensive analysis provides a richer and more detailed understanding of the training events. The observations are then fed directly into PROJECT ORCA for pilot or instructor performance assessment, ensuring a seamless and thorough evaluation process.

• Q: How is bias prevented?

A: Instructors retain authority, all AI evaluations are explainable, and datasets are continuously checked to ensure fairness across genders, backgrounds, and training contexts.

Implementation & Next Steps

• Q: When will PROJECT ORCA be available?

A: Initial customer deployment is planned for Q1 2026 following validation in late 2025.

• Q: How can my organization get involved?

A: Airlines, training organizations, and regulators can request a demonstration and participate in the validation phase by contacting APC directly.

According to Eurocontrol’s 2024 Air Traffic Management report, weather was the main driver of airport delays, with 36.2% of en-route Air Traffic Flow Management delays being attributed to adverse weather.

In addition, flight delays can also wreak financial havoc. According to a May 2023 study conducted by California State University, flight delays cost the US economy around $32.9 billion annually. The study also found that airlines and passengers incur direct costs, such as lost productivity and increased fuel consumption.

How can companies use weather to optimize aviation operations?

Weather greatly affects how aviation businesses are run, so it pays to have the knowledge and foresight to use it to your advantage.

The Weather Company (formerly WSI), based in Georgia, US, provides products and services that help airlines and aviation companies use weather to give them a strategic advantage in their operations.

Established in 1980, The Weather Company combines technology with human and meteorological expertise to turn weather intelligence into operational advantages, which allows aviation companies to make confident decisions. 

Leading the company’s enterprise division, including its team of FAA-compliant Enhanced Weather Information Systems (EWINS) meteorologists is the company’s President, Sheri Bachstein.

Speaking to AeroTime, Bachstein shared how she began her career working as a field producer with CBS News in Atlanta, in the United States, and The Weather Channel television network, chasing storms and covering tornadoes. It was here that Bachstein witnessed firsthand the impact that Mother Nature can have on people’s lives.

This further developed her passion and commitment to helping people and businesses make more informed decisions in the face of increasingly volatile weather.
For 20 years Bachstein has held various leadership roles at the company, including the global head of the consumer business, which included all aspects of The Weather Channel, Weather Underground and Storm digital properties, as well as CEO, where she successfully re-established The Weather Company as a stand-alone business with its divestiture from IBM to Francisco Partners. In November 2024, Sheri assumed the role of president where she is now focused on growing its enterprise business. 

“Can anybody mention an industry that is not impacted by weather?” she asked, before going on to explain how almost every business operation in any industry is affected by weather.

All industries, from fashion to pharmaceuticals, be it in production, marketing, logistics or transportation can be affected by weather. While weather affects all industries to varying degrees, aviation is one of the few sectors that is almost bound by weather in its movements.

“If you understand weather patterns, you know you can pick better routes, routes that will make your customers more comfortable, which is definitely the top priority, but can also actually save you fuel and time, and we all know that fuel and time are what cost an airline the most.”

Using weather intelligence for smoother flight operations

With its suite of products, The Weather Company has been providing aviation weather forecasting and real-time aviation weather analysis for more than 30 years. 

A few of The Weather Company’s products include:

Pilotbrief – developed in 1980, this was the first program in the industry to provide aviation weather briefings via dial-up. Decades later, it has now been developed with the latest innovation and technology to meet current operational flight needs. With a connected cockpit and an iPad, pilots can use Pilotbrief to overlay flight routes, access detailed maps and charts including vertical profiles, and generate weather briefings right from their seats. This on-hand access to weather impacts, paired with alerts for EDR, PIREPs, FPGs, SIGMETs, and TAPS, allows for quick in-flight adjustments for safer and more efficient routes.  

Total Turbulence Alerting – this program uses patented real-time turbulence detection, high-resolution, numerical weather modeling and support from highly experienced aviation meteorologists to deliver timely and actionable turbulence alerts and guidance directly to the cockpit through ACARS. Total Turbulence is tailored for transport class aircraft to optimize altitude and route planes and is continuously monitored 24/7 by aviation meteorologists.

Fusion – this is The Weather Company’s flight-following solution that provides real-time global flight tracking for early insight into changing flight, airport, and airspace conditions. Fusion allows airline dispatchers, managers and operations personnel to improve operational efficiency with traffic flow management tools. 

The solution assists passenger and cargo airlines in reducing cost by:

• Optimizing flight plans and lower fuel costs without compromising safety
• Reduce the cost of cancellations, delays and diversions due to weather
• Provide awareness of airport and runway congestion to avoid potential fines

Leveraging the deep operational experience gained from its work with Fusion, The Weather Company has developed its next generation flight following solution, Maverick Dispatch. 

Maverick Dispatch: solving the dispatcher’s paradox

In early April of this year, The Weather Company launched Maverick Dispatch, a global weather and flight tracking solution that transforms how aviation dispatchers handle mission-critical weather and operational data.

Describing it as the “answer to the dispatcher’s paradox,” Bachstein said that Maverick Dispatch turns information overload into operational advantages for dispatchers by delivering the right amount of information needed instead of overwhelming them with data. 

“In today’s complex aviation environment, dispatchers are overwhelmed with data but starved for actionable intelligence,” Bachstein said. “While others are reducing their spend in aviation technology, we’re accelerating efforts. Maverick Dispatch transforms fragmented data streams into clear, contextual insights that enable faster, more informed decision-making.”

Bachstein added that Maverick is easier to use because it’s a browser-based product which improves the user experience. 

“In addition to that, instead of just presenting data, Maverick Dispatch also creates insights with AI that will help a dispatcher make decisions, so it really helps to alleviate that cognitive load,” Bachstein said. “We’ve developed Smart NOTAMs, which transform a traditionally time-consuming process into something fast and clear so pilots and dispatchers can focus on safe flying. Previously, they had to comb through pages of NOTAMs, many of which aren’t even relevant to their flight. Smart NOTAMs use AI to highlight what matters most.”

Bachstein also mentioned the inclusion of terminal airspace convention risk (TrACR) in Maverick Dispatch, a tool that helps airports and airlines anticipate when there is going to be a convective hazard or storm around the terminal areas.

“So they will know which gate of the airport to best fly into. It can help reduce the chance of holding patterns on the ground because of the storms,” Bachstein added.

Breeze Airways and Korean Air are among the first carriers to use Maverick Dispatch’s advanced SaaS Platform.

“The reduced alert fatigue and contextual highlighting of critical information means our team spends less time hunting for data and more time making smart decisions that benefit our Guests,” said Garrett Urry, Manager of Flight Dispatch at Breeze Airways.

“We anticipate Maverick Dispatch’s intuitive and streamlined user environment will significantly enhance our dispatchers’ ability to focus. By providing a clear, unified view of critical information, the system is expected to minimize alert fatigue and allow our team to concentrate on what matters most.” said Dongjun Kang, Dispatcher at Korean Air.

Government and defense weather modeling

The Weather Company’s intelligent weather forecasting goes beyond commercial aviation. 

Believing that climate readiness is mission readiness, The Weather Company has also launched Weatherverse, a platform that helps government and defense organizations with advanced training and simulations for any weather conditions.

Using The Weather Company’s proprietary high-resolution atmospheric forecasting model and superior weather intelligence, Weatherverse was designed to increase mission success, reduce sustainment costs by providing accessible, accurate and actionable weather insights. This will help military personnel make better decisions by assessing the weather’s impact on operations.

“Most military establishments use synthetic weather, but we’ve actually created a plug-in that can go right into simulators that bring real world weather into these environments,” Bachstein said. “Weatherverse Sim really helps to train on real weather so that the team can go back and see how things could have been handled differently, so it can bring in that historic, real weather, especially like a hurricane or a severe storm event.”

Weatherverse also includes Weatherverse Planner, which helps military personnel make better decisions by assessing weather’s impact on operations.

“[Weatherverse Planner] allows a military to select whatever their vehicle is. So let’s say they select a Black Hawk Helicopter,” Bachstein explained. “The planner can pinpoint the weather for that mission. It can help them make decisions like, is the timing of that mission the most ideal? Or if they waited 30 minutes, will the weather improve along that mission’s route? If the mission has to happen at a specific time, then what’s the best way to handle that? What level of the atmosphere would be the best area to fly in? The planner allows them to have better situational awareness for the mission.”

Making weather work for almost 50 years

The Weather Company has been helping companies make weather work for them for 45 years. So, what makes the company thrive in the face of a changing climate? 

Seniority and expertise in the field has placed them ahead of the game. Bachstein said that a lot of other flight-following solutions in the marketplace have to license weather data from places like The Weather Company. 

“We have a proprietary weather model that we created. It’s a physics-based model that is part of our overall forecasting but that helps to really identify these storm scale weather events,” Bachstein said. 

She also said that The Weather Company is not dependent on one source for data, something which Bachstein believes gives the company an edge when it comes to the accuracy of its forecast and how it is made. 

“We use a combination of human expertise and machine learning, or AI–before it was coined AI. We’ve been using machine learning to look at all of those models, all of that weather data, and to distill it down into what is the best deterministic forecast to provide to our customers,” she explained.

According to ForecastWatch, the organization for evaluating the accuracy of global weather forecasts, The Weather Company is nearly 4x more likely to be the most accurate weather forecaster across all geographic regions studied. 

With over 185 patents related to weather forecasting and technology, The Weather Company’s website states that 25,000 flights per day rely on the company for safe passage and operations.

In recent years, Bachstein observed that various companies, not just in aviation, have had a shift in mindset about weather as seasons and climates become more volatile. 

“Weather patterns are getting more and more erratic. Whereas in the past, companies could anticipate movement depending on the season, like knowing what happens in summer. But now, things are happening at really weird times,” she said. “We’re more likely to see abnormal weather conditions and more intense severe weather events, so it’s getting harder for companies to preemptively plan with a high degree of confidence. By partnering with The Weather Company, businesses can reclaim that confidence and make informed decisions despite the increasingly volatile climate.”

Granted, over the past few years, the aerospace industry has been fertile ground for all sorts of revolutionary, sometimes undeniably eye-catching ideas.  

However, Deutsche Aircraft has opted to base its transformative proposal on a well-proven and tested platform. The D328eco is a new 40-seater turboprop aircraft which targets a degree of fuel efficiency and performance aimed at combining some of the best features of turboprops and regional jets. 

The German aircraft manufacturer unveiled the first D328eco test aircraft on May 28, 2025, at its facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, Germany. The company is targeting Q4 2027 for certification and the subsequent entry into service.  

This new aircraft is based on an existing legacy platform, the Dornier 328, which has been revamped and modernized throughout. Some of the novel features of the D328eco include a new propulsion system, which radically improves performance and fuel burn, an advanced cockpit with state-of-the-art avionics, and a modular cabin design with enhanced payload and flexibility. 

What’s more, far from being a mere marketing gimmick, the suffix “eco” underlines the aircraft’s environmental credentials. Although conventionally powered, the D328eco has been designed to have a significantly lower environmental footprint than similar aircraft of previous generations.   

Besides the fact that its engines are designed to be 100% SAF compatible, Deutsche Aircraft promises a significant fuel burn reduction. According to Deutsche Aircraft estimates, the D328eco will burn 50% less fuel than similarly-sized jets and 30% less than turboprops in the same category. 

Thus, Deutsche Aircraft’s approach with the D328eco is to deploy emission-reducing technologies that already exist rather than wait for a zero-carbon breakthrough that may take decades to materialize, if ever. 

The right size for the right markets 

The German firm is positioning the D328eco as an ideal choice for those airlines that wish to expand the capillarity of their feeder network or dip their toes into new markets, with long-term potential. 

Some of the features of the D328eco, such as the capability to land on unpaved runways or the choice of cabin options, which include cargo, combi (passengers and cargo) and medevac versions, also make it an option for some specialized operators. Corporate operations servicing the oil and gas or mining industries in remote locations, or flying groups on safari flights in Africa, for example, are among the missions that the D328eco is perfectly suited to perform. 

It is precisely in Africa, during the AviaDev Conference, which took place in Gaborone, Botswana, in June 2025, that the German company’s Sales Director, Reinhard Schwaiger, underlined some of the elements that make the D328eco a potentially transformative aircraft.  

Speaking with AeroTime, Reinhard said that he sees an opportunity not just to replace the world’s aging fleets of small turboprops, but also to respond to an insatiable appetite for new aircraft that appears to have touched all segments of the market.  

He also remarked on how Deutsche Aircraft encompasses other key elements of the aerospace ecosystem, such as pilot training and maintenance, for which the firm plans to leverage its existing support network (Deutsche Aircraft is currently servicing the currently active Dornier 328 fleet, some 150 aircraft worldwide – ed. note).  

Reinhard explained that the firm is capable of providing turnkey solutions to future D328eco operators. 

You can watch the full interview below. 

While much of the aviation industry’s climate focus has been on cleaner fuels and electric ground vehicles, experts say the people behind daily operations could play just as important a role. From hiring and training to digital systems and flexible work, HR departments are beginning to influence how airlines meet their environmental goals.

Aviation makes up about 2.5% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). And with air travel expected to grow, reducing that number will require change across the entire industry, not just in engineering.

One growing trend is known as sustainability in aviation HR. This means bringing climate awareness into how companies hire, train, and manage staff. It includes looking for employees who understand environmental issues, offering training on topics like energy efficiency, and encouraging low-impact travel to and from work.

Some companies have already started making changes. For example, many airlines in Europe have moved support roles to remote or hybrid work models. This has led to fewer internal flights and commuting, helping cut travel-related emissions by up to 40%. A study from Cornell University and Microsoft in 2023 found that full-time remote work can reduce a worker’s carbon footprint by more than half. Even hybrid models can cut emissions by nearly 30%.

Digital tools are also making a difference. HR teams are switching from paper-based processes to cloud systems, electronic contracts, and online payroll. A 2024 report from the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum found that digital HR operations can lower administrative emissions by up to 30% over five years.

Some companies are also offering green onboarding. One large maintenance provider in the Middle East recently added a sustainability module to its new employee training. It covers things like sorting waste, saving energy, and using lower-emission transport options like e-bikes or carpooling. The company saw a 17% improvement in recycling and a 12% drop in energy use within a year.

As airlines invest more in clean technologies like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electric equipment, they also need skilled people to manage those changes. HR teams are helping by quickly hiring and placing the right staff in new green projects. According to IATA, SAF use is expected to grow from less than 1% of fuel today to 10% by 2030, which means more training and hiring will be needed.

Aviation HR provider Aeroates is one example of a company helping airlines plan for this shift. They work with clients to add sustainability goals to job descriptions, build digital systems, and stay up to date with environmental rules and regulations.

There is also evidence that these changes are good for business. A 2025 survey by Deloitte found that 67% of airline executives saw better employee engagement when HR policies supported sustainability. More than half said their teams also became more efficient.

While aircraft design and clean fuel remain central to cutting emissions, many in the industry now believe people will play a bigger role than expected. Culture, behaviour, and day-to-day choices all matter, and that is where HR comes in.

With just 25 years left to hit net-zero targets, aviation companies are realising that sustainability needs to reach every part of the business. That includes the people who help it run every day. Human resources may not have been part of the climate conversation in the past, but it is becoming a key part of the solution.

Taking place Oct. 14-16, NBAA-BACE will bring the entire global industry together for an immersive, inspirational and insightful opportunity to boldly take the controls as business aviation soars into a promising new era defined by safety, innovation and opportunity.

The excitement will begin with the opening keynote featuring multiplatinum country music artist and accomplished pilot Dierks Bentley, followed by major announcements on the exhibit floor and special events at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) — the home of the reimagined NBAA-BACE Aircraft Connection.

The NBAA-BACE Aircraft Connection is a new format that will provide attendees with the chance to check out the latest ultra-modern jets, powerful turboprops and rugged pistons – with updated displays and new experiences. Get closer than ever to the industry’s most advanced aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cirrus, Gulfstream, Honda, Pilatus, Textron and other leading manufacturers.

The centerpiece of the revamped experience is the Tribute to Flight Pavilion, which will honor aviation history and celebrate the industry’s innovative future and will also host the first-ever golden hour toast to aviation. As the sun begins to set, this gathering will be one of the week’s best moments to network with industry VIPs, colleagues and new connections. 

“Bombardier is proud to showcase our aircraft and actively participate in the important dialogues the NBAA facilitates on critical industry opportunities and challenges. Our team looks forward to connecting with all of our clients, partners and friends this October.”

Eve Laurier, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs, Bombardier

 “Textron Aviation is proud to celebrate our company’s and our industry’s positive impact at NBAA-BACE this October. Business aviation continues to improve lives around the world, contributing to job creation, economic growth, lifesaving humanitarian missions and more.”

Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Textron Aviation

Engagement, education and connection

This year’s NBAA-BACE features three days of expert programming and speakers. New for the 2025 edition of the show, the program is expanded to include:

• Sessions and events tailored specifically for directors of maintenance (DOMs) and other maintenance and operations professionals.

• NBAA-BACE Career Zone with professional career coaching provided by Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching (SBACC).

• NBAA-BACE Military Connect, a new program designed by veterans to equip active-duty service members transitioning into careers in the business aviation industry.

The expanded and interactive NBAA-BACE Flight Deck will host a headline-driving slate of discussions on the industry’s most urgent issues, including the state of the business aviation market. Hear from leaders and policymakers with the DOT, FAA, TSA, CBP as well as Congressional lawmakers shaping the most impactful legislation for business aviation, many of which will be available for meet-and-greet opportunities following their sessions.

A focus on safety

The events of 2025 have sharpened the focus on aviation safety, perhaps as never before. NBAA-BACE will offer unparalleled guidance from the industry’s top safety experts on what the recent series of alarming accidents and incidents means for your business, your aviation team and your approach to a core industry value: safety.

• Single-Pilot Safety Standdown – Covering single-pilot fatigue management, aircraft transitions, top safety threats and accident and incident lessons.

• Small Operators Symposium – Gain the essential tools and knowledge to efficiently and safely navigate the complexities of managing aviation departments.

• National Safety Forum – Review industry developments in safety, the top risks to your flight department, actionable safety strategies and real-world lessons learned.

Without question, the 2025 NBAA-BACE will be the main stage for an essential experience, where you can get up close with the newest business aircraft and next-generation AAM vehicles, meet legendary heroes of flight and witness epic announcements. This is where the business aviation community comes together – not just to do business, but to connect, belong and celebrate the shared passion that unites our industry.

Business aviation is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and the 2025 NBAA-BACE is the only place to find business aviation’s most exciting builders, disruptors and thought leaders – all redefining what’s possible. Be part of business aviation’s most powerful event that promises to be both the showcase and catalyst for the inspiration and innovation defining this exhilarating moment. 

Learn more about NBAA-BACE and register now. 

Established over 70 years ago, with headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois, APS launched its first international presence in Brazil in 2016. Almost a decade later, it has reached another milestone: opening a facility in Malaysia, their first in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

A December 2024 market analysis report by consulting company Skyquest showed a promising forecast for the APAC area. While North America currently dominates the propeller aircraft market, the Asia-Pacific region emerged as the fastest-growing market for aircraft propeller systems.

According to the report, rapid economic growth, increasing air travel and expanding regional connectivity fuel the demand for both commercial and general aviation aircraft within the APAC region.

“As governments and airlines in Asia-Pacific strive to enhance air transportation infrastructure, there is a substantial surge in the procurement of turboprop aircraft to meet the rising demand for reliable and cost-effective aircraft solutions,” the report said.

In the midst of this growth, Fergus Lopez, an experienced figure within the aerospace industry, joined APS as its Managing Director for the APAC region.

In an exclusive interview, AeroTime sat down with Lopez to discover how he established the APS Malaysia facility, how he developed his leadership and communication style, and how his varied life and work experience prepared him for this role.

From aircraft technician to Managing Director: Coming full circle

For Malaysian-born Lopez, fulfilling his current role as Managing Director for APS Asia Pacific is a “full circle” moment, and the culmination of years of global leadership experience in the aerospace industry.  He shared details of his humble origins with AeroTime.

A licensed pilot who flies recreationally, Lopez began his aviation journey in Singapore, when he entered an apprentice program for an aerospace maintenance company.

“I started off turning wrenches fixing airplanes,” Lopez said, describing how during the day he worked for the company, learning the trade as an aircraft technician while attending technical school in the evenings.

Upon graduation, he emigrated to Canada in the late 1980s, to start his technician career with independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider StandardAero in Winnipeg. At age 28, he quit his job and returned to university full-time, graduating with an Honours degree in business from the University of Manitoba and also becoming a proud Canadian citizen. 

Eventually returning to Standard Aero, Lopez progressively filled various positions of increasing responsibility within the company. He held several global roles within the company that took him to the Netherlands,  USA, Australia, Malaysia and eventually back to Singapore. 

He eventually left Standard Aero while in Singapore and subsequently worked in leadership positions with other major Aerospace OEMs and MRO companies, most notably Meggitt, Parker Aerospace, and GKN.  While taking a short sabbatical, he was on a beach in Malaysia learning to scuba dive when he received a call from Dan Colbert, President and CEO of APS recruiting him to lead APS’ Asia Pacific Operations.

It’s been more than two years since that fateful call, and now Lopez has proudly launched the official opening of APS’ Asia Pacific Regional HQ and MRO operations located in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Setting up APS Malaysia: 39th time’s the charm

While Lopez has a regional leadership role for all aspects of APS’ business in Asia Pacific, his immediate task was to find a home for APS’s regional HQ and MRO Operations. Understanding the business needs of APS and what was on offer from a variety of countries in the region, he eventually settled on recommending Malaysia as a location.   

“The first thing on my mind was, ‘how do I start this up with the right talent and people so that it can be an absolute success in the shortest possible time?’,” Lopez said.

Because of his extensive background and work experience in Southeast Asia, Lopez considered talent not just from Malaysia but also from Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.

Two weeks after joining APS, Lopez hired the first two members of his team: the company’s HR Manager and Director of Operations. Together, the trio began the stringent process of hiring the remaining office support team and MRO technicians.  Today, APS is 100% powered by proud Malaysians.

The next task for Lopez was finding the perfect location. Because there were no obvious industrial spots within Kuala Lumpur that had the right size for aircraft maintenance, the team had to look more broadly within a 20-30 kilometer radius around the Malaysian capital.

Lopez and his core leadership team looked at a total of 38 building sites. “We wanted a site that projected professionalism, and could also accommodate growth,” he said.

They finally found the ideal spot on the 39th site. “I immediately saw the potential of the building. It was still under early stages of construction when we found it, but I liked the surroundings, how it sat on the base of a hill with much greenery behind the building and was scalable.” Lopez recalled.

“It’s also close to a logistics park and away from heavy traffic. Everyone gave the thumbs up, and we soon negotiated for the building and started designing the build out.”

The facility, located in Shah Alam, Selangor, will start with propeller system maintenance for ATR 72 and Airbus C295 aircraft, with plans to expand its MRO capabilities over time.

On June 24, 2025, APS officially opened its Malaysia facility, to serve the Asia Pacific region.

APS CEO Daniel Colbert joined Lopez at the opening ceremony, along with special guests and officials such as Chief Minister of Selangor, YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari.

For Lopez, the facility’s grand opening was a celebration and gathering of incredible APS people from around the globe.

“The team exceeded expectations on all fronts, from hiring and qualifying trained technicians, building a state of the art facility and achieving all necessary aviation regulatory certifications in good timing,” he said.

People skills in a technical space

While Lopez has now been in leadership roles for a long time, he very much appreciates his time fixing airplanes as a technician. His lived experiences as a technician have helped him hone his leadership and interpersonal skills, especially within the MRO environment that the majority of his growing team operates in at work.  

Citing the 3P method of ‘Production Preparation Process’ in designing the facility, Lopez suggested that a fourth essential ‘P’ should be included: People.

A great proponent of training and development, Lopez supported APS Malaysia’s team of aircraft technicians to be flown to Lake Zurich, Illinois in the USA, and Atibaia, São Paulo in Brazil, for four-week intensive training, in addition to the on-site training held at the Kuala Lumpur facility.

APS Malaysia currently has a team of 22 aircraft technicians, ranging in experience from two to 15 years. This pioneer team will eventually grow in multiples as more capabilities are introduced. 

According to Lopez, the company is a relatively flat organization by nature, and he encourages and fosters open communication. All technicians have his number, and they can contact him directly when needed. “I walk around the facility often for safety checks and to catch up or chat with the team,” he said.

These walks, he suggested, give the team an opportunity to talk to him directly about ideas or issues. Lopez utilizes those moments to connect and communicate deeper and see the technician’s logic behind the issues they may be experiencing or explore ideas for better operations.

He also understands that open communication, especially in Asia, is not always direct, and stressed the importance of adapting one’s communication and listening skills to a region’s culture. “Asians are generally shy and do not like speaking up in a group scenario or authoritative setting,” Lopez said, adding that this often means ideas and messages are “whispered” rather than directly said.

“What I find encouraging is that people will talk quietly, whisper something, but with this style of communication, you have to give the message an opportunity to float up to the surface,” he added.

“Team members need to know that, even if they are shy to speak up in front of a crowd, there are still other avenues for their ideas to be heard.”

Open communication, albeit indirect, is crucial to safety and quality in the aerospace industry so that employees feel comfortable reporting concerns, leading to proactive hazard identification and prevention.

Lopez’s biggest hope for his team

However, one should not mistake Lopez’s openness and patience in communication style for leniency. In a recent safety day event, the APS Asia Pacific team adopted “No Compromises” as its safety tag line. 

One thing that he doesn’t tolerate is intentional lapses in safety or quality at work. “In the aerospace industry, making mistakes has consequences. Maybe not now or tomorrow, but the consequences are guaranteed to surface at some point,” Lopez said.

“If you want to work in an organization like APS, you must have a good sense of safety and quality within you. We, as a team, must have zero tolerance when it comes to safety and quality deficiencies, and I tell that to my team day in and day out.”

Lopez’s uncompromising rules in work quality also come with fervent hope for his team. 

With his team’s continuous learning and development, he is confident their growth – in both numbers and skills – will prepare them for leadership and conquering bigger challenges.

As a former technician himself, Lopez reckoned that his experience is essential and relevant to his role as Managing Director. “I see a lot of goodness in my current team members at APS and hope that I can inspire them to be the best of the best, and one day lead APS Asia Pacific.”.

In the first half of this year, around 1.1% of all flight departures in Europe (EU, EEA and the UK) were disrupted under the EU261 regulation — either delayed by more than three hours or canceled, aggregated data by compensation management company Skycop shows. Although some of these disruptions were caused by factors outside the airlines’ control, such as severe weather or strikes, the figures still point to a total of €2.2 billion in compensation.

Interestingly, Europe saw a further increase in flight volumes and a significant decrease in disruptions in the first half of 2025. This year, around 6.9 million flights took off in Europe, with 1.1% of them — or approximately 75,000 — classified as disrupted. From January to June 2024, around 110,000 flights out of a total of 6.7 million — or 1.62% — were disrupted.

The highest shares of disrupted flights in the first half of this year were recorded in Finland, which experienced an unusually high number of strikes during the period, and Iceland (both 3%), the Netherlands (2.5%), as well as Belgium and Luxembourg (both 2%). Among the largest European aviation markets, Spain and Italy performed best this year, with a disruption rate of 0.6% — well below the European average. The largest aviation market, Germany, had an above-average disruption rate of 1.2%, yet this marked a significant improvement from last year’s 2.8%.

Skycop’s attorney-at-law, Nerijus Zaleckas, applauds the improved airline performance, noting that it aligns with the expectations of both travelers and regulators. He believes the better figures may be attributed to easing supply chain tensions or simply to airlines and airports becoming more accustomed to growing passenger flows.

“However, 75,000 disruptions this year meant around 10 million affected passengers, with half of these delays considered avoidable. We urge the EU to maintain the current compensation eligibility criteria as a way to pressure airlines to ensure timely and smooth operations. At the same time, doubling the compensation amounts — unchanged since 2004 — should also be considered to account for inflation,” Zaleckas says.

For this data, Skycop analyzed 31 countries: all EU member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, which are part of the EU261 regulation. The United Kingdom was also included, as its UK261 scheme essentially mirrors the European regulation.

The €2.2 billion potential compensation estimate is based on conservative assumptions of 120 passengers per departing flight and a minimum payout of €250. However, up to half of disruption cases fall outside airline liability due to events such as severe weather or strikes, and about two-thirds of affected, eligible passengers never file claims.

Under EU261 regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation for significant delays when departing from EU airports (regardless of airline origin) and when arriving at EU airports with EU-registered airlines. If a departing flight arrives at its final destination more than three hours late, passengers are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.

Currently, the EU is considering changing the compensation amounts to €300–500 and, more importantly, increasing the minimum delay threshold to 4–6 hours. Skycop has repeatedly and publicly objected to these initiatives, as they would reduce the number of eligible compensation claims by at least two to three times.

Since APC’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cedric Paillard, stepped into the role in January 2025, the company has continued to solidify its position as a global leader and innovator in aviation training and recruitment through AI.

During a far-reaching interview, Paillard told AeroTime that embracing AI has enabled APC to help its different stakeholders at a more transformative level from its early beginnings.

“We can scale with AI,” Paillard said. “We can do more with AI than what we used to do in terms of coaching, in terms of advising, in terms of recruitment and training.”

Paillard, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer (CCO), replaced previous CEO Andy O’Shea, who remains actively involved in the company’s progress as Executive Chairman of the Board.

“Andy is very much involved on a day-to-day basis. We steer a little bit differently with this implementation and the use of artificial intelligence, but the mission is more or less the same at the end of the day, which is to connect the people that wants to be airline pilots, the flight school and the airlines,” said Paillard.

Paillard has an extensive history working within the tech industry and aviation, and he has played a leading role in the development and unveiling of APC’s new flagship AI platform, Amelia.

Amelia is a multi-layered tool — it’s the foundation of an integrated AI ecosystem that supports purpose-built apps that assist instructors and cadets across their full training journey.

Apps such as ORCA provide in-aircraft performance grading using Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) logic.

PEBT allows for adaptive, AI-optimized simulator training while MyBriefing provides personalized, competency-focused pre-flight briefing and debriefing.

Amelia also uses a combination of large language models (LLMs) and multimodal inference with systems continuously fine-tuned on anonymized, real-world training data in compliance with GDPR.

At its core Amelia has been designed to elevate aviation training further than ever before, drive deeper profiling, adapt to learning, and provide real-time feedback.   

The platform provides optimum, personalized, evidence-based training that an instructor or head of airline training can validate and implement.

By combining a suite of AI-powered applications, Amelia addresses each phase of a pilot’s journey – from recruitment and training to operational readiness.

“We have the ability to provide personalized recommendations, analyze their strengths and their weaknesses and make recommendations on how they can improve while they are in training in an ATO – or even, for some, when they are in training at an airline,” Paillard said.

‘It’s the ability to recruit the right candidate for the right operation and do this efficiently’

As Paillard spelled out during his AeroTime interview, Amelia allows APC to “cover a lot of ground”, working two-fold on both pilot recruitment and pilot training.

“On the recruitment side, it’s the ability to recruit the right candidate for the right operation and do this efficiently,” he explained.

And on the training side, Amelia integrates seamlessly with Evidence-Based Training (EBT) and CBTA frameworks.

“We’ve made sure that Amelia is learning and has learned everything she needs to know about EBT and CBTA, so she reports using the EBT and CBTA taxonomy and uses the same wording,” Paillard said.

He added: “We save a huge amount of time for the instructor, so they can focus on being an instructor: the teaching part, and the passing of knowledge.”

Amelia has already demonstrated measurable success, helping airlines drive efficiencies in recruitment and enabling them to realize the efficiencies provided by EBT, while improving operational safety and efficiency.

Amelia also helps airlines track competency trends across fleets, reduce training bottlenecks, and prepare candidates for real-world operations faster and with greater assurance.

Early adopter ATOs have seen a 30% reduction in instructor admin time, while airline partners report accelerated decision-making and higher training throughout.

‘Maybe by 2030 we shouldn’t have one training program, but multiple training programs for each of the candidates’

As a leader in aviation training and recruitment through AI, APC – and more specifically, Paillard – has a unique understanding of the technology’s capabilities.

With his high-tech industry background as a foundation, Paillard has been using AI since around 2019 and is acutely aware of how the technology can elevate efficiencies to reach levels previously unimaginable.

“If there is some improvement that you want to do, some efficiency that you want to do, or if there is something that you’re looking for, then AI is probably a right approach,” he told AeroTime.

The swift evolution of AI has even struck Paillard, with APC able to adopt new methods and insights as the technology develops.

“Only six months ago, there were things that we couldn’t do with AI that we can do today. Every month there’s a new technique that comes in and the engineering team and I are sitting down and saying, ‘we could use this’,” Paillard noted.

He believes that, by 2030, APC could be adopting AI predictive adaptive learning, whereby the company will be able to anticipate where pilot candidates will need reinforcement in very specific competencies.

“Maybe by 2030 we shouldn’t have one training program, but multiple training programs for each of the candidates. That would be very exciting to see,” Paillard said.

And for any instructors worried about AI taking over their jobs, Paillard had words of comfort in answer to the biggest misconception he hears.

“It’s not going to happen,” he said. “Not going to happen. This is fake news. It will change, but the instructor will still be required.”

To find out more about how Airline Pilot Club is advancing aviation training and recruitment through AI, visit the company’s website.

View the full video interview with APC’s Cedric Paillard on the AeroTime’s YouTube channel.

Navigating an increasingly crowded airspace, in which the number of drones, urban air mobility vehicles and a whole range of other aircraft and flying objects is only expected to increase, is one of these challenges. 

Fortunately, machine-learning-powered systems are learning to handle increasingly complex scenarios with remarkable precision. 

Switzerland-based Daedalean has emerged as a leader in this field. Founded in 2016 and with offices in Zurich, Switzerland, Riga, Latvia and Phoenix, Arizona, Daedalean has developed a machine-learning-driven avionics system that is capable of steering an aircraft safely and efficiently through the navigationally complex airspace of the 21st century. 

The Swiss firm, which has raised some 80 million Swiss Francs to date (around US$100 million) is currently engaged in conversations with both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to certify its machine-learning-base avionics technology.  

Daedalean uses advanced camera technology to help aircraft navigate environments filled with cooperative and uncooperative traffic. The advantage of this sensor-based approach is that it is data-link independent, allowing the aircraft’s systems to gain full awareness of the surrounding airspace, even in GPA-denied environments.  

The data generated by the sensors is then fed to an onboard computer system which is able to steer the aircraft and maneuver in the most optimal way. 

And in case you were wondering, we are not talking about a theoretical construct. Daedalean’s technology is a tangible reality and has already been tested onboard real aircraft.  

Using a Bell OH-58 helicopter as a testbank, Daedalean successfully tested its platform in flight, integrated into a Moog Genesys IDU-680 flight management system. Moog also actively collaborated in this effort. 

Speaking to AeroTime during the Paris Air Show in June 2025, Daedalean CEO, Bas Gouverneur shared a wealth of information about the firm’s ongoing projects, its leadership in the field of AI-enabled aviation, and outlined his vision for the future of aviation. 

You can watch the full video below. 

But how do airlines manage such peaks and troughs in demand for customer support services while remaining efficient and cost-conscious throughout the business cycle? Simply Contact, Europe’s leading customer support provider, has spent over 12 years delivering personalized solutions to global brands and building strong partnerships in a wide range of business sectors, including commercial aviation. 

As a customer support expert with over 17 years of experience, primarily in the aviation industry, Tamara Maleta, Head of Aviation Projects at Simply Contact, has built her career based on taking a people-first approach, combining operational excellence with a deep commitment to communication and collaboration.

AeroTime recently sat down with Maleta to discuss how the company can assist airlines handling contact center seasonal spikes, and how Simply Contact’s expertise in this field can help airlines achieve a whole new level of customer support across the business cycle. 

Challenges and opportunities

The conversation with Maleta began by discussing the biggest challenges that airlines face in maintaining service quality while also controlling costs in the face of fluctuating customer service demand throughout the year. 

“Seasonality is absolutely one of the defining characteristics of airline customer service,” explained Maleta. “From my experience, the biggest challenge lies in balancing scalability with efficiency. During high seasons, like summer holidays or winter breaks, support volumes can double almost overnight. Airlines must respond quickly to surges in bookings, rebookings, cancellations, and inquiries across multiple channels and languages. But once the peak ends, demand can drop just as sharply.”

“The real difficulty is that overstaffing during low season leads to unnecessary costs, while understaffing during peaks leads to long wait times, frustrated passengers, and reputational risk. And since customer expectations are rising (people want fast, seamless support on the go), there’s little room for error,” she added.

“Another major challenge is agent burnout,” she continued. “We have seen how quickly pressure can build during peak periods. Without the right planning and support structure, performance starts to slip, and that impacts both service quality and employee retention. At Simply Contact, we have tackled this with agent cross-training and flexible staffing structures that allow us to reallocate agents based on live demand. It is not just about having enough people – it is about using them smartly.”

To explore these concepts in more detail, Simply Contact has recently published a whitepaper entitled ‘Aviation’s Highs and Lows: Adapting Customer Support to Volume Spikes.’ Maleta explained that the paper includes insights from Simply Contact’s airline partners, data-backed strategies, and a case study on how the company has helped one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines reduce average handling times (AHT) by 30% while maintaining a 95% rate for first contact resolution (FCR).

You can access the Simply Contact white paper here to explore how smart planning and outsourcing can help your airline customer support function be ready for anything.

Flexibility is the key

The subject of business process outsourcing (BPO) has often been an issue for the airline sector, as most large BPO providers follow a standardized model where each team member’s role is defined and documented. However, traditionally, airlines have struggled with mainstream BPO models as these limit their ability to scale up and down as seasonality dictates. But why do these traditional BPO models limit airlines’ ability to scale customer support up and down effectively? 

“In my experience, the traditional BPO model, where agents are tied to fixed roles, single channels, or narrow scripts, works well in stable environments, but it falls short in aviation,” explained Maleta. “Airlines operate in a constantly shifting landscape, where one day can look completely different from the next. A fixed model cannot keep up with that level of variability.”

“One of the main issues is inflexibility. When each team member is locked into a single task or channel, it becomes very difficult to redistribute workload during a sudden spike or drop in volume. For example, if voice support is overwhelmed but your chat team is underutilized, a traditional setup will not let you shift resources quickly. That leads to long wait times on one channel and idle agents on another, which hurts both service quality and cost-efficiency,” she added.

“There is also a risk of slower response during crises. Airlines need partners who can adapt in real time to weather disruptions, system outages, or unexpected promo spikes.”

“At Simply Contact, we have moved away from this rigid structure. Instead, we cross-train our agents and use a blended support model. This model trains agents to handle multiple channels and dynamically shift between them based on live demand. For instance, when call volume drops, agents pick up chat tickets. This setup only works when volumes are low or moderate, but during those periods, it is incredibly effective and allows us to avoid reducing headcount.”

Improving operational efficiency

While adopting a less rigid structure, Simply Contact can improve operational efficiency. This makes the company’s operational structure stand out from the crowd, an advantage that has been capitalized upon by at least one leading European low-cost airline. But how do such advantages differentiate Simply Contact from other providers in the field of customer support services? 

“What sets us apart is our ability to stay both flexible and efficient, especially in industries like aviation, where service demand can shift dramatically from week to week,” confirmed Maleta. “We’ve built our operational structure around adaptability without losing sight of performance or cost control.”

“A great example is our ongoing partnership with one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines. Their customer support volumes fluctuate heavily throughout the year: during high seasons, demand can spike by more than 50%. Instead of constantly scaling teams up and down, we apply a blended support model where agents are trained to work across voice, chat, and email,” she added.

“During the high season, calls are a priority. And during low seasons, instead of reducing headcount, we reallocate agents to other verticals or non-voice tasks like loyalty program support. We also maintain a pool of bilingual agents who can switch between languages. That way, we keep utilization and cost efficiency high and preserve product knowledge year-round. The result is an operation that is not just scalable but sustainable – and that’s exactly what airlines need today.”

Measurable results

But how does adopting such work practices and the overall strategies that Simply Contact can provide to a business have such a positive effect and work so effectively in the airline sector?  Furthermore, what are the metrics by which an airline can evaluate results, having adopted these strategies to meet seasonality trends?

“By adapting our model to match the airline’s seasonal fluctuations, we achieved truly impactful results in terms of efficiency and service quality,” commented Maleta. “For example, we maintained an 85% average utilization rate across the entire year on our main aviation project. That is important because it shows we are not just managing peak volumes well but also using resources efficiently during low seasons, without overstaffing or idle time.”

“We also helped the airline reduce average handling time (AHT) by 30%. On one of the most high-volume lines, we brought AHT down to two minutes and 45 seconds, which was well below the contractual target. That improvement alone had a big impact on speed, customer satisfaction, and operational cost,” she added.

“Another key win was increasing call productivity from eight to 12-13 calls per hour, even during quieter periods. We achieved this without adding pressure to agents, thanks to better training, optimized scripts, and flexible channel allocation. All of this contributed to significant cost savings for our client, especially compared to maintaining a large in-house team year-round. And the airline did not just save money, it kept service levels consistently high, regardless of season.

You can find out further details on Simply Contact’s successful relationship with one of its European low-cost airline clients by following this link. 

Workforce forecasting

Yet, Simply Contact believes that setting realistic targets and surpassing them wherever possible is just one piece of the puzzle. Another important aspect of the strategic thinking employed by the company when evaluating a client’s requirements is that of workforce forecasting, and especially how this can ensure that airlines can maintain service quality, regardless of season.  

“Workforce forecasting is critical,” commented Maleta. “It is the foundation for maintaining service quality and cost control in an industry as dynamic as aviation. Airlines do not just face regular seasonal peaks but also deal with sudden shifts caused by weather, strikes, or last-minute sales. Without solid forecasting, even the best teams can find themselves underprepared,” she added.

“At Simply Contact, we work closely with our airline partners to combine historical data, real-time metrics, and external signals, like public holidays, flight schedules, or past campaign performance, to predict demand as accurately as possible. That is what allows us to stay ahead of the curve.”

“But forecasting alone is not enough. You need a structure that can act on it. That is where outsourcing becomes a real asset. Our teams are built for flexibility. When we see a surge coming, we can quickly scale support using trained agents who already know the brand and systems. During quieter periods, we reassign those same agents to other projects or non-voice tasks,” she added.

“This model ensures that we are not scrambling during a spike or sitting idle during a lull. Forecasting helps us make smart decisions, and outsourcing gives our clients the tools to respond fast without sacrificing quality.”

Future-proofing customer support

But while seasonality is commonplace and can be planned for to a large degree, not just in aviation but in other industries too, how can airlines in particular future-proof their customer support strategies to adapt to sudden spikes in demand? 

“The key to future-proofing airline customer support is building agility into the core of your operations,” explained Maleta. Spikes in demand are not just seasonal. They can come from anywhere: sudden weather disruptions, tech outages, viral promos, or even global events. Airlines need systems that can scale fast without breaking,” she said. 

“It starts with flexible team structures. At Simply Contact, we train agents to work across channels and reassign them quickly based on demand. This prevents the chaos of emergency hiring or underused teams. We use real-time data to monitor volume, queue pressure, and trends as they happen. That visibility helps us act before service levels drop,” she added.

What will the future look like?

So, while Simply Contact’s customer support services have been developed over many years and are tailor-made to the specific client’s requirements, the company is fully aware that the passage of time means these processes need to evolve. But, with that in mind, what trends does Simply Contact see shaping customer service in the airline industry over the next few years? 

“One of the biggest trends I see is a shift toward greater flexibility in both technology and people,” commented Maleta. “Airlines are realizing that customer service cannot be static. It has to adapt to fast-changing passenger expectations, unpredictable demand, and global disruptions. The focus is moving away from volume-based models toward value-based partnerships, where BPO providers are expected to contribute not just agents but strategic insight, performance improvements, and resilience.”

“Personalization at scale will also continue to grow. Passengers expect more than standard responses; they want context-aware support that understands their preferences, history, and needs. That will require better CRM integration, more empowered frontline agents, and thoughtful use of automation,” she added.

Another trend is the blending of digital and human services. “AI will keep evolving, but it will not replace people – it will enhance how they work. The future is hybrid support: AI for speed and consistency, humans for empathy and complex problem-solving.”

“Finally, I see more airlines investing in specialized, aviation-experienced BPOs – partners who understand the unique pressures of the industry and can deliver tailored solutions,” she explained. “That is what we are committed to at Simply Contact and why our clients choose to stay with us. We recently celebrated five years of partnership with one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines and are excited for more milestones ahead.”

Looking ahead

With the international airline industry continuing to expand, and with the number of passengers flying annually also increasing exponentially, the pressure on airlines to provide exemplary customer support will undoubtedly remain in the years to come. And while seasonality of demand for such services is unlikely to disappear either, airlines can benefit from Simply Contact’s team of experts to ensure that their customer support provision remains fit for purpose. After all, developing a base of satisfied customers is what will allow any airline to thrive in the future. 

Smart Regulations leverages TrustFlight’s Agentic AI framework, giving users the ability to interrogate global regulations through a modern chat-based interface for instant clarity. Its detailed amendment tracking and side-by-side comparisons, combined with effortless sharing capabilities, allow for seamless use with any Safety Management System (SMS), Quality Management System (QMS) or document authoring platform, including TrustFlight’s leading Centrik 5 QMS/SMS platform.

“We’re seeing major shifts in how organizations operate, and Agentic AI systems are at the forefront of delivering radical leaps in efficiencies,” said Kaden Oseen, AI Product Manager at TrustFlight. “Before Smart Regulations, organizations had to rely on regulatory SMEs to interpret updates and spend considerable time comparing regional requirements to create compliant SOPs. Now, Smart Regulations eliminates that back-and-forth with specialized AI agents that deliver instant clarity—saving time and reducing compliance risk.”

Designed for safety and compliance professionals, document managers, and regulatory authorities, TrustFlight’s Smart Regulations platform delivers precise, in-depth responses to regulatory inquiries. Each response is supported by direct references and citation links, ensuring transparency and traceability. This enhances efficiency and depth in regulatory assessments, improving overall compliance reliability.

“AI is rapidly transforming the aviation industry, and with Smart Regulations, we’re bringing that transformation to the core of compliance,” said Karl Steeves, CEO of TrustFlight. “Smart Regulations offers a smarter, more efficient way to manage regulatory requirements—empowering organizations to meet today’s complex demands with confidence, even in an industry that rightly exercises caution with emerging technologies.”

Smart Regulations is available globally to every segment of aviation including airlines, airports, business aviation, regulatory authorities, special mission operators, and more. Those interested in understanding potential use cases are encouraged to reach out to TrustFlight’s technical experts for a live demonstration of the platform.

EBACE by the EBAA

For the first time, EBACE is now run solely by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). Following an amicable and constructive transition from our former partners at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), this shift marks more than a change in management: EBACE25 will be the first show that is truly by the industry, for the industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the EBAA is committed to serving the needs of its members. That same ethos now shapes EBACE itself.  We’ve taken time to listen to stakeholder feedback, and across the industry people are calling for more efficient networking, better access to decision-makers and content that inspires. Our aim is to create the most valuable experience possible for our exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and media partners.

Proceeds from the show are reinvested into promoting and protecting the interests of Business Aviation across Europe. EBACE is now a strategic tool to advance the community’s ambitions, with networking at its heart.

A reimagined show floor

This year’s edition, taking place from 20 – 22 May 2025 at Palexpo in Geneva, reflects a bold reimagining of what EBACE can and should be. From the moment attendees step into the venue, they’ll experience something different.

We’ve completely redesigned the show floor. Visitors will find a streamlined, high-energy environment built for connection. A centrally located registration zone, five dedicated networking lounges and three dynamic conference stages ensure that no matter your interest – operations, innovation or strategic insight – there’s a space built for you.

This is the layout that maximises footfall to exhibitor booths, whist offering ample opportunity for meaningful conversations. The addition of networking lounges and pods designed to host private meetings for up to four people, EBACE makes it easy to catch up, talk business or forge new partnerships in a comfortable setting.

Enhanced conference content

One of the most exciting new elements of EBACE25 is our refreshed conference programme. Designed to spotlight the trends shaping Business Aviation in Europe, the agenda spans three major stages: AIROPS, Innovation & Sustainability and the Flight Daily News Live stage. Each space delivers content tailored to its audience, from operational best practices and regulatory updates to breakthrough technologies and sustainability pathways.

FlightGlobal editors will host a daily “Behind the Headlines” segment each morning, followed by a “Big Interview” that brings prominent industry leaders to the stage for candid conversations about the future of our sector.

Alongside, attendees can explore developments in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), more sustainable propulsion and digital transformation on our Innovation & Sustainability stage. The AIROPS agenda will cover a range of topics such as anti-tankering, taxation and cybersecurity.

Unmatched networking opportunities

The changes go beyond structure and content. For the first time, we’re introducing the EBACE Welcome Celebration. On the afternoon of Tuesday, 20 May, the industry will gather in the Central Networking Lounge to reconnect over drinks and music. It’s a moment to celebrate the resilience, creativity and community that define our sector. The special evening will offer the chance for guests to ease into the energy of the show and celebrate what brings us all together, while setting the tone for a new chapter in the show’s evolution.

Some will notice the absence of a static display this year. That decision wasn’t taken lightly. Planning an event of this scale usually takes more than a year. Given the transition timeline, we made a strategic choice to prioritise content, community and return on investment (ROI) over tradition. Many of our members have told us that real business happens on the show floor. By shifting resources toward content quality and networking infrastructure, we’re enhancing the show’s core value proposition.

The enthusiasm from across the sector has been encouraging. Confirmed exhibitors already include industry leaders like Lufthansa Technik, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, GoGo Business Aviation and Falcon. Equally exciting is the diversity of companies joining us, ranging from tech innovators and SMEs to sustainability pioneers. Their voices are essential to the future of Business Aviation and EBACE is evolving to amplify them.

The future of EBACE

It’s worth emphasising that EBACE25 is a transitional edition. We knew some longstanding participants wouldn’t be able to adjust their plans in time, so rather than dilute the experience, we opted to focus on quality over quantity, while laying the foundation for a stronger, more impactful return in 2026. This is a long-term vision. Europe needs a central gathering for Business Aviation, a hub of innovation, collaboration and commercial momentum. EBACE is that hub.

The measure of EBACE’s success isn’t how many people attend or how many square metres are sold. It’s whether we, as an industry, leave more informed, better connected and more capable of driving meaningful progress. That’s the responsibility we’ve taken on.

This is more than a facelift. It’s a fundamental reset that aligns the event with the unique challenges and opportunities our industry faces. We can’t wait to welcome you in May as we unveil a completely reimagined EBACE.

The need to disrupt comes from a fundamental belief that it is only when you push, shake and probe that you discover the solutions that will make a real difference to your customers.

“The reality is from the passenger’s experience, copy and paste does not deliver the best experience. It delivers yesterday’s experience,” said Lee Clark, Senior Vice-President Strategy at Rosen Aviation. “Rosen sees part of its role in the industry, to provoke, to push, to drive, to engage and to create meaningful change, meaningful positive change.”

And since 1980, Rosen Aviation has been doing just that, rising to become a global leader in providing aviation displays, IFE technologies and cabin electronics to the VIP aircraft, business aviation and commercial flight markets.

While hard work has certainly played its part in Rosen Aviation’s success it’s the company’s passion for innovation and a redefinition of the relationship between a customer and provider that really sets it apart from industry rivals.

AeroTime spoke with Lee Clark to understand what drives Rosen Aviation, the ethos behind the passion and the pivotal role the company has played in reshaping the capabilities of the aircraft cabin.

‘Innovating on the experience’

Based in Eugene, Oregon, Rosen Aviation has grown to work with some of the powerhouses in the aviation industry such as Gulfstream, Boeing and Greenpoint Technologies.

The company’s founder, John Rosen, was himself a colossal innovator who invented the first translating aviation sun visor and introduced the world to in-seat LCD screens.

His creative mind set Rosen Aviation on a trajectory to transform the aviation world and laid the foundations for the company’s emergency as a frontrunner in the industry.

“I think John’s perspective on innovation and the application of technology has stayed with Rosen, right the way through innovation is one of our core tenets. It’s why we’re thought leaders. We actively search out what’s possible,” explained Clark.

Today, Rosen Aviation focuses on “providing solutions for an enhanced passenger experience in tomorrow’s aircraft cabin” while working within the business aviation, commercial aviation, Tier 1 providers and VIP markets.

The company includes a workforce of more than 65 team members working at a 45,000 sq. ft site where engineering, design, testing, manufacturing and production all happen under one roof.

Technologies designed, developed and installed by Rosen Aviation include high-quality video displays, touch screens, audio solutions, cabin management systems, IFE systems and other related avionics equipment that improve the functionality and comfort of aircraft.

“Our roots are in displays and IFE, but the reality is, we’re incredibly good at aviating technology, whether it’s consumer or other technology, we’re incredibly good at working out how to get it on a plane and going through the certification process to achieve that,” said Clark.

He added: “When a customer comes up and says, ‘I’ve got a dining room and I want to put projectors in the ceiling and have 360° floor-to-ceiling wall projection’, they come to us because they know we can make it happen.”

The here and now

Recently Rosen Aviation announced what it described as the “most impactful announcement in our organization’s long, storied history”.

After setting a goal to provide a “highly capable, innovative one-stop-shop for all cabin electronics needs”, on April 2, 2025, Rosen launched Celestia – the world’s first operator designed Cabin Management System (CMS) for VIP, business and commercial aviation cabins.

Since 2007, Celestia CMS had been used by an industry-leading VIP aircraft operator. Now, the two companies have collaborated to further develop the system and introduce to new customers.

The CMS aboard an aircraft allows passengers and crew to control and adjust various aircraft functions, including lights, cabin temperature and audio-visual entertainment options.

“Priority number one was reliability. It doesn’t matter how fancy and wild the technology is. It’s for nothing if it doesn’t actually work. So, reliability, and it is outstanding reliability. In almost 20 years of failures, you’re in the single digits over that period,” said Clark.

Developing the CMS with an operator meant Rosen Aviation could understand exactly what the passenger end user’s needs truly are and as Clark explains it’s a “very different lens to be looking through during the development process”.

While Rosen Aviation is launching Celestia in the VIP aircraft market, this will be followed by the business jet sector and eventually commercial planes.

“It’s unique. There’s nothing like it. It can be as simple or as redundant and complicated as you want. It works with just about everything on the market. And it’s simple to configure, simple to install, and easy to run and operate,” explained Clark.

The Rosen Aviation approach

“Right from the first contact with a new customer, we encourage them to think outside the traditional paradigm” – Clark

Rosen Aviation’s approach to its custom aircraft cabins is not solely about innovative technology but innovative experience and it’s this ethos that allows the company to push further than its competitors.

“Can we transform the experience? It’s not just about a better mouse trap, it’s whether we even need one at all. It is a completely different thing,” quips Clark.

According to Rosen Aviation, customers are now asking for the same experience on an aircraft as they have at home and now even receive in their cars.

“They’re getting substandard experiences [on aircraft] because people are afraid of the risk,” explained Clark. “Do your due diligence and find a company that has a track record of delivering on their promises. Partner with a company that has a track record of delivering the latest technologies in a respectable time frame.”

Clark added: “It’s no good putting technology onto a plane five years after it comes out, the world has moved on at that point, especially in the VIP world, where people do want the latest and greatest. So, from a procurement perspective, go find good partners, lean into them, work collaboratively.”

Part of the success of Rosen Aviation delivering as promised to its customers is the emphasis placed on engineers understanding the customer’s brand and using their expertise to guide the process.

“One of the first questions you’ll hear from our engineering team now is “okay, I’ve read the SOW (Statement of Work) I’ve seen the specification. Now, help me understand what’s the intent, what’s the purpose, what’s the experience you’re trying to create?’” said Clark.

“And they’ll push back, and say, ‘well, if that’s the experience, this is not the right way to do it. Here’s what you need’, and then it’s a truly joint development process. And I think that really differentiates us to many of the competitor’s organizations out there who are still engineering driven.”

Excelling where others can’t

Rosen Aviation highlights its agility as a contributing factor to the company’s success and its ability to take on projects that larger technology companies can’t.

“We’re small, we’re lithe, we’re agile, we’re responsive. We deliver on time, and we deliver what we promised,” said Clark.

One project that Rosen Aviation is particularly proud of is the unveiling of the world’s largest aviation IFE display – a 97-inch OLED screen – which was approved and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

“Here is a piece of Rosen that is fearless, but I’d counter that by saying it is absolutely categorically not reckless. We’re incredibly risk averse, like everybody, but we’re sufficiently experienced to be able to leverage that experience to realize what we can do, what we can’t do. And when we say, ‘Yes’, we can, we have a level of confidence based on our 45 years of experience that allows us to push the boundaries,” said Clark.

The 97-inch OLED screen epitomizes Rosen Aviation’s ability to offer “boutique solutions” to its clients that push the boundaries and innovate.

“If a VIP customer came to us and said, ‘I’ve got a really big plane and I want a 200-inch display, can you make me one?’ The answer is, yes. ‘Can you make me one in less than 12 months?’ Quite probably,” said Clark.

Clark describes Rosen Aviation as the high-end of interior aircraft solutions for customers that want that extra, premium product.

“Think of going to Savile Row for a suit. It’s the very best materials. It’s literally the best suit you can possibly buy. It’s definitely not the cheapest suit, but it is the best suit, and it is exactly tailored to you,” added Clark.

LeftField Labs and AI frontier

Perhaps unsurprisingly Rosen Aviation has been utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for many years as part of its design processes and is acutely aware of the technology’s capabilities.

However, Rosen Aviation is also aware that its success is down to the human intelligence of its engineers.

“We use AI intelligently. Basically, use AI for its best advantages. Make ourselves more efficient, to come up with a better solution. It’s one tool amongst many, but we put a great emphasis on the human element at Rosen and I think that that will always continue to be the case,” said Clark.

Rosen Aviation’s future products are crafted and designed in its LeftField Labs – think James Bond kit for the aviation industry.

“Left field labs came out of sort of customer demand, but also an internal demand for the James Bond experience of going out in the marketplace. Seeing what customer consumer trends and technologies are taking place and how we can adapt those, if they can be adapted, or what some of the barriers are,” explained Clark.

Among the incredible concept products are digital windows and skylights that use 4K OLED displays and holographic controllers for touchpads, keypads, sliders and more.

“Innovation is, is a critical element of what we do here,” said Clark.

Rosen Aviation was present at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, which was held between April 8 and 10, 2025, in Hamburg, Germany.

To learn more about Rosen Aviation visit the company’s website.

Dr. Gerald Cook, an adjunct professor of Business at the college, and his wife, Diane, who retired from higher education, have made a multimillion-dollar estate gift that reflects their deep commitment to empowering faculty and fostering academic excellence.

Once realized, the Diane and Gerald Cook Endowed Fund for Excellence will provide vital resources for curriculum development, cutting-edge research and the integration of new learning technologies. It will support students and faculty by funding merit- and need-based scholarships, professional development opportunities and experiential learning initiatives, including internships, study abroad and collaborative projects. Additionally, the fund will advance emerging initiatives, ensuring the college remains agile and able to address new opportunities.

“Diane and I are pleased to fund the endowment,” said Gerald Cook. “Teaching in the Worldwide College of Business is an enriching complement to my airline career, and assisting students in obtaining a high-quality, online degree is a privilege.”

The couple have strong roots in higher education. Diane, who graduated from the University of Miami with an MBA, served at her alma mater as vice president and treasurer and retired after 30 years of service to the university.

Gerald has decades of experience in aviation from pilot to airline flight operations manager from 1978 to 2010. He became an adjunct professor in the Worldwide Campus College of Business in 2001, teaching economics and airline management. His development of the cornerstone course for the graduate program in airline operations has played an integral role in shaping future leaders in aviation.

“We are so grateful to Diane and Jerry for their generous leadership,” said Maneesh Sharma, dean of the Worldwide Campus College of Business. “It will transform the college and inspire others to contribute to the vibrant and collaborative culture that defines the College of Business at Worldwide.”

This gift underscores the growing strength of the college and highlights its ability to inspire major investment in its programs, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in business education.

Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus currently ranks No. 12 overall in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings.

To learn more about business degrees and opportunities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

The arrival of the two Pilatus private aircraft brought Honda’s vision to life, enhancing the development of Japan’s private and business travel market by providing clients with access to previously underserved routes across the country.

The project, a collaboration between Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft and OpenSky, was the product of Honda’s ground-breaking idea and Pilatus’ determination to introduce its aircraft into new markets around the globe.

Since launching in 2018, OpenSky has offered its customers the freedom of fractional fleet ownership while traveling on aircraft that can operate on shorter runways, enabling them to avoid Japan’s larger airports.

In Japan, business aviation has only really taken off within the last decade, as passengers have discovered how much easier it is to fly rather than travel by road or train. Fractional executive aircraft ownership is also relatively new.

The OpenSky network has proven successful in enabling business aviation travelers to reach their most sought-after destinations, which are not served by regional airlines and would be too time-consuming to access through other transportation methods.

As the company’s popularity increased, Honda recognized the need to expand his fleet and to bring on board the aircraft that would power OpenSky to the next level.

In 2020, with this in mind, Honda, a qualified pilot himself, turned to Pilatus and its PC-12 NGX and PC-24 business aircraft.

Known for their efficiency, cost effectiveness and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and PC-24 were the perfect fit, and Honda was determined to introduce the aircraft to the Japanese market.

However, the acquisition of the aircraft posed its own challenges as the infrastructure to service and maintain the PC-12 and PC-24 would need to be in place for OpenSky to operate the new fleet successfully.

Establishing a new business model (fractional ownership) on a new aircraft type in the region required close collaboration with the investors, who saw OpenSky as a relatively small new start-up.

However, working together in partnership and with the same fierce determination, both Honda and Pilatus were committed to overcoming all obstacles that stood in the way.

Finally, in 2020, Honda signed a contract with Pilatus to bring the first PC-12 and PC-24 to Japan and the project attracted the support of an investor impressed by OpenSky’s expansion and plans for growth.

‘I can say we have the best aircraft in Japan’

Honda and Pilatus’ drive to bring the first PC-12 and PC-24 to Japan has since paid dividends for the company and plans are now in motion to offer private flights to South Korea and parts of China at some future point.

Such was the success of the project that in 2024 OpenSky received its second PC-24, and it now plans to continue adding more Pilatus to its fleet in the coming years. 

“Adding brand new aircraft is always an exciting event. Our company mission is to bring more aviation to people. We are making great progress in advancing our mission in Japan and the East Asia region,” said Honda in March 2025.

The response from OpenSky customers to the PC-12 and PC-24 has been extremely positive, with some clients who own an aircraft opting to use the service provided by Honda and his team.

“One of our co-owners has his own Global 7500 and he used to fly in his Global even for short Japan domestic flights. After he tried the PC-12 and the PC-24, he travels more frequently in Japan and loves flying in Pilatus,” explained Honda.

He added: “And it’s not only him. Also, the other co-owners and people who flew in our Pilatus have been very satisfied with the flight experience.”

When asked how Pilatus aircraft have exceeded his expectations, Honda highlights the comfort of both PC-12 and PC-24’s cabins compared to other aircraft of their size.

“I can say we have the best aircraft in Japan… except perhaps the ultra-long-range jets,” said Honda.

The aircraft

The first Pilatus PC-12 NGX was delivered in July 2020 to a customer in the UK. The aircraft is certified for single pilot use and features a Pratt & Whitney PT6E engine.

Part of the PC-12 family, Open Sky’s NGX offers an executive interior that can carry up to six passengers, includes larger cabin windows, inspired by the PC-24 jet and passenger seats which convert into a flat bed.

Widely praised, the PC-12 NGX turboprop comes with a range of up to 1,800nm, maximum cruise speed of 290 knots and takeoff distance of 2,485 feet.

The PC-24 business jet was first delivered in February 2018. It is famed for its short runway capabilities and is certified for operations on grass, gravel, dirt and snow.

What’s more, with a single pilot certification, the PC-24 can operate from runways as short as 3,090 feet and travel up to 2,100nm, carrying as many as 11 passengers.

On March 14^th, 2025, Pilatus Aircraft announced the launch of the new model, the PC-12 PRO – the Most Advanced Single – highlighting its outstanding features:

• Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment powered by Garmin G3000 Prime
• Powerful 12” Weather Radar
• Emergency Autoland cutting-edge safety system
• Increased payload by 100lbs
• New external lights
• Redesigned lavatory and cabinets
• Li-Ion batteries – lighter and easier maintenance

You can discover more about Pilatus Aircraft on the manufacturer’s website.

Aeroates is a preferred partner to deliver tailored aviation HR solutions for compliance with the data protection legislation, and achieving operational excellence. We will be discussing the need for GDPR compliance for aviation human resources services as well as how Aeroates protects sensitive data in accordance with the GDPR framework.

Why does GDPR affect aviation HR and what is it?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation within EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area; it also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the European Union and European Economic Area. The GDPR always aims to enhance the privacy and security of personal data in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). GDPR in aeronautics is an integral part where the data of employees and clients are processed daily.

From pilots to cabin staff, ground staff, and other personnel, maintaining records is a daily affair for HR professionals in the aviation industry. The regulation is very prescriptive in terms of processing, storing, and communicating data and lays a very heavy emphasis on accountability, transparency, and consent. The risks for noncompliance are hefty fines, legal entanglements, and loss of reputation.

Given the volume of data exchanged in the aviation sector, such as from payroll information to employment background checks and beyond, aviation HR providers like Aeroates must implement GDPR-compliant procedures that safeguard their customers and staff.

How Aeroates ensures GDPR compliance for aviation HR

Aeroates excels in prioritising the security of your data whilst meeting GDPR guidelines. Here, we discuss how in Aeroates services, we have implemented multiple data protection measures into its systems as part of a complete Checklist Data Protection System compliant with the GDPR framework, reassuring aviation businesses they are working with a service provider that prioritises security.

1. Data collection: Open and intentional

Under the GDPR’s data minimisation principle, Aeroates makes sure that only the information required for particular HR functions is gathered. They get affirmative consent from anyone before collecting personal data and tell people why the data is being collected. This ensures the visibility of the data collection process and allows it to be GDPR compliant.

2. Data storage: Secure and accessible

Data security is a top priority at Aeroates. Personal data is encrypted with industry-standard encryption methods, rendering the data secure at all times. Access to data is strictly limited and is only granted to authorised personnel. Routine audits are conducted by Aeroates to maintain secure storage and be completely compliant with GDPR security policies.

3. Data processing: Equitable, lawful, and open

Aeroates ensures that personal data is only utilised for valid HR reasons by processing it transparently and legally. When required, they get express consent from people and notify them about how their information is being used. This strategy guarantees that Aeroates complies with the GDPR’s standards for fairness and transparency.

4. Data retention: Compliance and regulated

We do not store personal information longer than required to achieve its stated objectives. The data is anonymised or deleted under secure conditions once it is no longer required for operational or legal purposes. This measure makes sure that personal data is not kept longer than required and is in compliance with the GDPR data retention policy.

5. Data access: Stringent control and monitoring

Aeroates enforces rigorous access controls so that only authorised personnel get access to personal data. It conducts regular audits and monitoring to keep the data secure and avoid unauthorised access. This practice excludes unauthorised personnel from accessing personal data and adheres to the access control measures of the GDPR.

6. Data breach response: Immediate action and notice

In compliance with the GDPR 72-hour notice period, Aeroates acts quickly to inform the affected individuals and concerned authorities in case of a data breach. The response plan shows Aeroates’ dedication to data security and transparency while making any prospective incident have the minimum possible damage.

Trust Aeroates for GDPR-compliant HR solutions

Aeroates maintains GDPR compliance through strict controls over data collection, processing, storage, and retention. Aeroates provides aviation companies with HR solutions that are secure and compliant with the law, use strong security protocols that protect sensitive information, and increase the trust of employees in the company by being transparent during the entire process. Fast enrolment and highest data protection through aviation HR sector dedicated Aeroates secure data processing and storage with secure procedures in case of data breach.

The system is based on a solution that was successfully deployed at the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA). SkyDeck leverages AI-powered automation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to optimize airspace restrictions, ensuring compliance with ICAO and FAA regulations while significantly improving operational efficiency.

About Kluren

Kluren Technologies is a leading software development company specializing in GIS-driven solutions, AI-powered automation, and complex system engineering.

With extensive experience in aviation, defense, and homeland security, Kluren delivers cutting-edge technologies that transform operational efficiency and decision-making processes. The company is renowned for integrating ESRI-based and open-source GIS solutions into its software products, ensuring high adaptability and precision.

To gain insights into how SkyDeck is reshaping airspace management, we spoke with Yaniv Amar, CEO of Kluren, about its capabilities and impact.

Q: What is SkyDeck, and why was it developed?

SkyDeck is an AI-driven airspace restriction management system designed to automate and optimize how aviation authorities handle airspace restrictions, urban planning permits, and compliance. It eliminates manual inefficiencies by integrating real-time GIS data analysis and regulatory automation, reducing processing times from weeks to days.

“Our goal was to develop a system that streamlines decision-making and enhances safety while saving time and resources,” says Yaniv Amar.

Q: What sets SkyDeck apart from traditional systems?

Most airspace restriction systems still rely on manual processes, leading to delays, errors, and inefficiencies. SkyDeck stands out with:

• Automated Workflows: AI-driven processes optimize restriction approvals and urban planning applications.
• GIS-Enabled Precision: SkyDeck integrates ESRI-based and open-source GIS tools for accurate spatial data analysis.
• Resource Optimization: Minimizes manual labour, reduces costs, and improves efficiency.
• Scalability & Flexibility: Easily adaptable to different aviation authorities worldwide.

Q: How does SkyDeck improve efficiency for aviation authorities?

By replacing manual reviews with AI-powered automation, SkyDeck accelerates approval processes for building permits and airspace restrictions. Authorities can analyze real-time GIS data, generate compliance reports, and issue responses faster than ever before.

“Decisions that once took weeks now take just hours or days,” notes the Kluren team.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of SkyDeck?

SkyDeck isn’t just an efficiency tool—it’s a cost-effective, safety-enhancing solution for airspace management. Its benefits include:

• Significant Cost Savings: Less manual work, fewer errors, and reduced administrative burden.
• Faster Urban Development Approvals: Speeds up infrastructure projects near airports.
• Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Fully aligns with ICAO and FAA guidelines.
• Enhanced Airspace Safety: Uses predictive analytics to mitigate risks before they arise.

Q: Will SkyDeck expand beyond Israel?

Absolutely. SkyDeck’s modular architecture makes it a viable solution for any aviation authority worldwide. The system supports both ESRI and open-source GIS, ensuring adaptability across varied regulatory frameworks.

Final Thoughts

SkyDeck represents the future of airspace management. By combining AI-driven optimization, GIS intelligence, and automated compliance tools, it transforms how aviation authorities handle airspace restrictions.

“SkyDeck is more than just software—it’s a revolution in airspace management,” says Yaniv Amar.

For more details, visit SkyDeck’s Official Page.

Aidan Rock-Arnarson (’25), aged 22, is a final year student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration. Due to flexibility in location, coursework and scheduling, Aidan elected to pursue his degree online through Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. 

Alongside his studies, from which he will graduate in September 2025, Aidan is currently working in supply chain cost analytics with Honda Aircraft Company (HAC) at the company’s global headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon graduating, Aidan plans to take a full-time position with HAC. 

AeroTime recently spoke with Aidan about his background in aviation and his experience as a student at Embry-Riddle. He shared how earning an online degree from Embry-Riddle has provided him with both the education and the opportunities needed to fulfil his future professional goals in the global aerospace industry.  

Background 

Aidan begins by explaining that he comes from a family where aviation is in the blood. “I am the third generation of my family to pursue a career in the aviation industry,” he says. “My grandfather was a flight engineer for the company that became Icelandair before founding a chain of Part 145 maintenance facilities, while on my mother’s side, my grandparents ran a fixed-base operator (FBO) facility.”

“My father currently works in the aircraft leasing industry, having previously attended Embry-Riddle himself. Although I didn’t deliberately follow in his footsteps, the experience he obtained by attending Embry-Riddle inspired me. Given my family’s background in aviation, I always knew that it was the only industry I wanted to spend my professional life working in.”

“During high school, I worked for our family FBO as a business development assistant. When it came to selecting where I went to college, Embry-Riddle, with its renowned global reputation for excellence and its choice of in-person or online bachelor’s programs, seemed the obvious choice,” he adds.  

“Ultimately, I chose Embry-Riddle as I believed it offered me the most opportunities to get on the first rung on the ladder for a professional aviation carrier while also offering a program that suited my interest and career aspirations the best.”  

Asked about why he chose to study an online program rather than attend an Embry-Riddle campus in person, Aidan cites the opportunity to work in the industry alongside his studies as a primary factor.  

“I quickly realized that while attending my first year at college, I could continue exploring work opportunities at an MRO (maintenance and repair organization) and continue to get useful hands-on aviation experience,” he explained. “I was also working alongside former Embry-Riddle students at the MRO, which I found immensely helpful. I don’t think I would have got that quality of experience had I attended college full time.”  

Engaging with Opportunities at Embry-Riddle 

It’s clear that Aidan has gained far more than just a high-quality education while attending the world’s most renowned aviation educational institution. His time at Embry-Riddle has been enhanced by a range of invaluable opportunities that he feels have helped develop him as an individual and as a future aviation professional.   

Aidan is currently the chair of the Embry-Riddle College of Business (COB) student council.

“During my junior year, I was selected to serve as vice chairman and was subsequently invited to return the following year as a student councillor. I was then elected to be chairman for the entire student council for my final year,” he explains. “As part of my role, we’ve been working on creating different opportunities for Embry-Riddle students to engage with industry leaders and have early interactions to forge connections with the industry within which they will ultimately work.” 

“I was always involved in student government through middle school and high school,” Aidan says. “I have always enjoyed helping develop opportunities for other students to grow and get experience that they may not have otherwise had, so I saw continuing that role at Embry-Riddle as a great opportunity to advocate for something that would have interested me in my younger years – to have access to industry leaders to listen to and learn from.”  

The Embry-Riddle Career Ready Club  

Another aspect of Aidan’s extra-curricular activities at Embry-Riddle is his involvement in the College of Business Career Ready Club (CRC) as a career support ambassador for his fellow students.  

“The CRC is a student-run organization within the Career Services Division at Embry-Riddle. We essentially work on engaging with as many different employers as possible to find out about the current and upcoming opportunities for young and not-so-young professionals about to enter the civilian workforce,” Aidan explains.  

“The CRC has recently coordinated visits to several leading aerospace companies such as Gulfstream, The Boeing Company, NASA and Airbus. There will even be a group of current Embry-Riddle students coming out to Greensboro in March 2025 to visit us here at HAC. My specific roles are to facilitate these visits and help bring students access the real-world aviation arena and to explain what companies are doing and what career opportunities may await them upon graduation.”

“Particularly with online learning, not all students get the opportunity to actively engage with the industry on the ‘shop floor,’ so we provide these opportunities to allow all students to get actively involved… Building early connections is ultimately what it is all about,” Aidan adds.

To ensure these opportunities are available to all Embry-Riddle students, Aidan and the CRC team make an extra effort to reach students at all Embry-Riddle locations, including the European location in Frankfurt and the international campus based in Singapore. With more than 160,000 Embry-Riddle alumni around the globe, the reach of the Eagle community is widespread.

“This means that at every major aerospace trade show or aviation conference or exhibition worldwide, there are likely to be several Embry-Riddle alumni for current students to connect with and discuss career prospects and opportunities. This alone is one of the greatest strengths of being an Embry-Riddle student,” Aidan says.  

“Ultimately, Embry-Riddle produces hyper-focused individuals who are extremely passionate about aviation. It is our role at the Career Ready Club to connect them with like-minded individuals who share the same values and who are already working in the industry,” Aidan concludes.  

A Role at Honda  

While completing his online studies at Embry-Riddle, Aidan has worked at Honda Aircraft Company (HAC) as a business analyst in the company’s HondaJet private jet aircraft division in Greensboro.

After building a connection with HAC through internship opportunities listed with Embry-Riddle’s Career Services and meeting HAC representatives at the Reno Air Show, Aidan was able to leverage his connections and land a role with the company.

“Having established a connection with the company and several former Embry-Riddle alumni already working there certainly helped in securing my internship,” he said.

“I initially secured a three-month internship in the company’s supply chain team for the summer of 2024. In that role, I was involved in strategic sourcing for new aircraft development, as well as supporting HAC’s indirect procurement operations,” Aidan adds.  

After completing his internship and continuing his studies, Aidan returned in January 2025 to work as a cost analyst within the company’s supply chain team. In this role, Aidan manages cost programs for HAC’s new aircraft project and supports environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

“I have already secured a full-time position with HAC once I graduate in summer 2025, which I am delighted about. HAC is a fast-growing company with an established product range. Additionally, as a young person entering the industry, the company has been fantastic in providing me with invaluable opportunities to meet different suppliers, pursue other learning opportunities, attend business-related personal development courses and broaden my professional horizons outside of my day-to-day work tasks.” 

What Does the Future Hold? 

Aidan explains what lies ahead for him in terms of his future career and past experiences.

“At some point in the future, I would like to develop expertise in the aircraft leasing and finance industry, following in my father’s footsteps, perhaps working overseas in the commercial division of one of the large aircraft leasing firms and using my business analytical skills in an industry that I have always found fascinating. That would be a long-term ambition of mine, although there are a lot of milestones I wish to reach first,” he adds.      

Aidan believes that his studies at Embry-Riddle, along with the unparalleled opportunities they have presented, are an ideal springboard for a successful aviation career.     

“A few months from now, I will be fresh out of college. With my love of aviation, which started when I was very young, backed by a world-class education from Embry-Riddle, and a foothold already established on the path to a successful aviation career through my position with HAC, I feel that my outlook is very bright,” he said.

“The opportunities and connections made while I was studying at Embry-Riddle have both played a major part in getting me to where I am today. With the network of former Embry-Riddle students stretching to all corners of the aerospace world, along with the college’s renowned reputation, backed by such esteemed institutions such as the Royal Aeronautical Society, I believe the aviation world is in my hands – it is now up to me to grab the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”   

To learn more about business degrees and opportunities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

2025 will feature:

• A focused agenda of targeted tracks, covering AI, sustainability, customer experience, and more
• Expanded 1:1 networking opportunities with senior executives from leading airlines and airports
• Interactive roundtables diving into key challenges
• An exclusive start-up pitch competition showcasing front-line aviation innovation

What’s new this year?

• A streamlined agenda to maximize session value and attendee engagement
• New partnerships with leading carriers, enhancing the global network of participants
• An extensive lineup of 200+ expert speakers, including leaders from American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue
• On-floor experiences, including interactive demos and tailored networking sessions

Attendees can expect open, strategic conversations designed to drive innovation and growth. Hear from top executives and industry leaders in areas like airport tech, digital transformation, passenger experience, AI, sustainability, and more.

This year’s speakers include:

• Luc Bondar – VP & COO, MileagePlus, United Airlines
• Benjamin Lipsey – SVP, Customer Loyalty, Flying Blue, Air France KLM
• Rana Ghosh – Chief Transformation Officer, Spirit Airlines
• Ken Pyatt – Deputy Aviation Director, Miami International Airport
• Jamie Rhee – Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Aviation Register now and secure your spot at the most influential aviation event in the Americas! Learn more about what’s on at AFA 2025 by viewing the agenda.

The introduction marks what Rosen calls “a natural culmination of continuous development and true integrated partnership”.

The focus of Celestia’s design centers on reliability and redundancy, making use of a distributed network and secondary ethernet backbone, increasing efficiency and component health monitoring. Operators and users can create completely custom user interfaces and graphics, and can integrate with iOS and Android PED apps. Additionally, the Celestia system architecture is highly agile and adaptive to any aircraft environment such as VIP, business jet or commercial aircraft.

Rosen notes that the system architecture, unique to the industry in its design and implementation, has many benefits that apply to both end users, as well as operators and maintainers, such as the ability to easily swap out components between locations with little to no integration required. The system also leverages predictive system diagnostics to significantly increase overall system performance, reliability and robustness. The full range of system capabilities and benefits will be on display at AIX 2025, where Rosen will be showcasing a functioning system mock up.

Lee Clark, Senior Vice-President Strategy at Rosen Aviation said:

“I think it’s safe to say that this is Rosen’s most impactful announcement in our organization’s long, storied history. Celestia represents the long sought after goal of providing a highly capable, innovative one-stop-shop for all cabin electronics needs, yet maintains a high level of agility and scalability to integrate with other technologies available in the interiors space. We have been vocal advocates for creating that model, and to achieve it now and going forward with Celestia, is a massive accomplishment by our entire team and our partners.”

Rosen notes that schedules for AIX 2025 are filling up, and encourages any interested parties to contact them via their website to schedule a demonstration.

In Fällanden, Switzerland, founder Heinrich Bucher laid the groundwork for a business that now also operates from bases in Sinn-Fleisbach, Germany, and Everett, USA.

Counting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Airbus and Boeing among their customers, Bucher has become a trusted partner in providing interior aircraft solutions including Galleys, Stowages, Front Row Monuments, Crew Workstations, Branding- and Design Elements, Partitions, Doghouses, SkyBassinets, Class Dividers and Self-Service Counters.

In a recent interview with AeroTime, Group CEO Beat Burlet and Director of Engineering David Keller provided some fascinating insights into the world of interior aircraft solutions, how the company handles global supply challenges and why they are always in search of the next generation of lightweight materials.

According to Beat Burlet, Bucher offers its customers “ingenious solutions, reliable products and first-class service”, and strives to “reach new heights in lightweight construction for both aviation and air rescue”.

As well as aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing, Bucher includes leading airlines such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Condor., JetBlue, Air Greenland, Virgin Atlantic and Cebu Pacific among its customer partners.

“We serve OEMs as well as airline customers,” Beat Burlet told AeroTime. “The requirements are different but there are also some characteristics which are the same for both customer groups, and that is quality and reliability. However, in terms of design, in terms of manufacturing processes, the customers have slightly different requirements.”

Most recently, Bucher installed interior monuments, branding elements and stowage with self-service counter for business class passengers on Malaysia Airlines’ fleet of new Airbus A330-900s.

Designing products for aircraft to fly with “minimum weight and maximum reliability” has been the central vision of Bucher’s success and continues to shape the company’s future.

“One of the main drivers we see is reducing weight, and this is what drives our manufacturing technologies and the materials we use. So, we see a trend towards lighter materials. Of course, we also see on the other hand a trend towards using less carbon footprint materials in production and end of life,” David Keller told AeroTime.

The COVID-19 pandemic left many airlines nervous about investing in the future, but now with a resurgence in aircraft orders from Boeing and Airbus, demand for Bucher’s expertise should also increase.

According to Bucher, OEMs such as Airbus and Boeing are expected to produce around 40,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, so demand for its galleys is set to hit record levels.

“These are production rates that we haven’t seen even before Coronavirus, and those numbers, plus what’s going on in the retrofit market, clearly equals a higher demand of galleys than what we’ve seen so far,” Beat Burlet said.

Bucher prides itself on its products that which are designed to last for the entire lifetime of the aircraft on which they are installed.

“We put our emphasis on quality and reliability of our products. We designed the galleys to last as long as the aircraft airframe,” Burlet explained.

Recently, an aircraft with a galley installed by Bucher 17 years ago returned to the company for an overhaul and Keller noted that the installation remained in excellent condition despite four different airlines operating the plane.

“It’s really interesting, because we don’t often have the chance to see what happens with our product after the first delivery, but here we have the whole story,” David Keller said.

As well as planes, Bucher also provides interior solutions to the train industry, but it is perhaps of particular note the work the company has done within the helicopter sector.

While working in partnership with law enforcement, military, and multi-mission operators, Bucher also provides solutions for helicopters working within emergency medical services installing life-saving equipment to help people when they are most in need.

“With a focus on quality and safety, our solutions are designed to withstand the rigors of intense missions and offer a range of features that ensure reliable and dependable performance,” Bucher said.

Since its establishment, Embry-Riddle’s Europe Campus has supported military personnel from various European nations, as well as employees of airlines and aircraft manufacturing companies.

It may also surprise you that Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) holders are perfectly positioned to benefit from significant transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Science in either Aeronautics or Pilot Operations, which can cut time and tuition fees by up to a quarter.

Recognizing that the training to become a commercial pilot is comprehensive and thorough, Embry-Riddle is committed to granting university credits for the knowledge and experience gained while in flight school.

Subject to third-party evaluation, students with specialized high school diplomas, such as the International Baccalaureate and the Abitur, may be able to receive additional transfer credits toward their bachelor’s-level aviation degrees. With almost a century of history in aviation and a reputation for providing top-tier aviation and aerospace-related degree programs, Embry-Riddle has become synonymous with educating exceptional aviation talent. View our latest rankings in the U.S. News & World Report to learn more.

Soon-to-be graduates often get to sign employment contracts before they receive their diplomas. Embry-Riddle Europe alums are now working at companies that include European and Middle Eastern airlines, plus MROs, IT firms and more. To explore Embry-Riddle’s rich history and extensive experience in aviation-related programs, visit our detailed history page.

More about Embry-Riddle

With traditional teaching and research campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, Prescott, Arizona, and Seletar, Singapore, along with a rapidly growing Worldwide Online Campus featuring over 110 locations around the world, Embry-Riddle enrolls more than 30,000 students annually and offers over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.

In the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2024-25, Embry-Riddle was ranked as the #1 Best Regional College (Regional West), #1 Best for Veterans (Regional West), #1 Most Innovative Schools (Regional Universities South and Regional Colleges West) and #5 for Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

ATPL/MPL qualifies for transfer credits toward bachelor’s degrees

Two Embry-Riddle bachelor’s degree programs provide flight students and ATPL/MPL holders the opportunity to maximize transfer credits for flight ratings. Both are 100% online and open to qualified applicants regardless of their location. A total of 120 credits are required for each degree. Depending on which program is most appropriate, Embry-Riddle will grant up to 35 credits for ATPL/MPL in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and up to 45 credits for ATPL/MPL in the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations. Visit our website for more in-depth information.

Additional transfer credits may be granted with a special high school diploma such as the International Baccalaureate or the Abitur. Prior successful university coursework at another university may be recognized as well, offering substantial savings on tuition fees and study time. Classes can also be taken on either a full or part-time basis, with 10 terms per year replacing the conventional semester schedules offered at other universities.

With continuous year-round enrollment and extra opportunities to commence online courses annually, these two programs allow maximum flexibility for students to fit their studies around work and other personal commitments in addition to the benefit of an almost immediate start.

What each of the Embry-Riddle degree courses offer

The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) is designed specifically for students who work, have worked or want to work in aviation-related careers and awards credit for prior academic or pilot training experience. The BSA is a multidisciplinary online program that offers a broad selection of core courses in the fields of management, operations, law, uncrewed systems, security, aviation safety, maintenance and aeronautical science. 

For students with existing aviation-related knowledge and skills, this degree builds on that acquired experience. In this program, students will:

• Gain an understanding of airplanes, helicopters, air traffic control and other areas of aviation
• Develop practical skills focused on safety, training operations, dispatch, flight training and transportation
• Explore the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of airplanes or other types of flying machines.

The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) is specifically designed for undergraduate students who have an interest in aeronautical science and are already licensed pilots. Taught by faculty with industry-leading experience, this online aviation degree can help students achieve roles in aviation leadership and compete for competitive pilot positions.

This specific degree is highly sought after for pilots who would like to pursue roles as chief pilots within their organization. In addition, former military aviators will gain an advantage in transitioning to their civilian flying career with this degree.

While earning a bachelor’s degree in Pilot Operations, students will learn to:

• Apply mathematics and science to aviation-related disciplines
• Develop management skills in aeronautical science
• Use industry techniques, skills, and modern technology as necessary in their daily roles.

Opportunities for senior pilots to pursue a master’s degree

Senior pilots holding an ATPL/MPL who have 12 years of work experience may be encouraged to work with a third-party evaluation agency to determine if they hold the equivalent of a United States bachelor’s degree, which would allow them to go straight into a master’s degree program without having to undertake a bachelor’s degree.  

This may entitle senior pilots to apply directly to most of our master’s programs or one of our four-course graduate certificate programs. We have an extensive list of fields of study to choose from, including:

• Aeronautics
• Aviation & Aerospace Sustainability
• Aviation Cybersecurity
• Aviation Safety
• Human Factors
• Project Management
• Space Operations
• Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
• and many others

Earning a degree from the world’s leading aviation and aerospace academic program provider allows Embry-Riddle graduates to enjoy an unparalleled position in pursuing careers and opportunities in associated fields.

See what our graduates are saying

“Reflecting on my journey through the Master of Science in Aeronautics program, I’m filled with gratitude and admiration. Over my 35 years in aviation, as a pilot and department manager, I’ve seen firsthand what the industry demands from its leaders and management teams.

Embry-Riddle’s Master of Science in Aeronautics stands out as one of the most practical, industry-aligned programs I’ve encountered. The curriculum was not only efficient but laser-focused on the skills we need to excel in today’s aviation landscape, preparing us to step seamlessly into management roles from day one.

Beyond the coursework, what made my experience exceptional was the chance to learn alongside a remarkable group of classmates. Many of them were dedicated service members, and it’s been an honor to share my academic journey with them. Their experiences, insights and dedication brought immense depth to our discussions and enriched the learning experience for all of us.”

Captain Stephan A. Sukumar, 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Aeronautics program with a specialization in Aviation Safety (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)


“Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s distance learning model is a perfect fit for my work schedule. I chose the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations because it builds on my current skill set as a pilot and provides an opportunity to become even more well-versed in the tasks surrounding flight operations.

One of the program highlights so far is being able to learn with people from a variety of different nations. The differences and similarities between people enable class discussions at a higher level. This is where you learn the most. There is significant potential to grow not only academically but also as a person.

Not only are the courses very well developed and led by dedicated instructors, but the large variety of courses available is astonishing. Because of this, I have taken courses in topic areas that I was just simply curious about. By now, I have come to realize that these courses satisfied my appetite for knowledge at the time and that they have provided me with much greater insights which I will be able to apply later on in my career.” 

Astrid Johansen, a current student in the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations program (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)


“The continuous evolution of the aviation industry motivated me to pursue academic studies for the Master of Science in Aviation Safety at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. As an airline pilot, I am experiencing ongoing changes regarding new technologies, training methodologies and safety approaches in aircraft design. The program gave me vital tools, references and excellent insights to analyze these changes with a structured and comprehensive approach.

I have also met extraordinary colleagues from around the world with different technical backgrounds, who have initiated insightful discussions and debates during the courses. The instructors’ high motivation, inclusivity and facilitation techniques create an excellent environment for completing the learning process.

The Experiential Learning Evaluation offers an array of recognition regarding past aviation experiences and studies in the industry that can be used as a fantastic credit towards achieving your educational goals at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. I strongly suggest that any pilot aspiring to academic formation take advantage of it; this will complete their professional preparation and allow them to pursue managerial positions within the industry.”

Captain Massimiliano Bolognini, current student in the Master of Science in Aviation Safety program (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

Contacts for further information

For more information on the courses listed above, including curriculum details and the application process, or to have any further questions answered, please complete the Request for Information form available on our website. To apply for a place in one of the above courses, please submit the Embry-Riddle application form found online.

You can also contact the Embry-Riddle Worldwide Europe Campus team by emailing worldwide@erau.edu or by calling +49-(0)69-27229676.

Don’t miss out on this unrivaled opportunity to gain degree-level academic qualifications across key areas of aviation, with the chance to broaden your career prospects beyond just flying.

Known as one of the premier professional bodies dedicated to aerospace and aviation, the Royal Aeronautical Society has approved 15 Embry‑Riddle degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degree options from all three Worldwide Campus colleges. Founded in 1886, the Royal Aeronautical Society is based in London and is the world’s oldest aeronautical society, as well as the only professional body dedicated to the aerospace, aviation and space communities.   

“Embry‑Riddle is the only U.S. university with program recognition from the Royal Aeronautical Society,” said Dr. Robert Walton, associate professor in the Worldwide College of Business. “This program recognition helps to raise the university’s international reputation.”

According to Barbara Horkan, accreditation officer for the Royal Aeronautical Society, “the society approval process considers non-engineering programs for endorsement which are of significant value and appropriate learning for those seeking to pursue a career in the aerospace or aviation industry.”

Approved programs must equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to gain employment after graduation. According to the Royal Aeronautical Society website, recognition requires the completion of a rigorous review process, and approved programs are those where graduates “regularly find” employment in the aviation and aerospace fields.

“The capabilities for distance online and virtual learning at Embry‑Riddle Worldwide are particularly impressive,” Horkan said. “Such remote study continues to increase in importance, particularly for the delivery of continuing professional development.” 

Six degree programs were re-approved following an initial recognition in 2019, while an additional nine programs were approved for the first time. The programs include options from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation and Business.

“We are thrilled that the Royal Aeronautical Society has approved our degree programs! This is a game-changer for aspiring aerospace professionals across Asia, providing them with unparalleled access to resources, networking opportunities and career support,” Matthew Flaherty, vice chancellor and head of Asia at Embry‑Riddle, said.

Flaherty noted that Royal Aeronautical Society recognition can be enticing for prospective students and expects it to have a positive impact on Asia Campus enrollment.

“This recognition perfectly aligns with our commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation talent in this dynamic and rapidly growing region.”

The Worldwide degree programs recognized by the Royal Aeronautical Society are the following:

• Master of Space Operations
• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
• Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations
• Bachelor of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
• Master of Aviation Cybersecurity
• Master of Aviation Maintenance
• Master of Business Administration in Aviation
• Master of Science in Aeronautics
• Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
• Master of Science in Aviation Safely
• Master of Science in Human Factors
• Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems

To learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s business programs, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasized that the strong international participation in this year’s symposium and the first edition of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace underscores the global commitment to advancing a sustainable transformation of the aviation sector. He noted that ministerial participation reached record levels, highlighting growing international consensus on the urgent need to accelerate the production and financing of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) worldwide, in alignment with ICAO’s goal of “leaving no country behind.”

Al Suwaidi further stated that the two events facilitated the signing of 36 bilateral and multilateral agreements, covering government cooperation programs and commercial and investment partnerships. Among these agreements, two key MoUs were signed between the GCAA and ICAO to support research and development efforts for the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award, valued at $1 million, and to enhance collaboration on developing and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. 

Additionally, the GCAA signed nine cooperation agreements and MoUs with Jordan, Libya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kazakhstan, focusing on knowledge exchange, air transport service improvements, and training program development. Meanwhile, ICAO signed 19 agreements with participating countries to strengthen the global civil aviation system. 

During the accompanying exhibition, five major commercial and investment partnerships were announced, involving companies specializing in electric aircraft development, vertiport infrastructure, and other emerging sustainable aviation technologies. 

Al Suwaidi concluded by highlighting the radical transformation underway in the aviation sector, driven by artificial intelligence, climate commitments, futuristic infrastructure, and sustainable energy solutions. He pointed out that several nations, led by the UAE, are already taking significant steps toward enabling urban air mobility and shaping the future of air transport. 

The conference will host several concurrent events, including the Global Aviation Issues Conference, the General Assembly of Women in Aviation, and the Airport Excellence Awards, with participation from over 100 international speakers. Additionally, more than 5,000 pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and buyers will take place, fostering collaboration and business opportunities in the sector.

The 2024 edition of the exhibition was a resounding success under the theme “Expansion, Innovation, and Collaboration,” with sponsorship from Matarat Holding – an arm of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) – and several leading local and global aviation companies. The event attracted over 7,000 aviation professionals and 250 exhibitors from 22 countries, including major firms specializing in airport management, ground handling, security, and aviation technology. The exhibition received highly positive feedback, with 99% of exhibitors affirming its importance for their businesses, and 91% expressing their intention to participate in the 2025 edition.

Saudi Arabia is executing a massive airport expansion and modernization program with $147 billion in investments, expected to contribute $82.3 billion to the GDP by 2037. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to increase air connectivity to 250 destinations, boost annual passenger numbers to 330 million by 2030, and double air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons per year. These developments are crucial as the Kingdom prepares to host several major global events, including the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, the Asian Winter Games in 2029, Expo 2030 in Riyadh, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Among the key projects currently underway:

• King Salman International Airport (Riyadh): One of the world’s largest airports, targeting 100 million passengers annually by 2030, with future expansions increasing capacity to 185 million passengers by 2050.
• AlUla International Airport: Undergoing expansion to accommodate 2 million visitors by 2035.
• Privatization of Abha and Taif Airports: With $1 billion in investments, increasing Taif Airport’s capacity to 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

Additionally, several regional and international airports across the kingdom are undergoing expansion and modernization to support Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation sector.

This year will also mark the launch of Riyadh Air’s first commercial flights. The airline has already placed an order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and is preparing for another major aircraft deal in 2025, as it gears up to operate flights to over 100 destinations worldwide.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector saw significant growth in 2024, with Saudia Airlines transporting over 35 million passengers and Flyadeal and Flynas setting new records in passenger numbers and flight operations.

Daksha Patel, Director of Niche Ideas, the event organizer, commented: “The pace of transformation in the aviation sector across the region is unprecedented, and Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this change with massive investments in aviation infrastructure. We are proud to see the Global Airports Conference serving as a premier platform that brings together industry leaders to support these efforts and drive innovation in airport development.”

The Saudi Airports Exhibition 2025 presents a unique opportunity to showcase the latest technologies, innovations, and strategic partnerships in aviation, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for air transport and airport excellence.

As a global aviation hub hosting leading airlines from around the world, iGA Istanbul Airport is proud to welcome ANA, which has been recognized as Japan’s Best 5-Star Airline for 12 consecutive years and is listed among Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Founded in 1952, ANA, Japan’s largest airline, continues to expand its international network and successfully operated its inaugural flight NH219 to Istanbul.

Under the new route schedule, ANA will operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using a Boeing 787-8.

With this launch, ANA becomes the 111th airline to operate at iGA Istanbul Airport. In a recent expansion, Sky Express also joined the growing roster of airlines, bringing the total number to 110 before ANA’s addition.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony held at iGA Istanbul Airport, the airport’s Chief Commercial Officer Server Aydin emphasized the significance of ANA’s new route in strengthening bilateral ties, especially as Türkiye and Japan celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024:

“As iGA Istanbul Airport, we are delighted to collaborate with ANA, an airline that prioritizes customer satisfaction and service quality. These flights will enhance connectivity for passengers, offering faster and more efficient access between key hubs in Asia and Europe.”

“By closing 2024 with 80 million passengers, we reaffirmed our status as a key global aviation hub. In April, we will enhance our operational capacity by introducing triple parallel runway operations. This milestone will further elevate iGA Istanbul Airport as a premier global transfer center.”

Shinichi Inoue, President & CEO of ANA, expressed his enthusiasm about launching operations at one of the world’s most strategic transfer hubs, stating:

“We are delighted to welcome Istanbul into our ever-growing global network. This milestone not only enhances travel opportunities for our passengers but also plays a vital role in deepening the bond between Turkiye and Japan. As a bridge connecting nations, we are dedicated to fostering stronger ties and enriching cultural exchange, ensuring that interactions between our two countries continue to flourish.”

The agreement covers the component support and solution needs of 190 Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft, enabling Air India Express to benefit from extensive component services such as component pooling, repair, overhaul, modification, and logistics services of Turkish Technic. Leveraging its extensive global supply chain and technical expertise, Turkish Technic continues to enhance the operational efficiency and fleet reliability of Air India Express’s fleet.

Commenting on the agreement, Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, said: ‘‘We are happy to further strengthen our partnership with Air India Express through a new agreement. The continuation of our cooperation is a testament to our reliability in component support, supply, and solution services. We are confident in our capabilities and global supply chain network to continue enhancing their operational efficiency. We thank Air India Express for choosing us as their trusted solution partner. We are excited to contribute to the elevation of Indian aviation.”

Regarding the continuation of the partnership, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express said: “We are happy to have Turkish Technic as our partner for the component support and solution service for the B737-8 and B737-10 aircraft. The collaboration will further bolster our repairs and maintenance competencies for the airline’s rapidly growing B737 family of aircraft and enhance our reliability and availability of components for aircraft operations.”

Turkish Technic has been a trusted solution partner for Air India Express, providing various maintenance solutions over many years. This agreement further solidifies the mutual trust and collaboration between the two companies and reinforces Air India Express’s dedication to operational efficiency as Turkish Technic ensures uninterrupted, seamless operations for the carrier.

2025 will feature a streamlined agenda of targeted tracks and an expanded range of interactive formats including roundtables, networking opportunities, and the highly anticipated start up pitch competition.

This event is the region’s most important aviation technology conference and exhibition, connecting pioneers with key stakeholders and tech suppliers. From 18-19^th February, the Suntec Centre, Singapore will be filled with 2,500+ executives ready to be inspired by 160 class speakers, 40 start ups, and 80 sponsors and exhibitors.

What’s new this year?

• A streamlined agenda enabling attendees to get the most out every session
• Expanded 1:1 networking opportunities to facilitate relationship building with the senior stakeholders building the future of travel
• An extensive lineup of roundtables for in depth conversations on industry challenges including: IROPs, AI-powered modern airline retailing, and more
• Brand new partnership with Star Alliance strengthening connections with leading airlines in the region
• A highly anticipated start up pitch competition hosted by the VP Innovation at IAG, keeping industry giants in touch with front-line innovation
• Media partnerships with Bloomberg, BBC, and CNBC who will each be represented on the keynote stage
• On-floor experiences including champagne and an interactive arcade game at one of the booths

Attendees can expect open, honest conversations designed to drive innovation featuring key industry pioneers from across Retail & IT, AI, Sustainability, Payments, Airport Tech, Marketing, Loyalty, IFEC, Passenger Experience, and IROPs. This year’s speakers include:

• Julia Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer, WTTC
• Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
• Ajay Singh, CEO, SpiceJet
• Cyril Girot, CEO, Cambodia Airports
• Nadia Omer, CEO, AirAsia MOVE
• Nejib Ben-Khedher, SVP Skywards, Emirates
• Vijay Kumar, CIO, Malaysia Airports
• Andy Koh, VP Application Services, Singapore Airlines

Book your ticket now.

Learn more about what is on at Aviation Festival Asia by viewing the agenda.

The country’s airlines have seen record growth across the board, with market leader and flag carrier Turkish Airlines consolidating its position as the world’s top global airline, flying to more international destinations than any other carrier. 

This relentless expansion has been backed by a massive investment in aircraft and equipment: between 2006 and 2025, Turkish Airlines’ fleet expanded from 100 to 500 aircraft. In the eight years leading up to 2033, 300 additional aircraft are expected to join its fleet. 

A complex, around-the-clock operation of this nature can only be sustained with the backing of extraordinarily robust technical support capabilities. 

This is precisely where Turkish Technic enters the stage. 

Way more than an MRO provider 

Turkish Technic is an independent subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. 

In fact, it is no understatement to attest that the symbiotic relationship between Turkish Airlines and Turkish Technic, has been key in fueling both firms’ relentless expansion in the last few years.  

Turkish Technic has kept pace with Turkish Airlines, as the latter’s growing fleet has required continuous advancements in maintenance capacity, as well as the capability to service a fleet which includes a broad diversity of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, including some state-of-the-art models. 

This close link between the two companies, however, doesn’t prevent Turkish Technic from providing its services to other airlines from all over the world. 

To be fair, describing Turkish Technic as a mere maintenance, repair and overhaul provider wouldn’t be entirely accurate, since the company takes pride in being a one-stop shop able to provide a whole array of comprehensive solutions for airlines, lessors and operators worldwide.  

Aside from maintaining one of the world’s fastest-growing fleets, Turkish Technic also provides maintenance for numerous other leading airlines, lessors and operators worldwide. It serves a diverse global customer base, providing high-quality maintenance solutions to carriers across Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond. 

The list is long: it can provide aircraft maintenance services, whether for regular checks or in response to emergencies and unexpected situations. Turkish Technic is active in component maintenance as well, boasting expertise in the handling of over 16,000 different components for both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and it also undertakes component pooling, modifications, aircraft painting, engineering, and systems integration. 

Just as geography has helped Turkish Airlines build one of the world’s largest and most efficient airline hubs, so Turkish Technic benefits from this same strategic advantage. The fact that no less than 66 different countries are located within a five-hour flight of Turkish Technic’s facilities in three major Turkish cities – İstanbul, Ankara and Aydın – facilitates fast and convenient access to a large number of operators. 

When it comes to components maintenance, Turkish Technic boasts about being able to deliver its services to 87% of the world within two days, minimizing downtime and maximizing the operational efficiency of its customer’s fleets. 

And in a world that is desperately short of MRO capacity, Turkish Technic brings to the table the capacity to operate at scale: it counts with over 8,300 highly qualified technicians and 15 hangars covering a total of 650,000 m², with multiple supporting facilities.  

As of early 2025, Turkish Technic is able to provide simultaneous maintenance services for 61 aircraft, but this capacity will soon be augmented by the addition of a new hangar at Istanbul Airport (IST) which will effectively double the firm’s maintenance capacity. 

All of this leads to Turkish Technic maintaining a reputation as a one of the industry leaders in this field, providing component maintenance for over 120,000 components each year, base maintenance for over 600 aircraft annually, and line maintenance for more than 6,000 aircraft every year. These capabilities underscore the company’s capacity to deliver reliable, high-quality services on a global scale, ensuring airlines’ operational readiness and minimizing downtime across their fleets. 

Building upon decades of expertise while preparing for the future 

 MRO is a field in which expertise can’t be improvised and, in this regard, Turkish Technic can boast nine decades of experience. The company can trace its roots back to 1933, which makes it one of the most experienced players in the global MRO industry. 

Nevertheless, this rich heritage and wealth of accumulated experience is not at odds with being flexible and innovative. Turkish Technic closely monitors market trends and swiftly adapts to emerging advancements. This solid foundation has enabled Turkish Technic to confidently tackle any new challenges while actively seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation. 

A case in point is what happened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the aviation industry, by making adaptability a key priority for MRO providers. Turkish Technic made a significant effort to effectively adapted its services by integrating digital solutions, expanding maintenance capabilities, and offering fast, efficient solutions with clear communication with its customers.  

Other developments affecting the industry may not be as dramatic as a pandemic, but it’s important to be ready to respond to the rapidly evolving market conditions as well as to identify the deep underlying trends that are shaping the aviation industry. 

Digitalization and predictive maintenance initiatives are all becoming increasingly important and Turkish Technic remains at the forefront of these trends by continuously innovating and integrating cutting-edge technologies into the maintenance processes as well as making sure its technicians undergo comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training in new technologies and innovative solutions. 

As it continues to expand its international footprint and enhance its digital capabilities, Turkish Technic is not just adapting to industry shifts—its is also shaping the future of MRO with cutting-edge solutions, a growing global presence, and an unwavering commitment to operational efficiency. 

Turkish Technic is also strengthening its maintenance capabilities for next-generation aircraft models, which many airlines are transitioning to, such as the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787.  

As airlines increasingly rely on efficient component pooling and global support networks, Turkish Technic is strengthening its extensive component maintenance capabilities and global supply chain to ensure fast, reliable service for operators worldwide, all while developing also new strategic partnerships and enhancing its component pooling services by improving systems and interfaces. 

The MRO industry is evolving rapidly, driven by digitalization, predictive maintenance initiatives, and data-driven decision-making. Turkish Technic remains at the forefront of these trends by continuously innovating and integrating cutting-edge technologies into the maintenance processes. 

The adoption of predictive maintenance allows Turkish Technic to anticipate potential issues before they occur, minimizing downtime and enhancing fleet availability. Automation and robotics are streamlining inspections and repair processes and improving precision.  

It is also worth noting that, as the demand for comprehensive, one-stop MRO solutions grows, Turkish Technic is responding with strategic expansions, including new hangars at Istanbul Airport, as well as strengthening its presence in key regions, particularly the Middle East and Africa, in alignment with the company’s strategic expansion plans to better serve customers in a region that is buzzing with activity.  

As a comprehensive one-stop MRO provider, Turkish Technic is dedicated to expanding its expertise in both aircraft and component maintenance. Turkish Technic is currently developing one of the largest MRO hangar facilities in the region at Istanbul Airport while, at the same time, solidifying long-standing partnerships with some of the largest carriers in the region and continuously evaluating market opportunities to further its expansion and meet the evolving needs of its global customers. 

One thing seems clear: the demand for reliable fleet maintenance and support is more critical than ever and Turkish Technic is a position to deliver the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and operational excellence. 

The event will witness the participation of over 1.500 aviation professionals from 193 member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aiming to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise on the future of sustainable aviation, as well as to innovate practical solutions to support environmental transformations in the aviation industry.

The event will also feature several discussion sessions and forums bringing together representatives from governments, aviation industries, regional and international organizations, global companies, financial institutions, energy companies, as well as thought leaders from various disciplines. The focus will be on two main themes: AI-driven solutions and efforts to transform the aviation sector toward sustainability.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said: “The number of partners supporting this event reflects its importance in making significant strides in international efforts toward a more sustainable aviation system. The ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium is a key event on ICAO’s agenda, addressing all initiatives under the organization’s umbrella to enhance a safer, more secure, and sustainable aviation system. The UAE hosting this massive event is of special significance, particularly with the launch of the first edition of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace, aimed at uniting global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals in the aviation sector.” Al Suwaidi continued: “There is no doubt that the sector needs to develop innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency of the aviation industry and reduce its environmental impact.”

The list of partners supporting this global event, alongside the Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA, includes: Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, flydubai, United Aviation, AO- Creative Drones Lighting, Falcon Aviation Services, Archer Aviation, Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI), Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), Sanad -Mubadala, Airbus, Boeing, Indra, ADNOC, Volar Air Mobility, and Qatar Aeronautical Academy.

Additionally, a group of global companies specializing in sustainable aviation technologies includes: Lummus Technology, ZR2 Group, TOPOSE – Energy Transition Solutions, LODD Autonomous Logistics Services, SmartEnergy, Freqpuentis, Johnson Matthey JM, Skies Fifty (an investment company specializing in aviation sustainability and accelerating carbon neutrality for the aviation industry), and King & Spalding.

The ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium GISS, is one of the most prominent international events organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enhance the safety, security, and sustainability of civil aviation globally. Previous editions of the symposium have been held in Istanbul (Turkey), Seoul (South Korea), and Nata Kana (Dominican Republic). This edition, hosted by the UAE, is the first to be held in the Middle East and focuses specifically on two main themes: sustainability and the application of artificial intelligence in the civil aviation sector.

The launch of the first edition of the “Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace GSAM” is a pioneering UAE initiative, aimed at bringing together all stakeholders involved in the production, distribution, financing, storage, and consumption of sustainable aviation fuel. This will create an integrated platform to drive global efforts to develop sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the civil aviation sector. The marketplace is being organized in collaboration with the “Sustainable Aviation Future Congress” of the Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA.

LIAT 20 is a forward-thinking and dynamic new airline committed to connecting the Caribbean sub-region to the wider world. With a focus on transforming regional aviation, the airline aims to offer affordable and efficient travel options while ensuring a seamless and exceptional customer experience. Prioritizing both sustainability and financial stability, LIAT 20 has adopted Centrik 5 to modernize operations, strengthen regulatory compliance and enhance safety management across the organization.

“At LIAT 20, we are dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of safety and efficiency for our passengers and stakeholders,” said Alan Alexander, Director of Maintenance and Engineering at LIAT 20. “TrustFlight’s advanced quality and safety management system, Centrik 5, provides us with the digital capabilities we need to improve oversight, optimize workflows, and deliver a safe travel experience for our customers.”

Through Centrik 5, LIAT 20 will have access to a comprehensive suite of modules designed to modernize operations including Safety, Compliance, Risk Management, and Document Control. This transformation will enable LIAT 20 to transition from manual processes to a fully integrated digital framework, significantly reducing administrative burdens while enhancing safety and regulatory alignment.

“We are thrilled to partner with LIAT 20, an airline committed to serving the Caribbean community,” said Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight. “This partnership underscores TrustFlight’s commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders in achieving greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability through our technology.”

To learn more about TrustFlight’s ecosystem of digital solutions and services, please visit www.trustflight.com.

Available online through the College of Business (COB), these programs are designed for students within the aviation industry who are looking to launch or advance their careers. The COB currently enrolls nearly 5,000 students – more than 1,600 of whom are pursuing graduate degrees.

“We are very excited to launch the new Master of Science in Airline Management and Master of Science in Airport and Air Mobility Management,” said Worldwide Chancellor John R. Watret, Ph.D., FRAeS. “The addition of these programs to our catalog will provide students with new career pathways and opportunities to contribute to and enhance the ever-growing business sector of aviation.”

The M.S. in Airline Management will provide students with technical skills in pricing, revenue management, technical operations, sustainability, regulations, route planning and more.

The M.S. in Airport and Air Mobility Management allows students to explore complex airport administration, gain expertise in operations and navigate evolving laws and regulations to advance their knowledge and skills alongside industry developments.

Dr. Aaron Glassman, chair of the Department of Management, emphasized the benefit of specialized programs for aspiring leaders in aviation.

“These two programs prepare future leaders in the airport and airline space with the tools necessary to not only operate an airport or airline but to lead air travel into the future through innovation, technology and futurist thinking,” he said.

These 30-credit-hour programs include a 15-credit co-shared curriculum through the first courses taken upon program enrollment. This collaboration promotes collective knowledge, enabling students from both programs to gain a deep, well-rounded understanding of the interconnectedness, influence and impact of airlines, airports and the evolving world of air mobility.

Glassman also noted that courses throughout both programs were developed by well-known executives in airline and airport industries, making them highly relevant and focused on the skills and knowledge needed to excel in daily career functions.

“By focusing on future trends in aviation, our new degree programs offer unparalleled opportunities for students to become key contributors in shaping the future of air travel from both the airline and airport perspective,” he said.

The most recently surveyed alumni from graduate programs in the COB report a placement rate of 97% within one year of graduation – highlighting the preparedness of Embry-Riddle graduates who pursue advanced education or career development opportunities.

These programs emphasize the university’s mission of providing graduate students with exceptional opportunities to complete advanced studies through courses guided by industry needs, corporate career opportunities and forward-thinking leadership practices.

To learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s business programs, visit erau.edu/aerotime.

For the aviation industry, this is just the tip of the iceberg, 2025 continues to bring challenges and pressures from capacity shortages, supply chain disruption, unreliable market trends and restrictive sustainability criteria. Moreover, having the manpower to deploy and deal with these ever-changing conditions continues to prove tedious in the face of this uncertainty.

With unprecedented challenges, come unique opportunities, and this is where HR solutions companies has stepped in in the aviation industry. Aviation workforce solutions providers are making inroads into the industry, establishing themselves as key players within the market with some unique credentials. By providing staffing solutions and HR services to airlines and MROs, flexible models of staffing are providing key value to those who need it most during these turbulent times.

A key differentiator for Aeroates is that they’ve established themselves as an employer of choice by directly employing the staff that they outsource, providing job security and excellent working conditions within Malta’s favourable tax and legal ecosystem. This means that Aeroates is in a position to hire staff of the highest calibre, retain them, and offer an outsourced to their clients in a seamless plug and play manner.

Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) grew by 5% in 2024 alone, surpassing pre-covid levels for the first time. This rise in passenger demand has seen added strains on supply chains and manufacturers as they struggle to mitigate these capacity shortages. According to the centre for aviation, Airbus delivered 766 aircraft in 2024 which was more than double Boeing’s 348. Airbus has delivered more aircraft than its US rival for 6 years straight, and while both companies have record-high backlogs, Airbus’ waiting list is 43% larger than Boeing’s.

Persistent supply chain disruptions and production quality issues compound the problem. Despite manufacturers’ efforts to ramp up production rates, these obstacles are expected to remain through 2025, posing operational challenges for airlines globally.

HR solution providers are a very important factor in facing these challenges which affect many. The ability to offer temporary staff and aircraft resources to airlines and MROs is critical to the working of many of their clients, and provides a much-needed service to companies in the aviation industry. Differing from traditional agencies, Aeroates staff are employed directly in Malta and this can ensure seamless integration into client operations. In this industry, the needs are dynamic, but this approach mitigates staffing shortages and provides a scalable resource pool.

The aviation industry has also committed to being net-zero with their CO2 emissions by 2050. This has made the focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), alternative propulsion

technologies, and comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting far more intense. Progress, unfortunately, has remained slow. Currently, there is not enough SAF being produced to meet demand, and currently we are at only 5-10% of the anticipated usage globally by 2030. There are also technological advancements in other areas, however, methods like electric, hydrogen, and hybrid engines are still in the R&D phase, and market penetration seems unlikely before 2040.

Airlines and lessors have to balance sustainability and operation efficiency. The flexible staffing model supports the efforts of clients in this way, as it allows them to optimize their workforce, reduce costs and maintain the continuity of their operations, without needing to overcommit to fixed resources.

Over the past two decades, the industry has had a force emerge in the form of aircraft lessors, which has stabilized the industry with its strong and consistent returns. Impressively, virtually all aircraft and industry available for lease are booked out through 2027, and lessors are having a pivotal role because of their ability to mitigate shortages in capacity. Due to this rise in lease rates, and the limited availability of new orders, operational agility is becoming a must.

Aeroates is leaning in to this shift in the industry, by offering tailor staffing solutions not just to airlines, but to lessors alike. The employment model, based in Malta, and their ability to employ staff directly means direct assurance of compliance with European regulations, and the global talent pool gives access to highly skilled professions who are prepared to meet the industry’s ever-evolving demands.

Adaptation is essential at this moment for the aviation sector, and a new reality has emerged. Aeroates stands out as a trusted partner for airlines, MROs and lessors as they face this shift. The ability to address capacity shortages, sustainability goals and operational continuity, and the focus on flexibility, scalability and compliance, addresses critical industry challenges, just as they are most prevalent.

The road to recovery and growth for the aviation industry has become complex after the past few years of uncertainty, however the role of service providers with flexible staffing models and HR resources, with their innovative systems and alternatives to aviation HR is undeniable. Companies like this support airlines, MROs and the variety of clients by offering solutions, both flexible and tailored to the client, which address staffing shortages, support sustainability goals, and enable operational resilience.

Yet achieving such numbers while consistently providing an exemplary customer experience is about more than meticulous planning and attention to detail at every touchpoint of the passenger’s journey through the airport. The harnessing of cutting-edge airport technology innovation has also ensured that every passenger enjoys a seamless and smooth transition through the terminal, whether they are arriving, departing, or transiting through iGA Istanbul Airport.  

AeroTime recently discussed the airport’s proactive approach to adopting the latest technology innovations with Dr. Reha Çetin, General Manager of IST Systems at iGA Istanbul Airport. Covering a whole spectrum of investments that the airport has made toward digitizing the passenger experience, the discussion covered the entire spectrum of innovations that the airport has adopted to ensure that passengers enjoy their experience and make iGA Istanbul Airport their gateway of choice in any future travel plans.  

Unlimited free WiFi for all guests 24/7 

From the outset, a vital component of all technological innovations being adopted by iGA Istanbul Airport was the provision of free unlimited WiFi for all passengers and guests passing through the airport.  

Along with providing its own Wi-Fi network throughout the airport, iGA Istanbul Airport also partners with Turkish Airlines and its own Wi-Fi network which ensures that all passengers traveling from iGA Istanbul Airport can benefit from unlimited and free internet service using either of the two platforms. This innovative system, Çetin said, “not only provides easy access to all passengers at the airport but also offers special customer solutions for Turkish Airlines passengers before and during their flights”. 

iGA Istanbul Airport aims to make travel experiences more efficient with the free internet access it offers to its passengers. The provision of unlimited Wi-Fi has allowed the airport to use it as a platform through which to develop and enhance the passenger digital experience at all stages of their journey.   

“Connecting guests and airport stakeholders to the digital world is essential for all these innovations to function efficiently,” confirmed Çetin. “With Türkiye’s first 5G network, iGA Istanbul Airport continues to work in this direction. Our ‘Digital Travel’ and ‘Smart Airport’ projects are the most important components of iGA Istanbul Airport’s future strategy. In this context, digital services, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous technologies will continue to be the focus of iGA Istanbul Airport and its business partners in the ecosystem, as they are the industry trends.” 

Digitizing the overall passenger experience 

Since being established in 2019, iGA Istanbul Airport has put digitalization at its center and has adopted the principle of becoming a ’Digital Airport’. Efforts in this area have focused on the digitalization of the guest experience, as well as the adoption of ‘Smart Airport’ applications. “These initiatives will continue to enrich and facilitate the passenger experience throughout 2025 and beyond,” explained Çetin.  

The use of digital technologies has been revolutionary in transforming the passenger experience at iGA Istanbul Airport, Çetin said. Today’s prominent issues, not only at iGA Istanbul Airport but across the whole airport sector, include the digitalization and personalization of this experience. This involves “providing uninterrupted and consistent service across all channels, data-driven applications, productive artificial intelligence, the integration of biometric data into processes, automation, and robotic systems,” he added. 

According to Çetin, iGA Istanbul Airport’s ‘Digital Travel’ initiative aims to create a future airport experience by digitizing all aspects of the guest experience, beginning with trip planning. The Istanbul Airport mobile application is the starting point for any trip planning process and allows guests to access personalized services and optimize their travel experience by becoming a registered user of the app.  

The app allows users to receive recommendations on issues such as transportation options, airport services, and shopping based on their preferences and destinations. They can also purchase services through digital channels, thereby reducing uncertainties when formulating their travel plans. 

Via the ‘istbuy’ app (a marketplace application developed in-house by iGA Istanbul Airport), guests can order products and services at the airport, with payment options made available via the ‘Istanbul Airport Wallet’ app. Using this facility, guests can benefit from new digital-specific services, as well as an enhanced digital travel experience that includes location services.  

Additionally, guests can use mobile maps and navigation features within the airport itself via the free unlimited Wi-Fi service, using these maps to track each other and their loved ones. iGA Istanbul Airport’s location-based services include the iGA AR (Augmented Reality) application, which was developed using AR technology. With AR embedded within the mobile application, guests can “follow the opportunities at the airport in a fun way and win prizes through gamification,” explained Çetin.   

iGA Istanbul Airport aims to continue rolling out AI solutions in 2025 to support its ‘Digital Travel’ initiative, Çetin added. The iGA Chatbot, for example, which is currently used across several digital channels, uses AI language models to enhance the experience and increase interactivity. 

Finally, Çetin explained that iGA Istanbul Airport ensures that passengers with special needs are prioritized throughout their digital experience. The mobile application, for example, is designed for visually impaired passengers, and users can access digital maps and navigation functions through the ‘Voice Steps’ application. The mobile application can also provide an airport experience for elderly passengers, passengers with children, and guests who require special care or assistance. 

Overall, the technology being embraced by iGA Istanbul Airport, powered in many cases by the free Wi-Fi service, is driving the digitalization of the passenger experience. While this is a process that has already come a long way, it will continue to evolve and grow as the airport expands in the future, Çetin confirmed.    

Digitalizing the passenger experience – further examples 

In addition to the examples above, Çetin added that iGA Istanbul Airport is constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance how passengers and other guests using the airport can interact with technology to simplify their experience, making it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.    

“We have developed a device that allows for real-time translation into 50 languages and 70 accents, catering to passengers from all over the world,” Çetin explained. “Our iGA Information and Security units actively use the device in our airport, deploying 38 devices. The iGA Istanbul Airport police also utilize it, operating 14 devices.” 

Expanding on the subject of translation, Çetin added that the Istanbul Airport app also features a tool that can identify and translate seven languages – Turkish, English, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and French – to assist passengers while at the airport.  

Harnessing the power of technology elsewhere in the customer experience, the iGA Istanbul Airport app provides a range of facilities that passengers can use. The app can provide real-time, passenger-specific flight information so passengers can follow their flight status instantly with notifications to their mobile devices. Additionally, the ‘Travel Profile’ function within the app can offer a ‘personalized airport experience,’ Çetin explained. 

Remaining in the app, the ‘Follow Your Loved One’ function, which was developed to provide interactive communication between people, allows an individual to follow someone else’s flight via the app or receive assistance with navigating within the terminal space. The online map lists all in-terminal store locations, including food and beverage areas, and the in-built search function can provide users with a route to reach these points effortlessly. 

Elsewhere, technology continues to enhance the passenger experience, Çetin said. For example, a dedicated chatbot that uses AI technology offers users an interactive question-and-answer facility, while for those using iGA Istanbul Airport car parks, passengers can set up their mobile devices to receive ‘Where is My Car’ and ‘Parking Lot and Valet Mobile Payment’ options. 

Rounding off how the iGA Istanbul Airport app can help passengers, Çetin explained that it can facilitate the sale and use of all passenger services, including lounges and buggy rides, while the ‘My Travel Preparation Lists’ function can even provide users with a checklist to assist them in preparing their luggage. 

Smart technology solutions – the effects  

In discussing how the use of smart technology solutions is playing a key part in the running of iGA Istanbul Airport, Çetin expanded on how such innovations are helping to ensure that the airport continues to function smoothly and efficiently as Europe’s busiest airport.  

“One of the most visible trends in the aviation industry is the use of big data and effective AI,” Çetin said. “When it comes to the services they provide, airports are essentially data factories. Big data is used in a variety of applications at iGA Istanbul Airport, including resource planning and service improvement.”  

“iGA Istanbul Airport is accelerating its efforts to turn data into value. Data processing with AI and machine learning functions allows for the optimal use of human and equipment resources, as well as the improvement of service quality through dynamic decisions,” he added. 

“We have implemented the Smart Dashboard and Digital Twin, developed by IST Systems under the F1RST project code specifically for the use of İGA and our stakeholders. These systems are uniquely integrated 24/7 with all our digital systems and supported by real-time, multidimensional artificial intelligence. The F1RST application is the unique and only of its kind in the aviation sector, offering multi-functionality on a single screen.”

Image processing-based solutions are one of the competencies accelerated by AI technologies, Çetin added. For example, camera images used in congestion monitoring and management processes make passenger processing steps more efficient. Installed at transition points such as entrance gates, security control, check-in, and passport control, iGA Istanbul Airport’s density monitoring systems use AI to process the passenger density in the region and assist the relevant authorities by generating alarms. The airport is continuing to develop these systems, which Çetin argues “empowers all parties to make more dynamic decisions”.  

Additionally, in line with the ‘Smart Airport’ concept, iGA Istanbul Airport utilizes new technologies to offer self-service opportunities to its guests. One of the most important technology adoptions at iGA Istanbul Airport has been biometric verification systems.  

After completing check-in procedures using this system, guests have a digital identity card consisting of ID, face photo, and boarding pass data using a mobile application, Çetin said. The technology digitizes the encrypted digital ID, enabling guests to use face verification for processes such as passing through ‘fast track‘ points and boarding gates, entering waiting lounges, shopping in commercial areas, and other similar procedures that generally require the presentation of a boarding pass.  

Another component of iGA Istanbul Airport’s ‘Smart Airport’ concept is robotic systems. Robots are used in different areas of iGA Istanbul Airport, with more projects of this kind planned in 2025. According to Çetin, the airport has been working to commission more advanced assistant robots and to introduce autonomous vehicles for transport and delivery services within the airport. In addition to physical robots, iGA Istanbul Airport is “constantly developing software-based robot technologies. Thus, smart software is used to perform many tasks quickly and accurately,” Çetin said.   

Integral to the operation of the ‘Smart Airport’ concept, iGA Istanbul Airport’s A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) system, a ‘first’ in Turkish aviation, serves as a platform for the timely delivery of relevant data to all stakeholders at iGA Istanbul Airport, enabling them to share their information, Çetin explained.  

“At the end of 2023, our airport became a Eurocontrol-approved A-CDM Airport,” he said. “This system facilitates the sharing of operation information, critical information, alarm situations, and aviation-related status information among all stakeholders at the airport. All units in the sector will ensure operation performance, fuel savings, minimal impact on noise and environment, and reduced operating costs through close cooperation with Eurocontrol NMOC (Network Manager Operations Centre), which manages European air traffic.”  

Another important innovation in aviation operations digitalization is the DMAN (Departure Manager) System, which ensures efficient departure sequencing in the airport airspace. The commissioning of this project in 2024 led to an increase in the capacity of the runways at iGA Istanbul Airport.  The system executes the departure sequence from the aircraft parking position until the aircraft’s departure time, thereby reducing potential waiting and delays in the maneuvering area, making the whole ground operation more efficient, and helping airlines maintain punctuality, ultimately benefiting passengers.   

iGA Istanbul Airport using digital technology to meet sustainability goals 

“For many years now, the management at iGA Istanbul Airport has given priority to the airport’s impact on the environment and ways in which this can be reduced,” explained Çetin. Indeed, the airport publishes an annual Sustainability Report which covers, in great detail, the various programs that are ongoing at the airport to reduce the impact on its immediate environment. 

AeroTime recently published an article based on the findings of iGA Istanbul Airport’s 2023 Sustainability Report. The full article can be read by following this link.              

Expanding on iGA Istanbul Airport’s sustainability strategy for 2025 and beyond, Çetin stressed that analyzing the impact of all airport activities on the environment is always at the forefront of any key decision-making undertaken by the airport’s management, and that technology can assist in this process.  

“Looking towards the future of mobility, with the integration of air transportation with other transportation options in our work, we try to design the safest journeys with the lowest carbon footprint and resource usage with our services that cover all types of passengers,” Çetin said.  

“The aviation and mobility sectors go through profound transformations due to rapidly advancing technologies. The aviation industry is working on innovative technologies that comply with sustainability principles, such as higher-performance aircraft, fuels with lower environmental impact, autonomous flight technologies, and flying cars,” he added.   

“Innovative solutions such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, shared transportation, and air transport are being developed in the field of mobility. We closely follow new approaches, initiatives, and practices relevant to aviation and mobility services and develop projects in these areas with our stakeholders. We are reviewing the roles we can take in line with our mobility integration goals and working on national and international collaborations,” he concluded.  

Using technology in the present, developing for the future 

Through the adoption and expansion of its ‘Smart Airport’ and ‘Digital Travel’ ambitions, iGA Istanbul Airport has become a pioneer among international airports. Through its adoption of digital technology innovations, the airport maintains the smooth running of its facilities and ensures that every individual using the airport can benefit from smart technology to enhance their overall travel experience. 

Yet, just as the global technological landscape continues to evolve, and the possibilities for using such technology to improve all areas of our lives continue to develop, iGA Istanbul Airport remains committed to embracing the latest innovations to ensure that its guests can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience when using the airport and its facilities. After all, satisfied customers are likely to return, and ultimately it is this goal that all at iGA Istanbul Airport are striving to achieve.

The ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) model is gaining recognition in the aviation industry, yet it remains unfamiliar to some pilots. Avion Express is committed to transparency — working for an ACMI airline offers a different perspective compared to traditional carriers, but for many pilots, it provides unparalleled professional opportunities. Captain TRI/TRE Stefano Miotto exemplifies this, sharing how his transition from a fighter jet pilot in a renowned aerobatic team to a Captain at Avion Express has broadened his aviation career and enriched his experience.

From “Frecce Tricolori“ to ACMI company

Hailing from a small village in Italy, Miotto’s passion for aviation was sparked in his school years when he was captivated by the sound and power of jet fighters. Determined to turn his dream into reality, he pursued a career as a pilot, starting in the military as a fighter jet pilot. He later became part of “Frecce Tricolori,” the prestigious aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force.

With over 40 years of aviation experience—including 16 years in the Air Force and 24 years in commercial aviation — Miotto joined Avion Express in 2022 as an Airbus A320 Captain. “I had heard great things about the company from fellow pilots and knew they were embarking on exciting new projects. When I received the news that I had been selected, it was one of the best days of my life.”

Why changing bases sets ACMI apart

As an ACMI airline, Avion Express operates globally in partnerships with well-known airlines across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region, offering pilots international exposure and diverse experiences. Captain Miotto highlights how the airline’s global operations and multiple base opportunities set Avion Express apart right from the beginning of his career:

“Even though the company’s headquarters are in Lithuania, my initial training took me to Santo Domingo, and it felt like stepping into a completely different world. It was an incredible experience—both in terms of training and immersing myself in a new environment,” says Miotto.

“I spent about three weeks there before returning to Europe to start to fly in Stuttgart. That experience was amazing because we had a partnership with a fantastic brand, and I truly enjoyed my time there. Then, Antalya was another great experience, and I’ve also been based in London, Vienna, Hamburg, and Berlin”

Captain Miotto emphasizes that, unlike traditional airlines, where pilots are assigned to a single base with a fixed set of routes, Avion Express offers the flexibility to change bases and even continents, providing diverse experiences and unique opportunities for professional growth:

“In other airlines, you are assigned to a single base, flying the same routes to a limited number of destinations. After a year or two, it can start to feel repetitive because you know everything. At an ACMI company like Avion Express, you constantly experience new challenges and environments, keeping the job exciting and dynamic.

Furthermore, the company fosters a multicultural environment, making it an ideal place for open-minded individuals. Here, you have the opportunity to collaborate with pilots from all over the world, and every experience feels like a new adventure. You share knowledge, make new connections, and learn from each other. So, if you’re motivated to seek higher opportunities, this is the place for you. But the key is to always keep learning and evolving—not just relying on past experience,” notes Miotto.

Expansion creates new career opportunities

Miotto’s personal experience at Avion Express is a perfect example of the career advancement opportunities the company offers. He highlights how quickly pilots can grow within the organization:

“I joined Avion Express as a Captain, and within a few months, I had the opportunity to apply for a Line Training Captain (LTC) position. I completed the assessment and training, and by the end of 2022, I was officially appointed as an LTC. In 2023, I applied for a CRM Instructor position, went through training, and was successfully appointed. Then, in early 2024, after completing my examiner training with my aviation authority, I was given the opportunity to become an examiner on the Airbus A320,” Miotto shares.

Speaking about career opportunities for pilots, Laura Macutkevic, Vice President of People and Culture at Avion Express, adds:

“The company is growing rapidly, continuously expanding into new markets and launching operations in new regions. This year, for example, we have established new partnerships in Argentina, and strengthened collaborations in Mexico and Vietnam, and we are in the final stage of establishing our new AOC in Brazil. With this rapid growth, new positions are constantly opening up, creating exciting career opportunities for pilots.”

For those seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in aviation, Avion Express offers a unique combination of opportunities, competitive benefits, and professional growth. Apply today and become part of a company that values its people and provides a world of possibilities. https://careers.avionexpress.aero/pilots/

The legacy of British Airways stretches back over 100 years, covering a period during which feats of engineering innovation saw the airline introduce the first fully lie-flat seats and Concorde make the fastest ever transatlantic flight.

One thing is for sure, however: the journey never stops, and British Airways’ aspirations only grow bigger, which is why the airline remains permanently focused on finding exceptional engineers and technicians to join their team, wherever they might be located.  

About British Airways

British Airways has been connecting the UK with the world – and the world with the UK – since the carrier completed the first international scheduled air service between London and Paris in 1919.

Since then, it has built one of the most ambitious and reliable global networks, with services to more than 200 destinations across 80 countries.

Being still based at London-Heathrow Airport, British Airways operates from a giant of the aviation sector, helping more than 40 million worldwide customers each year with their travel plans.  

Such an enormous operation relies on a fleet of aircraft that can rise to the challenge, and British Airways’ engineers and technicians ensure that each and every one of these planes is fit to fly.

From the colossal Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 to the A320-200 and A320neo work horses, the variety of aircraft with which British Airways engineers work is something to behold.  

Working for British Airways  

“Being able to stand proudly at the pinnacle of the aviation industry throughout our history is down to one thing: our people.”

At British Airways, it’s not just about caring for customers, but also ensuring that staff feel that same value and respect too.

British Airways celebrates individuality, giving colleagues the confidence to push forward original ideas and make them feel truly valued.

Diversity is embraced wholeheartedly, driven by a genuine desire to create a workforce that’s reflective of the entire modern world.  

British Airways understands that when everyone feels emboldened to flourish, then individuals will contribute their best, and help to transform the airline for the future.

British Airways UK home

The United Kingdom is a powerhouse in global aviation, making British Airways’ home one of the most exciting and stimulating places in which engineers and technicians can apply their craft.

At London-Heathrow, British Airways operates to and from Terminal 3 and the airline’s busiest worldwide hub, Terminal 5.  

In November 2024, London-Heathrow declared that it expects to close the year having served 83.8 million passengers, an increase of 2.9 million on 2019’s previous annual record of 80.9 million.

As well as London-Heathrow, British Airways recruits for roles within engineering teams at its additional bases in Glasgow and Cardiff, as well as line stations around the world.

At British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC), plans have recently been announced to expand one of three existing maintenance bays to facilitate their A350 aircraft.     

Engineering in aviation  

As the demand for air travel continues to surge in the wake of the global pandemic, airlines are responding and planning for the future with new aircraft and new destinations.  

During the past year, British Airways has accepted delivery of 12 new fuel-efficient aircraft, including four A320 and A321Neos (with the airline’s new short-haul seats interior) plus two 787-10s.

Engineers and technicians are sure to play a key part in British Airways’ journey during the coming decades and there is perhaps no better time to join and become part of that story.  

British Airways is currently in the process of seeking applications from technicians and engineers, particularly those with aircraft experience, as the carrier expands to meet soaring demand.

Life as a BA engineer/technician

Joining British Airways in the role of engineer is an opportunity to join one of its most diverse and innovative departments, with plentiful openings for developing your career.

It involves working within an environment with over 80 years of experience in providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services to British Airways.

From scheduled planned maintenance to AOG and ad-hoc maintenance inputs, British Airways engineers work around the clock to meet their obligations and keep the fleet in world-class condition.

If you are energized by being part of projects you won’t find anywhere else, plus you would like to work with a wide range of wide-bodied and narrow-bodied aircraft and varied engine types while looking after the latest hi-tech inventory, then an engineering career with British Airways may be the perfect fit.  

It is not unusual for British Airways engineers to start in one role and then find themselves on a totally different path ten years later.  

Progression is never stifled and working as an engineer for British Airways can always unlock new career pathways and opportunities.  

Current British Airways engineers, with a range of experience, work in a stimulating array of different departments, from line maintenance and fleet technical support to both base and heavy maintenance.

A career without limits

Richard – Engineering Business Services Manager

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Richard joined British Airways in the late 1980s. He started in engineering as an apprentice, after watching aircraft take off from Heathrow from his bedroom as a child.

“When I review my own career, having started as an apprentice, I have had roles in so many different teams, including Workshops, Technical, Aircraft Maintenance, Finance, Training, Business Intelligence, Quality and Resourcing to name a few, having different experiences and working with so many amazing people. Very few companies provide such opportunity and support and encourage you to progress and better yourself.

“British Airways provides fantastic learning opportunities, from technical training through to leadership development, as well as academic study opportunities. A blend of theory and practical experience, supported with mentoring from colleagues and managers alike, has enabled me to build a wide range of skills.

“Having started in engineering as an apprentice, I have learnt to rely on the knowledge and experience of those around me to make both personal and business decisions. Now that I am in the latter part of my career, I am enjoying taking on the responsibility of supporting the next generation in their development, although I am still learning new things from them!”

Abi – Engineering Apprenticeship Development Manager

Abi always knew she wanted to work in the airline industry, so when an opportunity arose to apply for a role at British Airways she jumped at the chance.

“I decided to apply for the Business in Engineering Apprenticeship because it would allow me to gain valuable experience in multiple areas across engineering. Being part of the apprenticeship scheme at British Airways, I had the opportunity to rotate around different departments to learn new skills and meet new people. This has been incredibly valuable to my development as it increased my skill set and helped provide a strong foundation for my career at British Airways.

“A career in British Airways Engineering is like no other, because of the people. Our teams strive for success, and we will help everyone achieve their potential. While no two days are the same, everyone here is working together towards a shared goal to keep our planes in the sky and get our customers where they need to be. My engineering colleagues are passionate about what they do. That’s why I enjoy coming to work every day.

“My skill set has grown in ways I never thought were possible 10 years ago! I manage over 100 apprentices, and with that comes challenges, but I have succeeded thanks to the brilliant network I have at British Airways. I think what has made this possible is the people. Everyone I have worked with has believed in me, which made me believe in myself!”

Benefits of being a BA engineer or technician

As a British Airways colleague, you become part of an all-embracing global team, regardless of your background, and join a place of work where your dreams can be turned into a reality.  

All engineering team members receive a highly competitive salary and a pension scheme where employer contributions can reach up to 11%.  

Great importance is placed on staff well-being, and all engineering team members are provided private medical insurance, with the choice of four plans and dental cover.  

A healthy work-life balance is actively encouraged, with family leave structures in place, flexible working options and access to confidential counselling services for employees and their loved ones.  

Staff travel with discounted tickets available for team members and three friends or family members from Day One. After 12 months of service, engineers and their nominees are eligible for a return journey per year on any eligible route in the British Airways network.

British Airways is always eager to invest in all its employees’ talents and offers a range of tailored learning opportunities to help staff members to progress.  

There are early career programs and online courses tailored to staff member’s technical capabilities, external training and conferences to network, collaborate and learn, and opportunities for secondments.  

And even if you live abroad, British Airways can offer working visas for eligible candidates.  

Engineering roles available

British Airways is currently seeking qualified candidates for technical roles including A-License Technician, Licensed Aircraft Engineer and Cabin Mechanic Pathway.  

These positions are usually available within both maintenance (based near Hatton Cross, London) and operational maintenance departments (London-Heathrow).

The allocation is based on operation requirements and candidate experience.

All other available engineering roles with British Airways can be found on the BA Careers Website.

Summary  

If an engineering career without limits or boundaries – and the opportunity to work on the largest aircraft and engine types – sounds like your ideal job, then why would you want to work anywhere other than British Airways?

At its home at London-Heathrow Airport, you would find yourself working at one of the commercial aviation centers of the world every day, in one of the most exciting and vibrant cities on Earth.  

No matter where you are located, these opportunities are still open to you, with British Airways sponsorships available for eligible candidates.  

Got a question about what it’s like to work at British Airways? Then visit the dedicated engineering career webpage to learn more.  

The Unique Value Proposition 

Through our services, we aim to service two audiences. The first audience Aeroates caters to are airlines, MROs and other companies, who need to make use of staffing services, payroll and other solutions such as compliance and consultancy. On the other side of the coin is potential talent. Individuals who are considering a career in aviation can work with Aeroates to achieve employment directly, and begin their career with confidence. Aeroates stand out in this competitive landscape because they are an Employer of Record (EOR). Being able to employ staff directly in Malta, and managing their payroll, compliance and administrative needs, ensures an experience that is completely hassle-free for both employers and employees. 

This duality means that Aeroates is filling a gap in the aviation sector. On the one hand, Aeroates supplies skilled personnel to airlines and MROs according to their fluctuating needs. Ranging from pilots to cabin crew, ground staff and engineers who have all been highly vetted, Aeroates ensures cost-control and skill provisions. On the other hand, those whom aspire to be in the aviation industry benefit from a Malta-based employment relationship that can provide social security benefits, job security, and equal opportunities in an ever-changing and dynamic work environment. 

Meeting the needs of airlines 

Anyone operating within the aviation industry knows about the high stakes involved – many a time to the tightest of schedules.   

Without a flexible “plug-and-play” solution to increasing capacities when needed, airlines may suffer financial losses and reputation damage from flight delays, cancellations and overworked staff. Aeroates work to provide a solution that is reliable by supplying temporary staff who are certified and trained, exactly when and where they are needed. Working on a flexible model, Aeroates allows airlines to respond to common issues, such as fluctuations in demand due to seasons, disruptions to operations and special projects, without the need for a permanent workforce expansion. 

But Aeroates doesn’t just help with staffing. The 360 degree approach that our services revolve around, allow full budget control and rapid onboarding to deliver solutions, whilst also providing expert guidance and proactive assistance to serve the myriad of needs within the aviation industry. 

Individuals who aspire to launch their careers into the aviation industry, or are attempting to climb into higher positions, are offered a gateway by Aeroates, to pursue a fulfilling career. Malta is a strategic aviation hub in the Mediterranean, and its position provides a plethora of unique opportunities for personal growth. The direct employment model Aeroates has gives our recruits security, such as local labour protections, whilst also allowing them to work with leading airlines worldwide. 

“Our goal is to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals,” says Aeroates’ CEO, Giovanna Mirabile. “We provide our employees with opportunities to work along side reliable and reputable airlines and MRO companies, ensuring they get valuable experience and global exposure. All of this whilst providing peace of mind in regard to their employment.” 

Aeroates commitment to this creates a robust pipeline of talent. We foster interest in aviation careers and identify promising candidates early, with effort to work together with universities, vocational schools and aviation specific academies. Aeroates emphasise diversity and inclusivity with our recruitment strategies, and make sure they have a workforce which is dynamic and capable, which reflects the global scale of aviation. 

So why did Aeroates set up in Malta? 

Due to the advantageous tax structure, strong framework of regulations and strategic location, Malta has a growing reputation as an aviation hub. There is a thriving ecosystem for operators, lessors, and service providers due to the country’s civil aviation policies. Legal and logistical advantages in Malta make it an ideal base for Aeroates to manage a complex web of aviation recruitment, HR and compliance requirements. 

“Malta’s pro-business environment and sector-specific benefits to both employees and prospective clients allow us to deliver cost-effective solutions to our clients,” notes Giovanna. “From compliance to local employment and aviation standards and legislation, operating out of Malta gives us a significant edge within a highly competitive market.” The proximity to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East markets, alongside the island nation’s strong regulatory framework, make it an excellent base. 

Adapting to industry challenges 

Post-pandemic, the aviation industry’s recovery has included a marked amount of fluctuating demand and staff shortages. Aeorates are directly addressing these challenges with our flexible staffing models. Airlines, MROs and other businesses within the aviation sector are helped to minimise their downtime and disruption by Aeroates’ flexible staffing model, which maintains a pool of qualified professionals who are ready to deploy at any moment. 

On top of this, compliance with strict aviation regulations is a priority for Aeroates. Staff are ensured adherence to EU labour laws by being offered competitive and transparent employment contracts and related benefits, and our clients are given piece of mind by our expertise in aviation-specific compliance. The approach is meticulous, and reduces common risks like non-compliance, which could mean financial penalties, or, in the worst case scenario, grounding of operations. 

From the very beginning, Aeroates is about people. Creating meaningful connections within the aviation industry is only bolstered by the duality of the company’s focus: serving clients and nurturing talent.  

Looking ahead 

The aviation industry is continuously evolving, and therefore so are the demands on its workforce. As it is reshaped by automation, sustainability and changing passenger expectations, new challenges and opportunities are created. Aeorates is poised to be at the forefront throughout these changes, using expertise to support talent and industry leaders alike. 

In the future, Aeroates would like to expand their service offerings to include digital tools for workforce management, enhanced training programs for employees, and strategic partnerships. By staying ahead of industry trends, our position as a leading HR solutions provider in aviation will be cemented. 

Aeroates is not just a service provider, – it is a partner in progress, bridging the critical gaps in the industry by looking out for the needs of airlines and aviation professionals alike. With a firm commitment to excellence, adaptability, and human connection, Aeroates is helping to shape the future of aviation staffing and operations, one flight at a time. 

Contact Aeroates today. 

Amelia: A complete AI platform that powers training beyond regulations

Supporting Evidence-Based Training (EBT) and Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) frameworks, Amelia delivers a suite of AI-driven applications that address each phase of a pilot’s journey—from recruitment and training to operational readiness:

1. AI-Powered Recruitment: Amelia automates candidate profiling through behavioral and competency-based assessments, ensuring airlines select the most capable pilots for their operational needs. The platform’s data-driven recruitment process reduces recruitment both time and costs by up to 30%.
2. Adaptive Learning Paths: By utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning, Amelia personalizes training programs to each pilot’s strengths and weaknesses. This reduces the time to operational readiness by up to 25%, delivering capable pilots more efficiently.
3. Real-Time Feedback and Competency Mapping: Amelia continuously monitors pilot performance through real-time feedback, allowing for tailored adjustments in training programs. The platform’s In-Training and End-of-Training reports provide comprehensive competency mapping, reducing the need for remedial training while improving safety outcomes.
4. Scenario-Based Training and Virtual Coaching: With advanced scenario-based simulations and virtual coaching capabilities, pilots can experience realistic in-flight challenges. This optimization of simulator usage reduces overall training costs by up to 25% while reducing minimizing reliance on costly in-aircraft training.
5. Remedial Training and Root Cause Analysis: When training gaps are identified, Amelia automatically generates personalized remedial plans. This feature not only helps pilots address specific competency challenges more effectively but also reduces remedial training costs.
6. Instructor and Training Department Tools: Instructors benefit from briefing, debriefing, and guided scenario training tools. Meanwhile, training departments can leverage comprehensive data analytics to refine programs and align them with operational goals and industry standards.

Visionary early adopters

Barcelona Flight School, Global Flight Training Solutions, and Schreiner University are recognized for their foresight in adopting Amelia to not only meet but exceed regulatory standards for professional pilot training. By focusing on delivering Training Beyond Regulation, they are ensuring their pilots possess the behavioral competencies and real-world skills essential for safe and efficient airline operations.

“Barcelona Flight School, Global Flight Training Solutions, and Schreiner University are leading the charge in Training Beyond Regulation,” said Andy O’Shea, CEO, Airline Pilot Club. “Their willingness to adopt Amelia reflects their commitment to reducing recruitment costs, accelerating pilot readiness, and ensuring that the pilots they train are capable of meeting the complex demands of modern aviation. We are proud to partner with such visionary institutions.”

“We believe that Amelia will make a significant difference in how we train our pilots,” said Carl Davis, MS, FRAeS, Director – Aviation Studies at Shreiner Universities. “The platform’s ability to tailor learning paths to individual needs and provide real-time feedback is exactly what we need to ensure our students are not just proficient but highly capable, adaptable pilots.”

Join APC at EATS 2024 to learn more about Amelia

Attendees of the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) 2024 are invited to visit APC’s booth, #806, for a live demonstration of Amelia.

You can also hear from APC’s CEO, Andy O’Shea, at two key events:

• Speaking Session: Pilot Track – Enhancing Pilot Competency and Performance Through AI-Driven Continuous Assessment and Continuous Resilient Training.
• Panel Discussion: ATO Track – The Role of AI-Enhanced Psychometric Assessment in Aviation Training and Recruitment

Email Roisin, roisin@theairlinepilotclub.com, or Cedric, cedric@theairlinepilotclub.com to schedule a meeting.

For further information, visit www.theairlinepilotclub.com and https://apcconnections.com/

About the Airline Pilot Club (APC)

The Airline Pilot Club (APC) is a global platform that connects aspiring and experienced pilots with leading airlines and training organizations. APC offers innovative AI-driven recruitment and training solutions that support the next generation of pilots. Amelia is the latest addition to its portfolio, designed to ensure that airlines and flight schools worldwide have access to top-tier, well-prepared talent.

North Star Companies, the trusted flight training provider for the distinguished aviation degree programs at Minnesota State University Mankato in Mankato, Minnesota; Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio; and Ozark Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri, is adopting the cutting-edge Centrik 5 suite. This state-of-the-art platform will enhance oversight and streamline processes across its operations, replacing existing safety management, risk management, and document control processes. By consolidating these critical functions into a single, integrated platform, Centrik 5 will empower North Star Companies to deliver even greater efficiency and excellence in support of its academic partnerships and flight training programs.

“TrustFlight’s Centrik 5 extends far beyond safety and risk controls,” said Bryan Combs, Director of Safety at North Star Companies. “It delivers true value through its comprehensive operational management capabilities within a single, forward-thinking aviation safety platform. We look forward to working with TrustFlight to achieve operational excellence across our entire organization.”

Centrik 5’s full suite of modules including Safety, Compliance (Quality), Risk, Training, Workflows, and Regulations will allow North Star Companies to identify trends, manage risks, and implement corrective actions quickly and effectively. By integrating FDM/FOQA events with safety reports and enabling root cause analysis, North Star Companies is now equipped to efficiently streamline and prioritize risks. This enhanced functionality provides a more focused and effective approach to safety and risk management.

“Centrik is known across the entire aviation and aerospace industry as a leading quality and safety management system, and we are keen to showcase how it can provide value to every operational profile, including training organizations, as they work towards a unified approach to safety management,” said Karl Steeves, CEO of TrustFlight. “We look forward to working with North Star Companies.” 

This success has also been mirrored in the field of executive aviation, with the emirate also becoming a key service hub for a growing fleet of private jets serving VIP demand from across the Middle East and the neighboring regions of Africa and Asia. 

So, it is no surprise that Comlux, one of the world’s leading executive aviation operators and one of the few catering to the highest end of the market, has selected Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) as the location of its new state-of-the-art service center. 

The facility became operational in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024) but will make its grand public unveiling during the MEBAA Show 2024, the largest executive aviation event in the Middle East, which takes place at DWC Airport on December 10-12, 2024. 

AeroTime spoke with Joseph Huber, Comlux Vice Chairman and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ahead of the event in order to learn more about the new facility and what it heralds for the firm’s ambitions in the Middle East and beyond. 

Huber, who is also one of the firm’s shareholders, has been working side by side with Comlux Chairman and CEO, Richard Gaona for more than 18 years, to make this company a rare example of a fully vertically integrated executive aviation operator.  

No one is better positioned than Huber to comment on the significance of this new facility. He has been instrumental in the development and completion of this landmark project, which provides Comlux with a significant foothold in the region. 

“It has been a very interesting project that responds to the wishes of the operators,” Huber explained. “We built a hangar with the latest technology, with the latest equipment that you use in this kind of building. When you go into the technical room of such a hangar you’ll see. It’s incredible!”  

The hangar is almost 5,000 square meters, more than enough space to fit two Airbus A321 aircraft, as well as two large aprons in front of it. Combined, this offers more than 10,000 square meters of space in which you can even park widebody aircraft. 

But there’s more to it. The facility will serve a range of other commercial and administrative functions. It also houses the company’s sales and chartering team, which helps the firm’s customers find the right aircraft on demand. In fact, the Comlux sales team was already based in Dubai, which is proof of the growing importance of the city and of the wider Middle East in the private jet charter market. 

And that’s not all. Adjacent to the hangar there is also a showroom fully dedicated to the “TwoTwenty” ACJ, the executive version of the Airbus A220 and one of Comlux’s flagship projects.  

Comlux worked closely with the European manufacturer for a number of years to bring the executive version of the popular airliner to the market 

With the TwoTwenty, Comlux aims to create an entirely new aircraft category within private aviation, combining the spacious cabin of a converted airliner (which, in its commercial version is operated successfully by airlines such as Air France, Delta Air Lines and airBaltic), with the operational economics of smaller purpose-built business jets. 

So, to help prospective customers gain a better understanding of this innovative concept, Comlux has built the DWC showroom, complete with a full-scale TwoTwenty mockup. This is in addition to similar showrooms Comlux already has in Zurich and Indianapolis. 

The showroom also gives customers the chance to check out samples of the different materials and decorative elements that can be used and combined to configure and decorate the cabin interior. 

“We want to be close to our clients and prospects,” Huber said. “If you can touch it [the aircraft mockup], it’s a different experience than when you just talk about it.”  

“It’s in the hangar, it’s in the right environment,” he added. “It is much better for a prospect, for a client, to get the feel and touch of the aircraft.” 

Comlux’s commitment to Dubai 

Huber also underlined how important it is for Comlux to have a presence in Dubai. The region that will be served from the DWC facility, which currently encompasses the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, represents close to 40% of Comlux’s global business. 

“This is definitely a very important market for our fleet, as you know, we are mainly operating big aircraft. Middle East, Africa, India: that’s the market,” he explained. “So, when Dubai South [the company managing the development of Al Maktoum Airport and the adjacent districts of Dubai – ed. note], with whom we have a very good relationship, offered us the opportunity to build a hangar in Dubai, we immediately jumped on it. It will be a hub for us in the region where we can support our aircraft.” 

“These [aircraft] are not based in Dubai, they are based everywhere, in different regions, but they are flying into Dubai many times,” Huber continued. “That’s why we are super happy to have this hub there to service our fleet and our clients.” 

The move of the majority of Dubai’s aeronautical activity to Al Maktoum-DWC, which is slated to take place within the next few years, will give Comlux’s facility an even more central position in the emirate’s aviation ecosystem.  

“DWC Airport is now becoming the main airport in Dubai and our hangar is just in the heart of it,” Huber added. 

Comlux’s specialty is the operation of very large business jets, a category of aircraft which, according to Huber, is particularly appreciated in the region. 

He said: “Compared to other regions where we operate, our clients in the Middle East often travel in big groups. They need much more cargo space, and that’s why they travel with bigger planes.”  

In addition to the new facility, Comlux is also planning to showcase one of its largest jets, an executive Boeing 767 called “Sky Lady” which, Huber explained, is extremely popular among customers in the Middle East and Africa.   

“We have many returning clients on this aircraft,” he added. 

“Dubai is definitely very important for us,” Huber continued. “As always, those regions where the action is are always important for our business. We are focusing not only on Dubai, [but] we are [also] working on different other projects in the region which I am not able to talk about yet. But it is definitely an important place. It is the place to be.” 

One thing’s for sure: having a service center in Dubai will help Comlux respond faster to the needs of its customers in the region. Until now, when there was an issue to be fixed, an aircraft may have been sent far away to be serviced. With the new service center, some matters will be dealt with locally. 

“For example, if one of our clients in the Middle East has an issue with one of the seats on his plane,” Huber said. “He doesn’t need to go to the US to fix it anymore, we can now fix it there [in Dubai] and solve the problem. So, it makes it easier for the client and for us.”  

Huber also revealed that Comlux has invested more than US$20 million in the new hangar, which will provide space for its organic growth in the years to come. 

“We still have a lot of space to grow in it,” he said. “We want to activate it as an MRO [Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul] facility and, of course, that will bring more people, more technicians, more action to the building.” 

So, what’s next for Comlux in the Middle East?  

“We have more aircraft coming to this region,” Huber confirmed. “We are working on other projects as well, but it’s too early to talk about it.” 

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Operators using TrustFlight’s TechLog integrated with N-OC are now able to streamline the flow of maintenance information between the two products, reducing manual effort, risk of errors, and, thereby increasing efficiency.

N-OC is designed to allow operators to plan and distribute their network schedules, maintain full operations control with configurable operating rules, as well as manage and optimize crew schedule planning, day-of-ops, and crew mobile access in a single Flight Operations system.

TrustFlight’s MEL Manager, an AI-driven application that completely transforms the way airlines manage Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), also integrates directly with N-FP. This integration allows the OCC to visualize operational limitations of the aircraft against various conditions by way of automating the import of structured MEL data directly into N-FP, eliminating the risk of latent defects and other categorization errors.

This integration facilitates real-time communications from the operational control center (OCC) to the cockpit with regards to MEL management, eliminating the need for error-prone, high-latency manual updating, freeing up pilots to focus on other priorities.

“NAVBLUE is an integral part of an airline’s flight operations” said Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight. “While our customers rely on us to ensure resilient operations, compliance, and safety, the reality is that in order to actualize this for our customers, we must work in an open and collaborative way with our industry peers.”

As a major global hub and meeting point of different cultures, iGA Istanbul Airport has been named Europe’s Busiest Airport for four consecutive years. Operating 505,000 flights and more than 76 million passengers annually requires the airport to work with the most innovative technologies and systems possible, alongside employing staff to deliver these services. Amongst this, the airport still proudly recognises and adheres to its profound social and economic responsibility to operate sustainably in order to contribute to the industry’s efforts to adapt to climate change. Notable achievements in this area include iGA Istanbul Airport obtaining the ACI Europe Level 4 Carbon Accreditation Certificate 2023 and the Greenstars Certification 2023 – Turkey’s first national sustainability certificate – amongst several other prestigious awards that prove its benchmark of excellence.

iGA Istanbul Airport has determined a comprehensive plan of 2030 sustainability goals, aiming to reduce and manage environmental and social impact, alongside taking positive steps forward for the mobility sector. These are split into the three core pillars of the future of mobility, integrity of the environment and generating value for people.

Risk management & carbon pricing

The Sustainability Team, Sustainability Consultants and Risk Management Team collaborate to combat ESG risks through a comprehensive and holistic approach to risks, trends and societal issues faced. Examples include reducing the aviation sector’s contribution to the climate crisis in line with the airport’s 2050 Net Zero commitment, taking precautionary measures for extreme weather events, reducing information security risks and water resource management.

To align environmental efforts with financial strategies, iGA Istanbul Airport plans to implement ‘Shadow Carbon Pricing’, which allows the airport to assign a financial value to the investment costs associated with reducing GHG emissions, therefore forming a critical component of the company’s long-term strategic roadmap. Aligning environmental initiatives and sustainability goals with the carbon price will allow the airport to focus on future emissions reduction projects and make significant progress towards the 2050 Net Zero Commitment.

The future of mobility

Due to the power of rapidly changing technologies, both the aviation and mobility sectors experience profound transformations, and iGA Istanbul Airport is dedicated to staying at the forefront of this. Through partnerships with stakeholders, this integration of mobility services offers an important opportunity to increase passenger and employee satisfaction, whilst reducing the environmental impacts of airport operations. Committed to improving customer experience and passenger satisfaction throughout all elements of operations, iGA Istanbul Airport places great importance on implementing a safe and welfare-oriented travel experience for all through digital and innovative solutions and the development of mobility opportunities.

Environmental integrity & decarbonisation

iGA Istanbul Airport has consistently and effectively operated energy and greenhouse gas emissions since the airport’s opening in 2019, and developed a 2050 Net Zero roadmap to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Within this, the airport aims for a 45% emission reduction by 2030 and a 73% reduction by 2040 compared to the base year, with the ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. This initiative, alongside energy-efficient practices, is complemented by the implementation of zero-emission technologies, the transition of renewable energy and afforestation activities to create carbon sinks.

As well as this, the airport received A-grade in the CDP Climate Change programme, reflecting ongoing sustainability efforts, and has advanced renewable energy plans over the past year to support the net zero target. The airport adapts a life cycle approach to determine carbon footprint including taking all elements of passenger transportation, ground services and terminal operation processes.

iGA Istanbul Airport is also highly committed to its efforts to reduce waste and increase recovery rates, and is proud to have been the first airport in Türkiye to receive the Zero-Waste Certificate.

In 2023, iGA Istanbul Airport successfully separated 53,135 tons of waste generated within its ecosystem, recycling 34.66% of the separated waste. This prevented 1,079 tons of carbon emissions and avoided the use of more than 100,000 tons of oil.

As well as this, iGA Istanbul Airport also manages a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which includes bird monitoring and protection, afforestation, wildlife management, and species protection and monitoring activities.

Value for society, guests and employees

iGA Istanbul Airport has actively implemented its Social Investment Programme since 2016, and in 2023, key focus areas included developing local skills and empowering communities, integrating women into socio-economic life, and supporting young people. As part of this, iGA successfully completed the Rehabilitation and Development of Beekeeping Project in the villages adjacent to the airport. The airport’s goal through initiatives such as this is to create social benefits that come hand in hand with sustainable developments.

Other social projects conducted by iGA Istanbul Airport include the Newton Flight Academy Istanbul, the Women’s Hands to Children’s Hearts – Knitted Doll Project, iGA Art and the iGA Academy. Alongside this and throughout operations, the airport is dedicated to working on improving educational services by supporting local schools, supporting vulnerable groups including disabled travellers, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport notes: “I am immensely proud of iGA Istanbul Airport’s role in transforming the positive future of the aviation industry for future generations. In 2023, under the expert guidance of our Sustainability Management Team and support from our stakeholders, our global hub once again exceeded expectations and targets in our commitment to environmental and social improvements. Sustainability is integral to our culture, and I am optimistic for the future as we continue to strive towards our 2030 Sustainability Goals.”

To view the full version of the 2023 Sustainability Report for iGA Istanbul Airport, visit here

Greek-based airline Sky Express launched its first flight from the country’s capital, Athens, to Istanbul on November 12.

With a rapidly expanding network of destinations, iGA Istanbul Airport, which ranks among the top in the ‘most connected airports worldwide,’ has now reached a total of 110 airlines served, including Greece’s fastest-growing airline, Sky Express.

Round-trip flights between Athens and Istanbul, available seven days a week, began on November 12 with Sky Express’s inaugural landing in Istanbul at 9:30 a.m.

This special arrival ceremony was hosted by iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen and attended by Sky Express Chairman of the Board, Ioannis Grylos.

At the ceremony, Bilgen made the following remarks:

We are proud to be the third airport in the world hosting the highest number of airlines. As iGA Istanbul Airport, we continue our goal of making Türkiye a global aviation hub. In the 100th year of our Republic, we aimed to reach 100 airlines served. We surpassed our goal of ‘100 airlines’ and closed 2023 with 101 airlines. In 2024, our goal was to increase the number of airlines we host to 110. With the addition of Sky Express, we achieved this target before the end of the year. This not only reflects our airport’s expanding flight network and connectivity but also showcases Türkiye’s increasingly powerful vision in the aviation sector to the world. The growth of global partnerships and trade further strengthens our country’s strategic significance each day.”

Daily flights between the cities will be operated with the 182-seat Airbus A320 Neo, and passengers will also have the opportunity to connect to Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Kos, Paros, and Heraklion.

These are ideal tasks for a technology capable of providing actionable recommendations based on the analysis of very large data sets.  

Not long ago we explained how tech firm Fetcherr has developed a large market model (LMM) which does just that. Much in the same way, if fed the right amount and type of data, AI-driven LMM models can also enhance an airline’s commercial capabilities in the customer-facing side of the business. 

A new paradigm in airline-passenger interaction 

Over the last couple of decades, the popularization of e-commerce has massively expanded the direct distribution capabilities of airlines and brought about a massive transformation of the industry’s commercial landscape. 

Over the course of these years, airlines have got better at selling seats and ancillary services. However, the basic mechanics of the airline-passenger interaction have remained pretty much the same, with travelers interacting with form-like interfaces, which require considerable time and effort from the traveler. 

Could AI be the game-changing technology many in the industry have been waiting for? 

During the World Aviation Festival, which took place in Amsterdam in October 2024, Dominic Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Revenue Management, Distribution & Holidays at Virgin Atlantic, offered some clues about the future of airline-passenger interactions in the era of AI. The executive explained how Virgin Atlantic is working with Fetcherr to bring deep, holistic transformation to the airline customer experience. 

As one of Fetcherr’s early customers, Virgin Atlantic has already had the chance to experience the power of AI, and of Large Market Models in particular, in the area of pricing and has also started to evaluate the potential of this technology to transform the whole travel journey. 

“We’ve been working with Fetcherr for a number of years. The relationship has been great from the start, but we just kept strengthening and deepening it. I think there are a number of reasons for that. First is the fact that Virgin Atlantic has long prided itself as a trailblazer and tried to do things differently,” Kennedy explained in conversation with AeroTime.  

He mentioned some of the innovative products and services that gave Virgin Atlantic its enviable reputation, such as the introduction of Premium Economy or onboard bars. 

“When we first started engaging with Fetcherr it was really a wonderful meeting of minds, because they were thinking very differently from everyone else about commercial airline planning. Initially this related only to the airline’s pricing function, but their vision is much bigger than that,” he added. 

“We are in the process of rolling out Fetcherr’s Generative Pricing Engine (GPE) and we are looking with interest at what they’re doing in the inventory management space,” Kennedy explained. “What we’ve got with the generative pricing engine is effectively a fully automated pricing solution all the way from the conception of the price point to execution in the market.”  

He continued: “Historically, we’d need an individual looking at competitive pricing, as well as considering our general pricing policy within a given market, and then finally pressing a button and filing that in the ATPCO database and seeing that through to being available to consumers.”  

The automation of processes has transformed how Kennedy’s team performs, with analysts now focusing on more strategic decisions and helping steer the suggestions by the system. 

Even a boldly innovative airline like Virgin Atlantic started the roll-out of this technology in a rather controlled way. The airline used one of its routes for experimentation, giving half of the flights on that route to the AI for optimization and doing the other half in the traditional way.  

Fetcherr’s AI passed the test with flying colors and was then tested in more and more markets and compared to industry peers, again with positive results. 

“There’s also the responsiveness you get from AI, by being constantly plugged into all that external data which sits on top of your own data. That means that you are not reliant anymore on a human spotting something in the market. We are responding in real time to demand fluctuations and other external factors,” Kennedy explained.  

Spurred by a common desire to challenge the status quo, both firms have been cooperating in shaping some elements of Fetcherr’s suite of AI solutions, with Virgin Atlantic’s understanding of the airline business complementing Fetcherr’s own AI expertise which is rooted in the world of algorithmic trading. 

A holistic approach 

One area that appears to be ripe for disruption is the interaction between airline and customer. 

From the point of view of the passenger, two essential elements of the AI-driven travel purchase experience stand out. 

One is the ability of the system to interact with the customer through natural language, that is by expressing the needs in the same way and using the words and expressions we would use if talking to another human being. 

The other is the capability of the system to provide answers and execute actions, including processing bookings and payments, in a multi-variate environment. 

What does this mean? 

Let’s say you are a Coldplay fan based in the United Kingdom and your favorite band is touring the United States next month, right when you have some days off. Wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to fly to the US to enjoy an unforgettable experience and do some sightseeing and shopping along the way? 

Imagine, next, that you head to Virgin Atlantic’s website, and you tell the airline (or rather, the customer-facing AI engine that powers customers’ interactions) exactly what you need. For example: 

“Hey, I would like to see Coldplay next month for their upcoming tour, but I don’t want to spend more than, let’s say $1,500 in this trip. What do you suggest?”  

In this example, you would expect the system to return a shortlist of travel options either on Virgin Atlantic or on its partner airlines, that will take you to the US cities where Coldplay is playing and where it is still possible to book tickets for the concert. 

You would then be able to engage in conversation with the system to put together all the elements of the trip. It may even be the system that proactively suggests things. 

For example, it may suggest a shortlist of hotels that match your budget and preferences. Or it may arrange the most convenient transfer options. What about some restaurants near the concert venue? 

You could, of course, search for all this on your own, but the AI’s tool is your time-saving machine here. And, for the airline, it’s a revenue-generating opportunity, as well. As you narrow down your choices, the system is also able to book them for you as it arranges your itinerary. 

This frictionless model is not yet a reality, but it is a vision that Fetcherr is confident it will be able to deliver in the not-too-distant future.  

“It’s a wonderful vision. We definitely believe that airline distribution is moving in a direction that aligns with that, an implementation path,” said Kennedy. 

In addition to driving significant revenue increases for Virgin Atlantic, Fetcherr has been able to add some custom elements to its Large Market Model in order to match Virgin Atlantic’s unique profile as a purely long-haul, UK-based airline.  

The vision is to have just one point of contact with the airline, which would be able to sell you everything you need to enjoy a trip to the fullest. 

“We aspire to build an ecosystem in which people come to us to book a flight, and we are then able to offer them all the different permutations of that trip. This is something that definitely extends beyond travel in the traditional sense. This should be about the experience, about that excursion, sports event, or night at the theater. Our vision at Virgin Atlantic is to create compelling reasons for you to satisfy all those needs while staying within our ecosystem,” Kennedy said. 

“The AI is going to know and understand your preferences, your needs, your behaviors and it will be able to draw on the hundreds of thousands of different permutations, not just flights but also hotels, clubs, excursions, experiences…whatever it might be that meets your requirements,” he added.  

Kennedy concluded by highlighting the gradual and unstoppable nature of AI adoption. 

“Once the AI understands the sorts of things you like to do and when you would like to do them, it won’t take long,” he said. “It will first be exploring your behavior, and it will take a little bit of time, but it won’t be long before it’s able to serve you exactly what you want to do on your next trip to San Francisco, Athens or wherever the journey takes you.” 

Amelia supports Evidence-Based Training EBT and Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) by enabling instructors and organisations to implement all of the best practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association in an AI-assisted environment. It offers a comprehensive AI-driven solution that enhances pilot recruitment, training, and career progression. 

Amelia: A Complete AI Platform for the Entire Pilot Employment Lifecycle 

Amelia delivers a suite of AI-powered applications that address each phase of a pilot’s journey—from recruitment and training to operational readiness: 

1. AI-Powered Recruitment: Amelia automates candidate profiling through behavioral and competency-based assessments, ensuring airlines select the most capable pilots for their operational needs. The platform’s data-driven recruitment process reduces both time and costs by up to 30%​. 

2. Adaptive Learning Paths: By utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning, Amelia personalizes training programs to each pilot’s strengths and weaknesses. This reduces the time to operational readiness by up to 25%, delivering capable pilots more efficiently​. 

3. Real-Time Feedback and Competency Mapping: Amelia continuously monitors pilot performance through real-time feedback, allowing for tailored adjustments in training programs. The platform’s In-Training and End-of-Training reports provide comprehensive competency mapping, reducing the need for remedial training while improving safety outcomes. 

4. Facilitated Training and Root Cause Analysis: These key features of the Competency Framework are facilitated by Amelia. Instructors often struggle to perform these tasks, however, by leveraging Amelia’s ability to instantly suggest open questions with which to facilitate briefings and debriefings, instructors will find it much easier to perform these tasks. When a student is challenged by a learning objective, Amelia will suggest optimum questions to answer so that the Root Cause is established in a scientific way.  

5. Department Tools: Training departments can leverage comprehensive data analytics to refine programs and align them with operational goals and industry standards. Analysis of instructor performance is enabled. 

“Amelia is much more than a training tool—it’s a complete AI-driven solution that addresses the entire lifecycle of pilot employment, from recruitment to operational readiness,” said Andy O’Shea, CEO, Airline Pilot Club. “We are not just helping airlines and flight schools meet regulatory requirements—we are enabling them to go beyond, training pilots who are capable of excelling in their careers. Amelia helps redefine what it means to be airline ready.” 

Join APC at EATS 2024 to Learn More About Amelia 

Attendees of the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) 2024 are invited to visit APC’s booth, #806, for a live demonstration of Amelia.  

You can also hear from APC’s CEO, Andy O’Shea, at two key events: 

• Speaking Session: Pilot Track – Enhancing Pilot Competency and Performance Through AI-Driven Continuous Assessment and Continuous Resilient Training. 

• Panel Discussion: ATO Track – The Role of AI-Enhanced Psychometric Assessment in Aviation Training and Recruitment 

Email Roisin, roisin@theairlinepilotclub.com, or Cedric, cedric@theairlinepilotclub.com to schedule a meeting.  

For further information, visit www.theairlinepilotclub.com and https://apcconnections.com/ 

About The Airline Pilot Club (APC) 

The Airline Pilot Club (APC) is a global platform that connects aspiring and experienced pilots with leading airlines and training organizations. APC offers innovative AI-driven recruitment and training solutions to ensure that airlines and flight schools worldwide have access to highly capable and well-prepared talent. Amelia is the latest addition to its portfolio, designed to support the complete lifecycle of pilot employment, from recruitment to operational excellence. 

In an exclusive interview with AeroTime at Dublin Airport, CEO Andy O’Shea spoke about APC’s journey and the advanced technology that ensures prospective pilots “present themselves at an interview in tip-top form” and that they “ace the interview and get the job.” 

Building a new hangar can be a lengthy process if you do it the traditional way, but Belgian firm Spantech is offering a new, more straightforward approach. 

In October 2024, Spantech stunned the industry with the announcement that it had completed a huge hangar capable of housing either an Airbus A380 aircraft or four narrowbody aircraft simultaneously at Spain’s Teruel Airport (TEV) in under six months. 

This facility, which was built for French maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) firm Tarmac Aerosave, boasts 34-meter-high walls and a 95-meter span, and was built with a modular constructive technology, referred to as ‘Construction 2.0.’ by Spantech.  

What Spantech has done is refine and adapt to the specific needs and scale of the aviation industry. This is an approach that has served it well when building large functional buildings for other use cases, such as sports centers, concert halls and even film studios. 

“We have a philosophy that we call ‘Construction 2.0.’ which focuses on the efficiency of the processes and is applicable to several types of buildings, particularly those that have a lot of height and large spans, which are our specialty,” Romain Genot, project lead at Spantech for the Teruel hangar project, told AeroTime. “We use off-site assembly techniques to shorten the construction period of a project and reduce the need for skilled labor.”  

In the case of the Tarmac Aerosave A380 hangar, the structures were preassembled at the company’s facilities in Germany and Poland and then transported to Spain to be erected at the selected location. 

It’s all about the system 

“When it comes to aviation projects, most of the value is in what we do on-site. We have a very smart way of putting together the truss system we manufacture off-site,” Genot continued. “We have a patent on the foldability of our truss system. You have two parallel rafters, which are the structural beams and are connected by diagonals. You can remove those diagonals and transport the whole system to wherever you need to install it.”  

Genot compared this way of doing things to the more traditional constructive approach other firms follow, which will involve building the hangar one element at a time. 

“We do things differently; we first assemble the ceiling of the hangar on the ground,” he said. “This is laid out in modules, which are like the ribs of the structure. In Teruel, for example, each of the modules we’ve used to build the ceiling measures five by 95 meters. Then we fit out a liner on top and the electrical wiring. We can also add insulation, sprinkler systems, ventilation, whatever is needed, while on the ground. And then we lift it.”  

This is the same method Spantech has used to build a film studios, which are currently used by the likes of Netflix, Amazon, and MGM.  

“Another key difference is that our system is made of aluminum and, instead of being welded, it has holes that make up what we call ‘pre-assembly’. You can then fold it for transport,” said Derek de Villenfagne, the CEO of Spantech. “We can ship the same hangar to the United States or South America or the Middle East.” 

“Our competitors, which use welded trusses, would have to use some sort of special transport to be able to do the same,” he added. “They would need to put it on top of a boat or something like that.”   

De Villenfagne compared this to the methods used by local construction firms that are often contracted to build hangars the traditional way.  

“You could do this in steel in the same way, but you’re not going to have the same ease of assembly,” he added, before referring to the example of Teruel. “It took only two to three days to erect the 16 meters high by 85 meters long facade because it is very simple. Everything is prefabricated. You don’t have to cut anything. You just fit and fasten some screws, and you are done.”   

To illustrate this point, de Villenfagne shared a timelapse video of the construction of the Teruel A380 hangar with AeroTime, highlighting its quick progress. Several processes were conducted simultaneously, such as the ground assembly and lifting of several sections of the structure and fitting panels that would eventually become the walls of the hangar. This method not only reduces construction time, but also the need for skilled labor.   

“You need some skilled personnel because you need to work at some height with specialized machinery,” he said. “But one of the great advantages, a proper revolution in the way to build, is that you don’t need a roofer or a specialist to clad the facade. And you don’t have as much need for electricians or plumbers, because much of what goes into the roof, we install on the ground with what we call a plug and play system.” 

He continued: “All those accessories and technology, the cables, you fit them on the ground, and you lift them up. The specialist just needs to come on a given day to finish it up.” 

De Villenfagne also explained how the height of a 50-ton hangar door was adjusted with millimetric precision by just one man using a range. This level of accuracy is made possible by designing and pre-assembling the different components in the factory instead of on-site. The controlled environment of the factory allows Spantech to ensure each component will work exactly as designed on a computer. 

Spantech’s customers have a choice of materials and revetments to use on the walls and roof, but the structure is always covered with a roof liner made from plastic PVC. This element makes it possible to add panels for extra roof rigidity, which are used, for example, if the hangar owner wants to install solar panels on top.  

The liner is also good for the hangar’s U-value (its insulating properties) and, importantly, for the customer’s perception. De Villenfagne explained how lots of customers want to “be able to knock on the roof and feel that they can walk on it”. It also makes the hangar watertight and acts like a membrane that helps the structure cope with the effects of temperature-induced dilation and contraction. This is particularly important when building in areas with big temperature oscillations, like the Middle East, where it is common to have 27-28 degrees of variation between day and night. 

Spantech also offers customers a choice of insulation solutions. This can either be a relatively simple solution, which involves a double layer of PVC with an air cushion which is slightly inflated, or sandwiched panels with a water-tight liner on top for stronger insulation. 

The PVC cushion solution provides good zenithal lighting when compared to covering the roof with panels, which makes the interior of the hangar darker. This is why, in places where the local climate permits, the air cushion is an interesting and aesthetically pleasing solution. In the case of Teruel, where temperatures can drop during the winter, a small heating system was also installed, but the overall trade-off was positive.

Spantech’s competitive position 

Spantech sees traditional construction firms as its primary competitors. Genot highlighted how this is typically a lengthy process in which the hangar operator hires an architect and a structural engineering firm to carry out the design and will, more often than not, opt to do it in steel.  

This, he explained, is usually a more expensive and less efficient approach, especially when building hangars for widebody aircraft. 

“When we look at other projects, we sometimes see numbers that we feel are way too high for what is being built, and we tend to think we could do it cheaper,” Genot said. “But it’s hard to get a fair apples to apples comparison between different constructive systems. I would think that for widebody aircraft hangars, we tend to be less expensive than traditional construction.” 

Genot also explained that, in addition to the firm’s MRO-specific know-how, Spantech’s system holds up well when compared to other methods in terms of maintenance requirements and costs. Spantech uses galvanized steel and aluminum, both materials highly resistant to corrosion. This prevents the need to paint the surfaces every year, as is the case with items made of steel. It’s low maintenance as a building. 

De Villenfagne referred to the total cost of ownership, something particularly important when we are talking about buildings that can have a long working life, with some even lasting for up to 45 years.  

Spantech can bring maintenance costs down to one third of traditional constructions, with de Villenfagne attributing this in great part to the use of membrane liners which provide good tolerance towards material fatigue and thermic-induced dilation and contraction.  

Besides the financial aspects, though, which may vary from project to project, Spantech also highlighted predictability as one of the strong points of its construction process. 

De Villenfagne said: “If you already know that your hangar will be ready in X number of months, you have more freedom to plan and take decisions.”  

Capitalizing on systemized innovatio

De Villenfagne also outlined four elements of the Spantech value proposition, referring back to the company’s ‘Construction 2.0’ philosophy.  

“What we mean by this is first, a controlled budget, because everything is pre-engineered in the factory, so there are no surprises, no waste, no loss,” he said. “Second, it is about planning. Third it is about being on-program, as requested by the customer. And the fourth one is about making a building which minimizes its environmental impact, including the fact that everything in our constructions is meant to be dismountable and reusable.”  

Further to this, de Villenfagne defined the Spantech approach as “standardized made to order”, likening it to what he called “the IKEA model” in which there is a library of systems that were once developed to match a specific need and are now available to be used and combined.  

“We also take ideas from one industry and bring them to another,” he continued. “For instance, in one project for the entertainment industry, we created a safe line for artists, a system with a beam made of extruded aluminum that you can connect by sections, because not every theater or studio has the same dimensions. So, when one of our customers in aviation had an accident in which a worker fell from an aircraft’s fuselage, we proposed adding that same safe line. And now we are installing it in our aviation projects. For example, we installed it in Teruel. That’s what we call systemized innovation.” 

According to Spantech, its methodology allows it to complete projects at least three times as fast as some of its competitors.  

“This is all the result of everything that we were mentioning before. A lot of off-site assembly, the design and integration of all the systems,” Genot added. “You don’t have to call some guy to come, look and then decide how he will do it. All of this is done months in advance, and we just execute it when we are on-site.” 

Aside from the project it has completed for Tarmac Aerosave in Teruel, Spantech has also been working for companies in the aviation industry such as Lufthansa Technik, Aviolanda in the Netherlands, Sabena Engineering in Belgium, and Colombian airline Avianca. 

“We see tremendous growth and we think Construction 2.0. brings a lot of flexibility to our customers because they can install the facilities on an apron relatively easily without owning the land. If, after years, their contract with the airport is not renewed, they can dismantle the building and reuse it elsewhere. This gives them a certain leverage in negotiations with the airport,” de Villenfagne added.  

Airlines up-gauging fleets with larger narrowbody aircraft is another driver for increased hangar space demand. Add to this the fact that some current widebody aircraft, like the A350, have truly large wingspans and it is becoming harder for operators to find space in the existing hangars.  

But Spantech has also devised some transitional solutions. For example, it created a movable hangar extension for Aviolanda, what it calls a “tail out box”, which makes it possible to fit a third aircraft inside the hangar.  

Spantech builds hangars for widebody aircraft, a segment in which there is less competition (building hangars for smaller narrowbody aircraft is within the scope of many more local players). The company’s unique selling proposition appears clearer to end users. 

“In just a few words, we design and build turnkey projects faster than traditional construction companies,” Genot said. “And most of the time at a better cost.”

Spantech will be exhibiting at MRO Europe 2024.

Founded in 1993, Job Air Technic is a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 and FAA Part 145 approved maintenance organization and an EASA Part 147 approved training organization, with the maintenance capabilities to service both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. 

In an interview with AeroTime, Job Air’s Chief Business Development Officer, Ojciec Mateusz, and Chief Operating Officer, Kaspars Podins, discussed how the company has been digitalizing its operations, including introducing tools such as its in-house AI-powered platform designed to streamline maintenance planning. This technology helps optimize decision-making and reduce workloads, a growing trend in the MRO sector.  

Mateusz and Podins also talked about the company’s focus on employee growth, partnering with universities and offering in-house certifications to attract and retain talent. The company also prioritizes internal promotions, allowing mechanics and staff to advance into leadership roles.  

Looking ahead, Mateusz and Podins also discussed plans to expand geographically and add new capabilities, including expanding its widebody maintenance capabilities and new-generation engine servicing. With increasing demand for long-term maintenance bookings and an active presence at industry events, Job Air Technic is positioning itself for continued growth and leadership in the aviation and MRO industry. 

Watch the full interview to find out more.  

“The demand is still increasing at a high pace,” Matutytė remarked. A few years ago, such a statement would have hinted at a boom time. But now, in the context of aviation’s struggle to regain its pre-pandemic momentum, it carries a more cautious tone. Locatory.com, one of the world’s leading marketplaces for aircraft parts, is seeing a surge in requests from both airlines and maintenance providers.

The rapid return of passenger numbers has left airlines desperate to keep their planes in service, just as parts shortages have worsened. “As air travel demand surpasses supply, we see a bottleneck effect,” Matutytė explained. Delays in new aircraft deliveries have pushed airlines to hold onto older jets longer than planned.

While the aviation supply chain problems have been discussed for some time, the most critical challenges are shifting. For instance, the backlog is currently particularly acute in the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector, where demand for engine repairs has outstripped capacity. Hanna Lavinskaja knows this story well. “Repair shops are facing challenges in servicing an increasing number of aging narrowbody engines,” she noted, recounting a now-familiar narrative. Airlines, hoping to extend the life of their trusty workhorses, are flooding repair shops with requests, even as newer engine models are arriving for their first overhauls.

Supply chain and aftermarket insights with Locatory.com CEO, Toma Matutyte

• Airlines
• Civil Aviation
• MRO
• SPONSORED

ByLocatory.com

April 10, 2024

Like many in the industry, the experts agreed that both operators and lessors are now trying to find a balance: managing aging engines alongside those that represent the future. As Lavinskaja described it, the market for spare engines and leasing solutions is booming, filling the gap where downtime meets urgency. “MROs are cautioning that costs may rise due to difficulties in accessing materials,” she added, acknowledging an uncomfortable truth: the shortages that plagued the early pandemic days haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply shifted, creating new challenges for airlines and maintenance providers alike.

Still, she sees promise in creative leasing solutions that help airlines avoid long waits. By renting spare engines during maintenance cycles, airlines can sidestep delays and keep flying. “It’s about finding that balance, helping clients stay flexible in an unpredictable environment,” she reflected.

To see the full conversation with AeroTime, where Toma Matutytė and Hanna Lavinskaja share more of their insights,

Watch the full interview.

The show opened on Tuesday 17 September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by board members from the International Airport Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IAEMA) and representatives from Ground Handling International (GHI).

By mid-afternoon, over 2,500 industry professionals had already passed through the doors on day one at the FIL in Lisbon with over 170 companies with over 200 pieces of GSE – weighing 880 tonnes – exhibiting inside and outside one of Portugal’s most important exhibition centres. 

Allen said: “It’s incredible to think that this is only the second edition of GSE Expo Europe. We’ve been really proud to deliver this exhibition alongside the great team at IAEMA. This is an exhibition which was built by the GSE community for the GSE community; and it’s fantastic to see that community come together for a busy three days in Lisbon. 

“The show has highlighted the best of GSE. It has provided an opportunity to showcase new products and innovation, as well as be a forum for the movers and shakers in the industry to network and do business. It has exceeded our expectations in terms of both the quantity and quality of attendees, as well as the number of companies who have exhibited at the show. 

“Thank you to everyone who attended the show, whether as an exhibitor, sponsor or visitor. We’re already planning the 2026 edition, which based on the success of this year, is going to be something to really look forward to.”

Conference Chairman Max Gosney said: “It is brilliant to see the development of GSE Expo Europe. We had a great launch show and it is spreading with manufacturers helping us bring the customer base here.” 

Gosney was also proud to say that it was not just the number of delegates through the door, they were coming from a wider range of countries with more visitors from Asia, the Americas and Africa.

He said: “It is great record numbers and we are getting global representation. It is called GSE Expo Europe but it is very much an international show.”

GSE manufacturers used the show to unveil new products with Mallaghan showcasing its new TSU3000E, a fully-electric lavatory truck powered by 80V Lithium-ion batteries, Power Stow exhibited its new Tail Loader and Textron GSE proudly revealed its new Safeaero 220E electric de-icer.

The Innovation and Demo Zones also drew the crowds with the latest developments in autonomous and handling vehicles from companies such as TractEasy, Timsan and Charlatte. 

The example of what happened in the financial markets looms large here. 

In a matter of a few years, algorithmic trading took the financial markets by storm. And that was even before ‘AI’ became the buzzword on everyone’s lips. 

Some quantitative finance pioneers struck gold by entrusting decision making to ‘black box’ smart models, capable of placing trades autonomously after being fed huge amounts of data. 

Most importantly, though, they brought about such a radical transformation of the way of doing business that nowadays, the majority of trades in most financial markets are executed by machines with no human intervention whatsoever. 

Could the same thing happen to airline pricing? 

Air fares do indeed have some similarities to securities pricing.  

In addition to being dynamic, price formation is the result of a complex optimization of multiple variables. Any model trying to get to a profit-maximizing fare must take into consideration a huge amount of dynamic data, from seat inventory and competitors’ actions to political, business and weather events affecting traffic flows. 

To the credit of the airline industry, it has always believed in the science of revenue optimization, adopting dynamic pricing quite early on.  

However, the architecture of the present-day query-based systems on which, at present, most of the industry relies was developed many decades ago, and this shows.  

Most legacy systems operate using a defined set of rules that project prices based on past events. This is an approach that enables airlines to update their fares several times per day. It is far from being effective when circumstances don’t match past behaviour, though, and further still from the pricing efficiency of other markets, for example the Nasdaq. 

This is suboptimal for the airlines, and it is not for lack of technology options. 

But what if you could train a system with enough data so that it always gave you the optimal fare for each specific moment in time, in a continuous, non-discrete manner? 

It is at this point that Generative AI enters the picture, in the form of Large Market Models (LMM). 

You may be familiar with AI-powered generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or DALL-E, which are able to generate content and data (hence their name) in response to a user-entered prompt.  

There is usually not one single correct answer for a prompt asking to generate a text or an image. When you ask the system to provide a specific, quantifiable answer to a complex business optimization problem, though, things get interesting.  

This is what airline tech startup Fetcherr is doing for a handful of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Azul and Royal Air Maroc, to name just a few. 

It is possible to feed large amounts of data into a model that takes into account the many variables that influence pricing, in order to derive from it some predictions and actionable recommendations. 

Fetcherr combines millions of data points collected from multiple sources, internal and external, including many that are not obvious. 

Let’s say there’s a major football game at one of the cities served by the airline. Well, the system would take this into account too, as this is a factor likely to push prices up on certain dates. 

The system takes a holistic view of all factors that can affect fare levels across its network. 

The system then applies enormous computational power to simulate a broad range of scenarios, comes up with optimal pricing and pushes it to the airline’s other systems. It then integrates with all major Passenger Service Systems (PSS), as well as fare databases such as ATPCO. This process takes place on a continuous basis and it is fully automated. 

What’s more, the system adapts and keeps learning, understands where the competition is and what the consumer is willing to pay and generates prices accordingly. 

Nasdaq-style pricing for airlines

Speaking with AeroTime, Dr. Uri Yerushalmi, Fetcherr’s Chief AI Officer and Co-founder, noted the similarities with high-frequency trading. 

“We are bringing speed and price efficiency to the airline industry. All our infrastructure is geared towards this vision that someday, buying airline tickets will be just like trading a stock.” he explained. 

Another concept on which Yerushalmi insists is that of transparency. 

Yes, Fetcherr’s Generative AI may be a ‘black box’, a system capable of taking decisions on its own after taking into consideration many more parameters that a human mind could comfortably process, but it has also embedded explanatory capabilities. 

That is, if the revenue analyst wants to understand why the system came up with a specific fare, it is possible to ask and to receive an answer. 

What’s more, the whole interface has been designed in such a way that facilitates this human-machine interaction. 

Fetcherr’s founders are well aware of the fact that many airlines are reluctant to give away control of something as essential as their fare policy. This is why a number of safeguard features have also been built in, enabling a gradual approach. 

Revenue managers can define the bounds within which the AI is allowed to act unsupervised. A hypothetical example would be an airline that sets an upper boundary of 7% for price raises. If Taylor Swift suddenly schedules a concert somewhere and the system expects demand to that city to surge, proposing a 20% price rise, a human would have to approve it. 

That example presents a fairly simple scenario, but because of the complexity of such a system, some decisions can be quite intricate to explain.  

As a result, Fetcherr is moving away from a traditional way of communication, using an interface with widgets and graphs, to a more flexible chat-based system, which also uses natural language to provide answers. It can also generate graphs and other data representations upon demand. 

Though the Generative Pricing Engine can be operated on its own, Fetcherr has developed another AI tool called Generative Inventory Engine, which makes it possible for airlines to optimize capacity alongside pricing. 

“We don’t intend to mimic humans but to deliver tangible results. Our market model is quantitative, and it is easy to measure the accuracy,” explained Dr. Yerushalmi, before adding extra detail about the results Fetcherr is obtaining with some of its airline customers. 

He explained that, following the implementation of Fetcherr’s Generative Pricing Engine, some airlines have seen double digit growth in Revenue per Available Seat Kilometres (RASK). 

“We see ourselves as a hedge fund, but instead of trading a portfolio for customers, we are trading airline prices and generating a return on this for the airline,” added Yerushalmi, before concluding on an optimist, bullish note on the future of AI-powered applications. 

He highlighted how Fetcherr’s customers have been gradually expanding the scope of tasks and decision-making they entrust to the Large Market Model suggesting that increasingly this is going to become the norm, not just in aviation but across all industries. 

“If the AI is built in the right way from the ground up and in a transparent way, it can gradually take on more and more decisions. You start with micro-decisions and then you progressively move up the macro-level.” Yerushalmi concluded. 

So what’s in this for the human users, then? 

That question will be the subject of an upcoming article in which we will share some insights about the way AI systems can in fact become a valuable tool to empower the airlines’ revenue management teams. 

AI-driven airline pricing is making strides, but how does it work?

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

ByMiquel Ros

This is an industry-leading event that will showcase the most thrilling innovators, leading experts, and visionary thinkers, transforming the possibilities in aviation and redefining on-demand air mobility. 

Over the course of the three-day industry highlight, over 20,000 like-minded attendees will gather to be wowed by leading-edge aircraft, best-in-class industry products and services, advanced avionics and new engine technologies, all while in the company of passionate industry insiders, key executives, VIPs and prestigious buyers keen to share their experiences and insights.

This year, inspiring disruptors and top experts will take center stage as the leading advanced air mobility vehicles take flight, with a sharp focus on the biggest aviation discussion points currently impacting the business aviation industry.

Held among the bright lights of Las Vegas, the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will take place on 22-24 October 2024, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and at Henderson Executive Airport.

Why should you attend 2024 NBAA-BACE? 

Whether you are a business aviation professional, a new industry disruptor on the scene, a buyer looking for cutting edge technologies, a pilot thirsty for deeper regulation knowledge or just someone passionate about planes, there is something for everyone at NBAA-BACE this year.

NBAA-BACE provides visitors a platform with which to connect with peers, and ultimately the opportunity to interact with thousands of dedicated and visionary individuals and explore the technologies that are driving the excitement, safety and sustainability of aviation.

As well as connecting them through one of the world’s most powerful peer to peer networking and learning platforms for people in the industry, NBAA-BACE places visitors front and center to hear the ideas that are driving aviation forward.

Among this year’s keynote speakers are the Head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Michael Whitaker, and renowned Futurist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who has set social media alight with his fascinating insights.

The Emerging Tech Pavilion will give attendees the opportunity to see, touch and feel three of the world’s leading and progressive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that are on the cusp of achieving certification.

There will also be unmissable panel events and educational sessions from industry experts and government leaders, discussing everything and anything from sustainability to safety and more.

And it would not be a business aviation event without some of the industry’s most breathtaking executive jets on site, with outdoor static displays from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Textron and Bombardier, including the Global 7500 adorned in the manufacturer’s new livery as launched in 2024.

Exhibition Hall

The exhibition hall floor will be packed with game-changing innovations that are helping to make aviation safer, more sustainable and ever-more accessible to today’s entrepreneurs and trailblazers.

Hundreds of exhibiting companies have already signed up for 2024 NBAA-BACE, including the top manufacturers, plus a variety of businesses taking the leap and joining the event for the very first time.

On average, attendees spend more than 11 hours wandering the walkways of the exhibit hall and 57% of companies at this year’s event have exhibited for over 10 years.

And it’s a truly global phenomenon, with attendees arriving from all 50 US states and international guests from nearly 100 countries.

Emerging Tech Pavilion

The exhibit floor features the Emerging Tech Pavilion, a dedicated area focusing on Advanced Air Mobility and electric flight technologies. 

At 2024 NBAA-BACE, attendees will find themselves in the company of three of the most exciting Advanced Air Mobility developers currently working towards the next evolution of flight.

Electra.aero, Joby Aviation and Lilium will all be represented at NBAA-BACE, offering attendees the unique opportunity for a close-up look at three trailblazers rewriting the rules on flight and future travel.

Dan Hubbard, Senior Vice President of Communications at NBAA, said: “These are the leading companies, and I say that because they’re getting beyond just a concept aircraft and testing it. They’re looking at all the final mile questions.”

Lilium

Germany’s Lilium, a leading electric aircraft manufacturer, is currently building a fully electric jet that takes off and lands vertically, can carry six passengers and is designed for regional and intercity distances.

Electra.aero

Virginia-based Electra.aero is leading the way in direct aviation, building hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) airplanes that takeoff and land in under 150 feet, and transport up to nine passengers or 2,500 lbs. of cargo on routes up to 500 nm.

Joby Aviation

California-based Joby Aviation is building an all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet and convenient global passenger service, connecting people around the world. 

Keynote Speakers at 2024 NBAA-BACE    

Michael Whitaker – FAA Administrator

The FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker is still relatively new to his role, having been appointed in October 2023. However, his short time at the helm of the U.S. aviation industry has been far from leisurely.

Whitaker will give one of the event’s keynote speeches on the opening day in Las Vegas, filled with crucial insights on how current and future regulations will impact on business aviation.

Following the approval of the FAA Reauthorization Act in May 2024, Whitaker has much work to do to implement the bill at the aviation agency. At NBAA-BACE he will speak specifically about what it means for business aviation.

It is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the aviation world’s most influential minds and it should be a highly compelling moment with which to kick start NBAA-BACE.

Neil deGrasse Tyson – Award-winning Astrophysicist, Renowned Futurist, Best-Selling Author and Inspiring Speaker

Unless you’ve had your head stuck in the sand for the last 12 months, it would have been almost impossible to have avoided award-winning Astrophysicist and renowned Futurist, Neil deGrasse Tyson.

DeGrasseTyson has lit up social media over the past few years and garnered millions of followers with his remarkable insights about space, time and humanity.

When deGrasse Tyson takes to the stage in Las Vegas to give his keynote address on October 22, 2024, he will undoubtedly be addressing a crowd keen to absorb his thoughts on the future of aviation.

DeGrasse Tyson will be interviewed by a top executive from Advanced Air Mobility aircraft developer Joby Aviation, making for a compelling discussion between two people with their sights set firmly on the future.

DeGrasse Tyson is currently on tour with his new book, ‘To Infinity and Beyond’, speaking to packed audiences wherever he appears, so it should be an honor for attendees to spend time with him on the opening day of NBAA-BACE.

Safety in Focus

Safety will be in focus like never before at the 2024 NBAA-BACE as the issues central to the subject, and those surrounding it, become increasingly prevalent for all those invested in the business aviation industry.

Featured safety events at the 2024 NBAA-BACE include:

• NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown
• NBAA Small Operator Symposium
• NBAA National Safety Forum

These events will highlight pilot mental wellness initiatives, a new FAA mandate for safety management systems (SMS) and key safety provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. They will also detail how recorded flight data and narrative safety reports can be incorporated into your organization’s safety analysis initiatives to mitigate risk, plus other leading safety concerns, and will be led by preeminent experts in their respective fields.   

Peer learning sessions will offer information for those operating everything from piston aircraft to large-cabin business jets, and the content developed for the show should be valuable to those flying both domestic and international missions.

As part of the NBAA-BACE LinkedIn Live safety events, attendees will hear invaluable information from industry experts, including:

• NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen
• Dan Boedigheimer, vice chair, NBAA Safety Committee and CEO of Advanced Aircrew Academy
• Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director of safety and flight operations
• Rosa Lee Argotsinger, lead of the Single Pilot Safety Standdown and vice president of flight operations at Textron Aviation
• Gil Lopez, CAM, lead of the National Safety Forum and vice president of operations at Leviate Air Group

Event speaker Paul ‘BJ’ Ransbury, a retired Royal Canadian Air Force Captain, CEO of Air Performance Solutions and NBAA Safety Committee chair, said: “Safety is a core value of the business aviation community, and it will be a centerpiece of the convention. In short, NBAA-BACE will ensure you have what you need to stay proficient, but to level-up your game in safety of flight.”

Key Advancements in Business Aviation Sustainability

NBAA-BACE will shine a spotlight on sustainability, with the most important developments driving business aviation’s push to net-zero carbon emissions being discussed by industry leaders.

Influences in focus include Washington policymakers forming a bipartisan House Aviation Sustainability Caucus, regulators starting to formulate a next generation framework of requirements for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the five-year FAA Reauthorization Bill passing.

With the rise in SAF as a viable solution, countering claims that the aviation industry is failing to tackle environmental strains and the evolving world of emission-free Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies, sustainability is now a central topic in aviation.

NBAA-BACE will bring together experts offering guidance for navigating the dizzying pace of change in business aviation sustainability, culminating with a dedicated, two-day Sustainability Summit featuring authoritative sources from all points in the value chain. 

Among this year’s speakers are Nancy Bsales, the Chief Operating Officer at 4AIR, and Scott Cutshall, CAM, President of real estate and sustainability at Clay Lacy Aviation.

The convention week also will offer a special opportunity to mark the one-year anniversary of the industry’s CLIMBING. FAST. initiative, which has underscored business aviation’s sustainability leadership with policymakers and opinion leaders in groundbreaking new ways. 

“Sustainability is more than just a mere buzzword – it’s central to the future of flight, and it is pivotal for the future of flight,” said Nancy Bsales. “NBAA-BACE will empower participants with insights into game-changing developments in sustainability, and how they tie together for operators and other stakeholders.”

Building Business Aviation’s Future Workforce

NBAA-BACE will also seek to find the solutions to the workforce shortage and recruit the next generation of business aviation team members.

The Collegiate Connect one-day program is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones, and is designed to help future generations learn about, and get inspired by, business aviation.

A panel discussion will feature young and seasoned management-level professionals sharing their strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in business aviation.

After the panel discussion, students will participate in a lively networking event where they’ll be encouraged to select from one of nine career categories and speak with young professionals currently working in those roles.

Job seekers at all career levels are also invited to attend the Career Fair, where companies and leading industry talent will be able to connect.

The convention will also mark the milestone 10^th anniversary of the Young Professionals (YoPro) Council with networking opportunities and education sessions.

YoPro-produced and focused education sessions will tackle work/life balance, finding a career with purpose, unlocking your potential and attracting and retaining the next generation of young professionals in business aviation.

In addition, issue experts and big-picture thinkers will lead more than 50 education sessions, focused on safety, leadership, workforce development, operational excellence and more.

Celebrating the Best of Business Aviation 

There will be opportunities at NBAA-BACE to celebrate the very best of business aviation, through the ‘Above and Beyond Award for Heroic Achievement’ and the ‘Meritorious Service to Aviation’ award.

Laurent and Pierre Beaudoin, whose visionary leadership at Bombardier has fostered industry growth and advanced business aviation safety and sustainability, are to receive the ‘Meritorious Service to Aviation Award’.

Meanwhile flight attendant Sydney Bosmans, whose training, quick thinking and professionalism saved the lives of two passengers in the aftermath of a fatal business aircraft accident in Naples, will become the recipient of the ‘Above and Beyond Award for Heroic Achievement’.

Both awards will be presented during the convention, Laurent and Pierre Beaudoin’s at the Opening Keynote Session and Sydney Bosmans’ at a special reception.

Register now for 2024 NBAA-BACE

This year’s NBAA-BACE is preparing to take off in Las Vegas, United States at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 22-24 October 2024. Secure your spot by registering now!

Taking place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, this year will mark the 21st edition of the World Aviation Festival. The event has come a long way from where it started in 2003 as the ‘Low-Cost Airlines Congress’.

Decades later, it is now considered one of commercial aviation’s much-awaited annual conferences and trade shows where industry professionals can connect, learn, and create opportunities.

This year, technology will be one of the focal points of the World Aviation Festival, a topic that played a factor in the festival’s return to Amsterdam to hold the three-day event. The city last hosted the festival  in 2022.

Amsterdam’s robust digital infrastructure has shaped the city into a thriving technology hub. On a global scale, it is recognized as one of the most “AI-ready” cities. In aviation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes a vital contribution to autopilot systems, predictive maintenance, route optimization, air traffic management, and much more.

Daniel Boyle, GM of Transport at Terrapinn, a global events company organizing World Aviation Festival told AeroTime: “We chose Amsterdam because it is a city that is unique and has diverse approaches to mobility, and has an impressive digital infrastructure.”

“Amsterdam is also host to two of the world’s most forward thinking airlines and airports, KLM and Schiphol, and we are delighted to be collaborating with both of them as our Official Partners,” Boyle added.

What to expect at World Aviation Festival 2024 

This year’s World Aviation Festival has four main topics that will take center stage in its exhibitions and talks: Business models, technology, sustainability, and innovation.

World Aviation Festival 2024 will platform 600 speakers over three days. To help you decide which discussions to join, here are some highlights to look forward to. 

Business models

The world of aviation is dynamic. Factors such as global events and regulatory changes make it necessary for airline and airport business models to evolve and change. 

David Neeleman, CEO of Breeze and Founder of JetBlue, is one of the show’s confirmed speakers, and will offer up his thoughts on the current state of play in the industry. 

After his 1-2-1 keynote interview, Neeleman will sit down with Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Willie Walsh, Director General of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance, to discuss big picture issues such as geopolitics, generative AI, supply chain and future trends. 

Neeleman will make two appearances at World Aviation Festival 2024:

Day 2– Keynote Interview: Understanding more about the future of international expansion at Breeze 

Day 2– Keynote CEO Panel: Mitigating geopolitics, adopting Gen AI, building more efficiency and managing supply chain issues 

Secure your spot now at World Aviation Festival 2024

Technology

Held in a city that’s known to be one of Europe’s biggest tech hubs, technology makes an appearance throughout this year’s agenda of World Aviation Festival 2024.

The event will focus on how technology can improve every aspect of the aviation ecosystem and will cover everything from digital twins, AI and Machine Learning (ML) advancements, FinTech, retailing, airport technology and cyber security. 

Keynote speakers for aviation technology include Charu Jain, SVP Merchandising and Innovation at Alaska Airlines, who will give a keynote presentation on how to transform the guest experience through AI and emerging technologies. 

Other tech speakers include Thomas Rückert, SVP & CIO of Lufthansa Group, and other CIOs from KLM and TUI. 

Technology discussions that may be of interest during the festival:

Beyond efficiency: How are we embracing AI, automation, and collaboration to create an efficient ground operations ecosystem?

Panel: How will advancements in AI technology impact the technical aspects of cyber security within the aviation industry?

Register now for World Aviation Festival 2024

Sustainability

During the 2023 World Aviation Festival, sustainability was mentioned in almost all agendas, even in sessions on retail, loyalty, and customer experience. 

This year, sustainability will play an even bigger role with the addition of the Digital Sustainability Summit, a dedicated sustainability agenda that will run over the course of the three-day festival.

Key experts will discuss how to solve some of the biggest aviation sustainability issues of today, such as how to decarbonize a carbon heavy industry, and much more.

Speakers from United Airlines, Delta, Finnair, IAG and SkyTeam will come together and explore industry challenges, global perspectives, decarbonization strategies and digital sustainability solutions.  

Other confirmed speakers on aviation sustainability include: Isabelle Droll, CIO Airline, Hotels & Resorts, Corporate and Sustainability at TUI, Ann-Sofie Hörlin, Head of Sustainability, SAS Group, and Eveliina Huurre, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Finnair.

Other sustainability discussions during the show include:

Fireside chat: How much can we rely on new technology to forward our sustainability goals?

Keynote Interview: Balancing the integration of sustainability initiatives with overarching airport business goals and human-centric experiences

Secure your spot now at World Aviation Festival 2024

Innovation

Innovation is driven by an exchange of ideas, something the World Aviation Festival is known to facilitate. 

According to Boyle, this year’s event will break down the hype cycles with the show’s “largest ever innovation-focused agenda”.

Innovation is not confined to the stages this year, as the World Aviation Festival will also feature more than 100 startup companies in its exhibition area, the largest showcase of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of its kind in the aviation industry. 

The show will feature a dedicated Start Up Village in support of the development of innovation and SMEs in the aviation industry. There will also be a pitching zone on location for opportunity discussions.

“This year’s show will feature some of the industry’s leading accelerators, incubators and Venture Capitals (VCs). We will uncover where to invest next, separate hype from reality and host the best start-up pitch competition the industry has to offer,” Boyle told AeroTime.

Companies leading the discussions on innovation include IAGs Hangar 51, Lufthansa’s Innovation Hub, Alaska Airlines Up Labs, and Aerospace Xelerated. 

Some sessions on innovation include:

Keynote Panel: How will harnessing digital transformation and innovation allow airports to achieve peak operational efficiency?

Panel: How is the aviation industry leveraging innovative technologies to enhance operational resilience and manage disruptions?

What’s new at the World Aviation Festival 2024?

With a total of nine workshops and 22 round tables, this year’s World Aviation Festival will provide more opportunities for engagement and networking on key topics relevant to you. 

Workshops will be hosted by a wide variety of companies including KLM, SkyTeam, Pros, Retail in Motion, IBS Software, Liveperson, Mastercard and Acxiom/Sitecore. 

The World Aviation Festival is also introducing the Digital Accessibility Summit this year. 

“The industry is yet to earn the trust of disabled passengers so we are facing this issue head on this year,” Boyle told AeroTime. 

Opening the summit is Michael Swiatek, Chief Strategy Officer of Abra Group, which owns Avianca, GOL Airlines, and recently invested in WAMOS. Sqiatek has had a long career in senior roles at some of the largest airlines in the world, including Chief Planning Officer at IndiGo Airlines, Chief Planning Officer at Qatar Airways, and Director of Strategic Planning at Air New Zealand.

Swiatek has held high-level positions and continues to make significant breakthroughs in the aviation industry all while being legally blind. Swiatek will commence the summit with an inspirational keynote: Accessibility in aviation – What should change look like? 

Due to demand, World Aviation Festival 2024 will expand its discussions on Irregular Operations (IROPS). 

“It’s such a huge challenge that the industry is facing and we are nowhere near where we need to be compared to pre-pandemic,” Boyle said.

Some sessions on IROPS include:

Presentation: Anticipating reactions and building readiness: what strategies ensure passenger needs are met during IROPS?

Panel: How can the aviation industry mitigate disruption and build resilience to effectively navigate irregular operations?

Register now for World Aviation Festival 2024 in Amsterdam

World Aviation Festival is a conference, exhibition, and the largest global aviation tech event. But most of all, it is a venue where ideas, connections, innovation and ideas are celebrated.  

It is, after all, a festival where transformative ideas are made while networking with friends, colleagues, and valuable new connections.

See you in Amsterdam! Register now for World Aviation Festival 2024

In Saudi Arabia specifically, the market has witnessed record growth, with an 11% increase in private jet travel since 2020 and it’s expected to increase exponentially by 2030. Vista has already recorded strong growth in the Kingdom, seeing a 59% year-on-year increase in flights and 51% increase in flight hours in the first quarter of this year. 
 
Ali Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), comments: “As the business aviation industry continues to evolve, the MEBAA Show remains a pivotal platform for fostering crucial connections and driving innovation. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our efforts to enhance networking opportunities and provide deep insights into key trends, products, and services. This year’s event will host global leaders, offering unique opportunities to share and gain knowledge, explore new business deals and forge paths that align with our shared vision of advancing the future of business aviation.” 

A number of key regional and international operators are already confirmed to attend, including Saudia Private, Qatar Executive, Mukamalah Aviation Company and Jet Aviation. Following its successful launch at the previous edition, the Operators Programme will return as an essential networking hub delivering pre-arranged meetings between operators and exhibitors. Participating operators will benefit from fast-track entry to the show, and access to the private operators lounge, providing a unique opportunity to gather new market insights, explore emerging trends, and cultivate professional relationships. 
 
Trevor Esling, Vice President Commercial, Qatar Executive, said: “Qatar Executive is pleased to be attending this year’s MEBAA Show, showcasing the latest addition to its fleet, the Gulfstream G700, which offers an exquisitely designed spacious interior, with exceptional range capabilities. Combined with unmatched personalized service by our staff, Qatar Executive is setting a new standard in private aviation. We look forward to showcasing our product & services to the attendees at the show later this year.” 
 
BizAv Talks will also return this year with an agenda featuring C-level industry leaders who will explore the current landscape and provide fresh insights into business aviation. From optimizing sustainable operations and exploring new initiatives, to leveraging technology trends, enhancing customer experience and maximizing efficiency, it promises to deliver valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for advancing the sector. 
 
Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, Chief Executive Officer at Saudia Private, will be speaking on a panel ‘What’s next for VVIP business jets? Anticipating future trends in customization’. He comments: “The VVIP business jet segment has evolved significantly in recent years. Going forward, I expect to see increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, whilst also rethinking how we deliver in-flight productivity for a better experience for our customers.” 
 
For attending VIPs and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), the Platinum Guest Programme will provide an unparalleled visiting experience, with a dedicated concierge service, premium lounge access, fast-track entry and the opportunity to schedule private jet visits. Guests will also enjoy access to the Luxury Boulevard, located amidst the stunning private jet display, providing a prime stage to engage with luxury brands. 

The MEBAA Show will take place during December 10-12, 2024, at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. For more information, please visit the website www.mebaa.aero.  

With decades of dedication to the aviation industry, it is perhaps no surprise that following his loyal tenure at Ryanair, in which he saw the airline grow from operating 26 aircraft to one that flew 460, that Andy felt he still had much more to offer to find and train the best commercial pilots of the future.  

In fact, APC evolved from Andy’s belief that a new approach to pilot training and recruitment was required, one where they worked as a single entity and inefficiencies between training competencies and airline requirements were avoided. 

In June 2024, AeroTime took a deep dive into the work of APC and looked at how its technology was empowering airlines to discover the pilots of tomorrow.

Central to APC’s approach was creating a community that connected aspiring pilots, Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and ultimately airlines through a holistic technological approach to recruitment and training. 

After the bleak years during the COVID-19 pandemic the world’s airlines are finally on the resurgence with the expansion of operations and a core objective to find and recruit more pilots.  

Despite the pressing need to find the next generation of aviators, standards have remained as high as ever, leaving airlines battling to find the very best trained pilots, and the solutions that APC offers more important than ever.  

Andy told AeroTime: “Once the airlines announce that there are jobs, there’ll be plenty of applicants, but what we can do is help them very easily and quickly find the right people culturally, technically, education wise, with the right competencies, attitude, knowledge and skills. Our task would be to do all that integration using our experience and software and deliver safe and efficient pilots on-time and ready to go.” 

As APC has grown so has the company’s utilization of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of the aviation industry.  

From APC’s Airline-Ready Pilot Pool to psychometric assessments to its Evidence-Based Training (EBT) and Personal Evidence-Based Training (PEBT) Optimization Suite, AI and technology solutions have become central to its success.   

APC’s Airline-Ready Pilot Pool is a key tool to align pre-screened, well-trained cadets, as well as experienced pilots, with carriers, streamlining the path from training or recruitment to cockpit.

While APC’s AI and data analytics ensure only the most qualified candidates make it to Airline-Ready Pilot Pool creating a treasure trove of talent for carriers to access.

The EBT and PEBT Optimization Suite enables airlines, as well as independent pilots and instructors, to personalize and optimize training programs and adapt materials and methodologies to meet the unique needs of each trainee

The suite is also able to provide real-time, actionable feedback with detailed, data-driven insights into a trainee’s performance, competencies, and progress and is highly compatible with various airline training record systems allowing for smooth data exchange.

In addition, APC’s Partner Portal creates a technology-based ecosystem that unites airlines, training organizations, and professional pilots with a shared vision of advancing aviation careers.

In an exclusive interview with AeroTime at Dublin Airport (DUB) Andy spoke about APC’s journey and the advanced technology that ensures prospective pilots “present themselves at an interview in tip top form” and that they “ace the interview and get the job”. 

During the interview Andy explained how the company adopts a “potent combination of tech” to prepare pilots for airlines and within the next few months ‘Amelia’, APC’s next-gen AI platform, will elevate aviation training even further, drive deeper profiling, adapt to learning and provide real time feedback.  

Amelia helps pilots excel in every aspect of the recruitment and training process and ensures they are fully ready for airline operations.

New features on the horizon include adaptive learning paths, which dynamically adjust training programs based on a candidate’s performance and learning style, and predictive analytics, which assess potential areas of improvement before they manifest in operational settings.

Additionally, the platform will provide tools for facilitated briefing and debriefing, equipping instructors with structured insights and real-time data to enhance the effectiveness of each training session.

Scenario-based training simulations will replicate real-world challenges, preparing pilots for decision-making under stress.

“The entire fabric of Amelia is designed to make sure that the organization that uses it is going to be compliant, and it’s going to be exceptional. Compliant and exceptional. Because Amelia takes into account all those regulations, all the industry best practice, all the training resources and training manuals that the organization has, and in accordance with the way that we’ve programmed her, she will provide optimum, personalized, evidence-based training for people that an instructor or a head of training can validate and implement,” Andy told AeroTime.  

To learn more about APC and its quest to redefine the paradigms of aviation training and recruitment, watch CEO Andy O’Shea’s exclusive AeroTime interview. 

And learn more about how AI is revolutionizing pilot training on the APC website.

• Michele Merkle, Director, ICAO Air Navigation Bureau

Hot on the heals of the ICAO Air Navigation Conference, Michele will provide a global perspective on the opportunities and challenges of incorporating innovation and technology, at State level, into the aviation system.

• Marc Parent, CEO, CAE

As a member of the opening plenary ‘CEO Panel’, Marc will join IATA Director General along with the CEOs of Royal Air Maroc and Ethiopian Airlines to share his insights on how innovation and technology are shaping airline performance. Marc will provide his expertise and perspective on leveraging training, automation, and AI to drive efficiencies and enhance both safety and the customer experience.

• Jesper Rasmussen, Flight Standards Director, EASA

Providing the regulator perspective within the closing plenary ‘Executive Panel’, Jesper will reflect on the Conference discussions and provide his own views on where the largest opportunities lie and how, within the aviation regulatory framework, we can become more agile to allow early, but safe, adoption.

• Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair

As a NTSB priority is to ensure its readiness to carry out its mission amid rapid technological advancement in all modes of transportation including commercial space transportation, uncrewed aircraft systems, advanced air mobility, and supersonic aircraft, Jennifer will share how she is pushing for measures that not only will save lives but preserve the public’s trust in proven lifesaving technologies.

“Sustainability is an existential challenge for humanity as it is for our airline industry. Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is a big and complex task. But working together with the broader aviation industry, and with the support of governments, we will get there. WSS is a unique opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to learn, align and take the critical actions needed to galvanize our determination and accelerate progress,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Key elements to help achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 being addressed at the WSS include:

• Decarbonization: Focusing on aviation’s transition to net-zero CO2 emissions, including how to develop, scale, and deliver the solutions necessary to decarbonize aviation over the 25 years to 2050. Discussions will address how to build the markets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon removals, and other nascent technologies, and the challenges involved in financing such projects.
• Innovation and Technology: Exploring new aircraft technologies and operational innovations with a focus on the practical aspects of implementing new technologies rapidly to advance the industry’s net-zero CO2 emissions goal.
• Policy and Regulation: Examining the global policy landscape aimed at achieving net-zero CO2 emissions, particularly related to SAF, and the complexities of aligning global regulations and harmonizing SAF policies to scale up production and deployment.
• Finance and Transparency: Looking at investment challenges; what are the difficulties and opportunities in financing renewable energy projects and SAF production, and how to make the investment case more attractive to stakeholders. The focus will be on strategies for attracting capital, transferring risk, and on what innovation is needed to finance the industry’s transition to net zero. Transparency will also be addressed as it is an essential part of the investment challenge in terms of fostering informed and science-based decision-making among investors, airlines, and other stakeholders.

“The WSS aims to unite decision makers across the public and private sectors, and across all areas of government, with the objective of decarbonizing air transportation. Aviation’s energy transition needs support beyond transportation ministries as it touches upon nearly all areas of the global, regional, and local economies and societies. Radical collaboration is needed to engage technology, policy, and finance and unite with a single-minded purpose to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The mission is urgent, as a multitude of new markets need to reach maturity in the short 25 years to 2050. The WSS is the agenda-setting event that can accelerate progress as we tackle this enormous challenge,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

Royal Schiphol Group is a leading airport company which manages Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a major European hub. Committed to safety and sustainability, they operate a network of airports across the Netherlands, fostering international connections for passengers, cargo, and the global economy.

Pieter van Oord, President & CEO of Royal Schiphol Group said “We are proud to be the host airport for the world’s most exciting commercial aviation event. The World Aviation Festival has quadrupled in size over the last five years, attracting airlines, airports and key industry stakeholders from all over the world.”

A spokesperson from the World Aviation Festival said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Royal Schiphol Group as the Official Airport Partner for the World Aviation Festival. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability perfectly aligns with our mission of fostering a future-focused aviation industry.”

The World Aviation Festival returns to Amsterdam this year from 8^th-10^th October. It will unite professionals from across the sector, and will provide invaluable insights into the latest aviation developments, innovations and trends. Over 3,000 attendees are already confirmed to attend, with over 5,000 expected by October. Confirmed speakers include Marjan Rintel, KLM; Patrick Roux, SkyTeam; and József Váradi, WizzAir.

Royal Schiphol Group has set its sights on becoming the world’s most sustainable airport network. This ambitious plan includes achieving zero-waste and zero-emission operations at their airports by 2030. Looking ahead, the group aims to become energy-positive and fully embrace circular economy principles. Beyond their own operations, Schiphol Group is committed to driving sustainability within the aviation sector, working towards net-zero emission air travel by 2050.

To find out more about Schiphol group, click here.

To find out more about the World Aviation Festival, click here.

Wings of Support was founded in 1998 by KLM pilot Marius den Dulk and remains largely funded by donations from KLM employees. In 2023 alone, Wings of Support raised over €600,000 for 67 projects, benefitting 16,378 children.

Wings of Support focuses on funding initiatives to support disadvantaged children from destinations KLM flies to. Ongoing projects include sponsoring laptops for children in Bali, online teaching support for exams in South Africa, and a new roof for a shelter in Suriname.

A representative for the World Aviation Festival stated: “We’re incredibly happy to have Wings of Support partnering with us this year. Since 1998, Wings of Support have raised funds for over 750 projects across the world. Their charitable initiatives have helped tens of thousands of children, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of their work in the future.”

The World Aviation Festival returns to Amsterdam this year from 8^th-10^th October. Over 3,000 attendees are already confirmed to attend, with over 5,000 expected by October. Confirmed speakers include Marjan Rintel, KLM; Patrick Roux, SkyTeam; and József Váradi, WizzAir.

To find out more about Wings of Support, click here.

To find out more about the World Aviation Festival, click here.

The AIRLINER is a hybrid simulator (Fly-by-wire and conventional control) manufactured by ALSIM to address large flight training programs for advanced training such as Multi Crew Cooperation, Crew Resource Management, Jet Aircraft Handling and Procedures. The versatile simulator is close to a variety of different single aisle aircraft, such as the B737MAX, A320, A220, E190-E2 or the SSJ100. Its generic flight model is based on the same requirements as Full Flight Simulators Level D and provides the latest technology available in modern aircraft with similar automation and flight management systems.

Chad Martin, Fleet Manager at UND Aerospace Foundation, states: “After two years of solid dispatch reliability and customer support, UND Aerospace is excited to double down with ALSIM on their option for a second Airliner device. The students really enjoy the realism of the simulator. We have had several alumni captains from major airlines fly the Airliner and they too appreciate the fidelity and smoothness of the controls. The acquisition cost compared to others also helps support affordable training in a time that we are experiencing historical increases.”

Jason Da Costa, Business Development and ALSIM Sales Manager, adds: “ALSIM is extremely proud to once again provide UND with their Airliner device. The flexibility of the Airliner to switch between different training philosophies allows for exceptional versatility when applied to learning environments. UND has a world-renowned aerospace program with a mission statement that aligns perfectly with ALSIM’s desire to deliver the highest quality flight training devices and education. We would like to thank them for their confidence.”

With its mixed fleet of both narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircraft (which includes the Airbus A380), and with plans to significantly grow its fleet over the next five-plus years, Etihad offers extensive opportunities for those seeking a rewarding and varied flying career.  

But what does a career as a pilot with Etihad involve, what does a typical month flying for the airline look like, and what are the benefits of flying for one of the world’s leading carriers?  

Recruiting for future growth

Since its inaugural flight in 2003, Etihad has earned itself a strong reputation and leading position in both the Middle East and global airline markets. Continuing along the path to extend its reach even further, the airline is currently engaged in an expansion and fleet optimization program to expedite its future growth.

A key part of that plan is the launch of an extensive recruitment drive aiming to attract talented pilots to the company. This comes during an exciting period of growth, which will see both new aircraft types and new destinations being added to the airline’s operation. 

Etihad is currently in the process of seeking applications for a wide range of flying positions, both for an immediate start as well as further ahead in the coming years, as the company expands to meet soaring demand for its passenger and cargo services. For a full list of current opportunities, please click on this link. 

Having run a series of pilot recruitment roadshows throughout July 2024 and with more to come later in the year, Etihad is continuing its drive to fill open positions across its modern fleet of short, medium, and long-haul aircraft. Pilots who may not yet fulfill the Etihad selection criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also being encouraged to register their interest with the airline.

Etihad today and beyond

Etihad currently employs over 1,700 pilots operating one of the world’s newest fleets of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. This includes the Airbus A320, A321, A350, and A380, alongside an extensive fleet of Boeing aircraft, including one of the world’s largest fleets of 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, as well as a number of 777-300ERs

The airline recently announced that it will operate the A380 until at least 2032 and is one of the last remaining carriers offering the chance to fly this iconic aircraft.  

Etihad’s pilots fly to more than 70 destinations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

The airline continues to grow its network and in June 2024, commenced flights to Bali, Jaipur, and Al Qassim, as well as several seasonal destinations including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera, and the holiday resorts of Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Etihad will double its fleet size by 2030 compared to 2022. This growth trajectory will offer pilots significant career progression and promotion opportunities, making Etihad a highly attractive employer for ambitious pilots looking to build a solid career. 

The life of an Etihad pilot

Flying for Etihad brings with it a career that few other international airlines can match. Just as the company aspires to create meaningful experiences for its passengers, it is as equally committed to delivering a remarkably thoughtful employee experience through its culture, creativity, and innovation, plus the opportunity to enjoy a varied flying career, unlike other carriers.  

Regardless of which fleet a pilot is assigned, all pilots flying for Etihad are assured a varied flying career serving an eclectic mix of destinations, and the opportunity to fly the latest commercial aircraft using cutting-edge technology on the flight deck to support them in their role and to build on their flying experience.

To encourage this, unlike many other carriers, the airline offers its pilots the opportunity to transfer between fleets and to operate several different aircraft types. The company also offers clear and defined career progression plans that provide a pathway to personal development and fulfillment.   

This includes for first officers, the chance to work towards achieving a command position once suitable experience and skills are attained.

With its modern and diverse aircraft fleet, Etihad pilots have the choice of an equally diverse range of flying activities. While those flying short-haul routes can expect to end each assignment in Abu Dhabi, pilots flying medium and long-haul routes are afforded a generous amount of time downroute and are accommodated in some of the finest hotels available in each of the airline’s destination cities.

One key ethos at Etihad is that of continuous training and development among its pilot workforce. Those flying for the airline enjoy access to some of the highest experienced training captains in the industry, while the diverse nature of the flying activities undertaken constantly provides new environments and airports in which pilots can hone their skills and broaden their overall experience. 

Lastly, Etihad’s diverse pilot community works alongside 142 nationalities that make up the Etihad family, providing a culturally diverse environment in which to work. 

The benefits

For those joining Etihad as a pilot, the range of non-flying benefits on offer is highly competitive and rewarding. These benefits included market-leading tax-free salaries, generous per diem allowances, and other expenses while downroute on company duty travel.  

Additionally, concessionary international air travel for the individual and their families is provided (subject to the completion of an initial period of service), plus numerous other travel industry discounts, and complimentary gym memberships.  

The company also provides comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage for pilots and their relatives, ensuring that the highest levels of healthcare are available as and when required. Additionally, the airline offers an allowance for schools within Abu Dhabi, so long as children have an Etihad-sponsored visa.  

Lastly, a career with Etihad offers the chance to build a life for yourself and your family in the eclectic and cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most vibrant modern metropolises. 

The location

Commencing a flying career with Etihad brings the additional benefit of being based in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s premier global destinations for lifestyle, leisure, and family-based activities. 

Ranked as one of the world’s safest cities, Abu Dhabi offers a friendly and lively environment, with a pace that can be dictated by personal preference. The city boasts one of the highest living standards globally, while the local culture is focused on family-friendly environments, thriving communities with excellent facilities, exceptionally low crime rates, and a stable government.   

A huge range of high-quality accommodations is available across Abu Dhabi for those who join Etihad, while in terms of education, Abu Dhabi boasts a range of government and private schools, catering to all nationalities and ability levels. Equally, for employees and their families, Abu Dhabi provides access to the highest quality of medical professionals, as well as hospitals and health clinics. 

In summary

Becoming a pilot for Etihad should be seen as a lifestyle decision rather than simply a career move alone. The opportunity to fly for Etihad combines a rewarding flying career with one of the world’s leading airlines with a life based in one of the world’s most dynamic and progressive cities. 

With excellent opportunities to expand your flying experience on several different types of aircraft, rosters that allow for a healthy work-life balance, and a package of industry-leading benefits that are unmatched elsewhere, there has simply not been a better time to consider continuing your flying career with Etihad.

The company urges anyone interested in flying for Etihad either now or in the future to get in touch with its recruitment team. A career and lifestyle that you as a pilot, as well as your family, can enjoy, embrace, and thrive upon awaits.   

Etihad begins huge recruitment drive to find its future pilot workforce   

• Airlines
• Aviation Career
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ByAeroTime Advisory

June 27, 2024

Reaffirming Dubai’s leading position as the international hub for business aviation in the Middle East, business jet movements at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South increased by 8 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the highest-ever movements achieved in the emirate. The hub has also seen a strong start to this year, reporting more than 4,600 business aviation movements in Q1 2024. With Dubai named as one of the world’s wealthiest cities, where the number of millionaires has surged by 78% between 2013 and 2023, the influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is also driving the sector growth.

As business aviation continues to play a key role in local, regional and international economies, the 10^th edition will see a significant growth in the number of new exhibitors compared to previous editions. While 80% will return from the previous edition, new exhibitors include Amelia (by Regourd Aviation), a French regional airline; Mukamalah Aviation, a spin-off from Saudi Aramco which provides end to end aviation solutions; SKYNA, a new Riyadh-based private aviation platform; and MySky, an AI-powered Spend Management Platform designed for the private aviation industry, among others.

After a short hiatus, Greenpoint Technologies, the premier Business Jet Completion Center providing custom aircraft interiors for private clients, governments, and heads-of-state, will return to the MEBAA Show for this edition. Commenting on its participation, Bret Neely, VP Sales & Design, Greenpoint Technologies, said: “Greenpoint is excited to exhibit at MEBAA Show 2024 and showcase our innovative V-VIP interior completions. MEBAA presents an excellent opportunity for exchanging insights, exploring emerging technology, and uncovering trends that will shape the future of aviation. The Greenpoint team is eager to engage with valued clients and industry partners to discuss ongoing projects and foster meaningful relationships that propel business, drive mutual success, and pave the way for future ventures.”

Aircraft OEMs including Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer and others have also confirmed participation amidst thriving demand for business jet deliveries and chartered flights across the Middle East and India markets.

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense, comments: “Bombardier is proud to highlight its presence in the Middle East, a significant and quickly-growing market, by participating in the MEBAA Show 2024. Bombardier’s industry-leading portfolio of aircraft, with their signature smooth ride, proven reliability and top performance, are ideally suited to meet and exceed the needs of clients in this region, whether for business or defense purposes. We are delighted to showcase Bombardier’s excellence and ingenuity at this pivotal event for our industry.”

Mukamalah, the aviation subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, will also be exhibiting at this year’s show. Feras Alamoudi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Mukamalah, said: “As the first aviation company in Saudi Arabia and the second in the Middle East region with over 90 years of experience, Mukamalah is delighted to be sharing its expertise with industry professionals at the upcoming MEBAA Show. With a diverse fleet of over 55 aircrafts that serve a range of purposes, including chartered flights for corporate clients, we will be bringing three aircrafts to the event, ready to highlight how our services work towards a shared focus in driving business success”. 

This is also proving to be a pivotal year for the advanced aerial mobility (AAM) market, with the UAE paving the way for international growth. Last year, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated that aerial taxis would take to the skies by 2026. However, more recently Joby Aviation, the US-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, said it could be as early as 2025.

Recognising AAM’s revolutionary potential within the industry, the MEBAA Show will feature a brand new AAM pavilion, showcasing the latest eVTOLs entering the market. The emerging sector also presents a huge opportunity for startups in the business aviation industry, and the newly introduced VISTA at the MEBAA Show programme will cater to this. This dedicated platform will welcome global startups to showcase their new technologies and solutions – from crypto and sustainability to eVTOLS – where they will have the opportunity to pitch live and network with industry leaders.

The MEBAA Show will take place during 10-12 December 2024 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. For more information, please visit the website www.mebaa.aero

With this diversification, APS, which has gained over 70 years of experience in servicing propeller blades, will specialize in the supply of key components for the ATR turboprop and Embraer E-jet families of regional aircraft. The company will serve the needs of operators of these popular aircraft types as a fill-in vendor of critical components that are difficult to find elsewhere in the USM market.  

AeroTime takes a closer look at what the future holds for APS, and how the company is using the expertise it has developed through decades of overhauling propellers to expand its business.  

About APS

APS started life in 1953 as a small propeller repair shop for general aviation, based near Chicago. Over the years, driven by the introduction of turboprop-powered aircraft, APS developed a specialty for the overhaul and repair of turboprop propeller blades. Nowadays, from its facilities in Chicago (USA), Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Subang (Malaysia), APS supports a broad offering of services covering the global regional aircraft market. 

Ongoing success has led APS to develop aspirations to leverage its highly specialized capabilities through international expansion. In 2016, APS acquired an MRO facility, previously owned by Goodrich, located in Atibaia, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Over 12 months, APS redesigned the facility and turned it into a state-of-the-art propeller service center. This acquisition gave the company an international presence it had previously lacked.  

Then, in 2023, APS APS began to develop a service center in Subang, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, offering a broad range of turboprop propeller overhaul services to regional aircraft operators in southwest Asia for the first time. 

Over the years, APS has become one of the few independent MROs licensed by Collins Aerospace to service some of the world’s most advanced turboprop propeller systems. In doing so, APS has emerged as a key player in the MRO turboprop space through its expertise and strong dedication to customer service and support. 

APS is now the Official Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-licensed propeller overhaul facility for Collins Aerospace propeller systems in the Americas and Asia. In addition, its engineering and machining teams also specialize in small to mid-size component manufacturing.  

In 2021, following the ongoing growth of its businesses in the US, Brazil, and Malaysia, APS diversified into airframe teardown and the supply of serviceable (SV) and overhauled (OH) regional aircraft components, while also offering As Removed (AR) cores to operators, leasing companies and aircraft owners worldwide.  

Through this business, the company now specializes in airframe component trading for the ATR42/72 turboprop family, plus the Embraer E170, E190, and E195 platforms.  

APS expands into aircraft teardown  

In 2021, APS obtained its first complete airframe, an ATR42-300, and duly began its journey towards gaining the expertise required to enter the USM arena. With APS’s extensive knowledge of ATR aircraft, particularly their propulsion systems, it used the airframe to formulate and test its teardown systems and processes. Having stripped the airframe of key reusable components, APS remarketed these assets within the USM market for ATR operators worldwide.  

Following the success of this initial teardown process, and the successful remarketing of hundreds of reusable parts back to the USM market, the company diversified further. It began to explore the teardown of Embraer jets, acquiring both an E170 and an E190 in late 2022. The teardown process for the two aircraft took around 6 months to complete. APS was then able to add E-jet components to its USM inventory of hard-to-find parts that can be purchased and delivered at short notice.  

APS aims to become a world leader in the USM aircraft component industry, offering a continually expanding supply of serviceable components. Most recently, this was proven through the purchase of an E195, previously operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S/A and torn down on July 10, 2024.

The teardown was completed by one of APS’s preferred vendors, Assent Aviation Services in Tucson, Arizona. With the aircraft operating for a mere 15 years, APS saw this as an opportunity to enter the E195 market with a healthy book of well-maintained inventory. Their previous experience of maintaining Azul’s propeller systems only aided their decision as the Brazilian operator is known to promote impeccable maintenance practices and attention to detail.

APS intends to acquire further ATR and Embraer airframes as the business division expands, with the aim of building up an extensive inventory of USM parts that can be shipped anywhere in the world upon receipt of verified purchase orders. The company is focusing on end-of-lease airframes that are unlikely to be remarketed to new operators by their owners. Such aircraft would be due to undergo expensive heavy maintenance checks that are not economically viable, given their residual value.    

APS has established a team of experts tasked with sourcing such airframes based at its headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Once identified and acquired, the airframes selected to undergo the teardown process are sent to teardown facilities for dismantling, which APS outsources.

As the teardown progresses, each reusable part is tagged and cataloged in the APS USM database. It is at this point that full due diligence is undertaken to establish the provenance and service history of each individual component, as well as to ensure that it is safe for remarketing. Each component is guaranteed to be in repairable condition and to be free of incident. In most instances, maintenance and removal records can be traced either back-to-operator or back-to-birth – and in many cases, both. 

Documentation is also produced to establish the part’s useable remaining service life, where appropriate, before remarketing. 

While larger components such as auxiliary power units and landing gear may be sent away for overhaul, much of the rest of the inventory is retained and remarketed in “As Removed” condition immediately following the teardown. The less desirable components are kept with the aircraft which is then scrapped and the remnants fully recycled.

Those that are retained are placed into secure storage at the firm’s headquarters in Illinois and can be shipped to any location worldwide.  

Chris Hutchings, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for APS, said: “We do things right the first time, and ensuring safety is at the forefront of all facets of our business. Extending these key traits to the USM market will only bolster our value proposition and aid us in being a world-class vendor for ATR and E-Jet operators.”  

“As an AS9100D certified organization and an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licensed repair station, APS is bringing the same level of trusted quality to the USM market as we have for 70 years to the propeller market. Our trustworthiness and Customer satisfaction are what help us build strong and lasting relationships,” Hutchings added. 

Looking to the future 

APS intends to build up this area of its business, aiming to acquire and tear down five to six ATR or Embraer airframes per year, within the next five years.    

2023 was the year that APS ramped up its operations to fine-tune teardown processes, establish distribution channels and vendor relationships, and develop marketing strategies to support the E-jet USM market. 2024 will see APS expand its inventory by an additional 1,500 aircraft components. It will also continue to grow its network of preferred E-jet repair vendors to accommodate the expected influx of As Removed material to be sent for recertification.

For Embraer/ATR parts – think APS

As newer variants of ATR and Embraer regional jets enter service, demand for key components for these two aircraft types is likely to increase. Similarly, as older aircraft are retained by operators to match capacity with soaring demand, APS foresees that demand for such components will continue to rise. 

It is this rising demand for spare parts in the coming years on which APS is aiming to capitalize while continuing to provide a high quality of service in its propeller overhaul business to its global customer base, many of whom have been loyal customers of the company for decades.  

Created by world-leading manufacturers at trade association, IAEMA – the show has been designed by the GSE community to specifically address the needs of the GSE community. 

View the product launches happening this September at GSE Expo Europe. 

The show will provide a forum for showcasing exciting new technologies set to revolutionise ground activity performed on aircraft around the world.  

Overall, more than 160 manufacturers will be exhibiting their latest product ranges to more than 3,500 expected attendees comprising senior decision makers at airports, airlines and ground handling businesses around the world. Registration is free for all visitors. 

GSE Expo Europe features an outdoor Demo Zone where the latest examples of electric powered equipment and AI-enabled technology will be on display for visitors. 

Take part in the Innovation Zone, which is a dedicated feature area at GSE Expo Europe that explores the most exciting advances in GSE and ramp technology. 

Innovation matters in our industry. Nearly 80% of show visitors in 2022 said discovering new products/innovation was their primary reason for attending. 

The Innovation Zone answers an overwhelming customer demand for expert insight on the newest technologies set to enhance ground operations. 

CommuteAir is a modern regional airline and United Express partner supporting the global United Airlines network in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

The shift from paper to digital is expected to improve aircraft availability and minimize avoidable maintenance-related disruptions through real-time communication of fleet status that allows management teams to respond rapidly within complex operational profiles.  

It is estimated that TrustFlight’s system will eliminate 500,000+ printed pieces of paper from their operations, or an average of 50 trees, per year. 

“Close to three million passengers per year rely on CommuteAir to get them to and from their destinations safely and on-time,” said Rick Hoefling, CEO, CommuteAir. “Like our partners at United, we naturally sought ways to improve our safety and operational efficiency in a sustainable manner. After conducting a rigorous analysis, we are proud to have selected TrustFlight to help us in our mission.” 

TrustFlight’s system, which will be leveraged by CommuteAir’s distributed flight operations, tech operations, and maintenance departments, will provide real-time communications and alerts to pertinent personnel, greatly improving internal communications between departments. 

In addition to TrustFlight’s powerful Electronic Tech Log, CommuteAir has also selected MEL Manager, a vital part of TrustFlight’s safety ecosystem that reduces the risk of latent risks and compliance findings in Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), an approved document that ensures airlines can operate aircraft with specific inoperative equipment under predefined conditions.  

With MEL Manager, CommuteAir will be able to shave days off of repetitive document creation and revisions with the use of TrustFlight’s powerful AI engine, while also improving the document’s accuracy. 

“CommuteAir is a leading North American regional airline and we are excited to support them in their digital transformation efforts,” said Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight. “In addition to the Electronic Tech Log, which airlines have been utilizing for some time, we are excited in their decision to onboard MEL Manager, a unique new product which revolutionizes how airlines manage their MELs.” 

To learn more about TrustFlight’s ecosystem of digital solutions, please visit www.trustflight.com. 

With a current mixed fleet of narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and plans to significantly grow its fleet over the next five-plus years, Etihad offers extensive opportunities for a flying career. There’s also the additional benefit of being based in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s premier global destinations for lifestyle, leisure and family-based activities. 

About Etihad  

Since its first flight in 2003, Etihad has forged a strong position both within the Middle East market and globally. Now serving over 70 destinations, the airline is currently engaged in significant planning for future expansion and fleet optimization.   

A key part of that plan is the launch of an extensive recruitment drive aiming to attract talented pilots to the company. This comes during an exciting period of growth, which will see both new aircraft types and new destinations being added to the airline’s operation.  

Etihad’s diverse fleet currently includes the Airbus A320, A321, A350, and the A380, the latter of which will be in service until at least 2032.  

Etihad also operates an extensive fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs, plus 787-9s and 787-10s Dreamliners, with more aircraft joining the fleet soon.  

Etihad pilot recruitment 

To fill both present and future pilot vacancies, Etihad has embarked on the largest recruitment drive in its 21-year history. The carrier is seeking applications from qualified First Officers and Captains who are keen to progress their careers as part of a forward-thinking, ambitious and progressive international airline.  

As such, Etihad is keen to hear from anyone who meets the prescribed criteria for the following positions and the requirements for the right to live and work in Abu Dhabi.   

Captain positions – A320, A350, A380 

First Officer positions – A320, A350, A380, 777/787 (rated), 777/787 (non-rated) 

For full details of these open positions, please click on this link.

A major aspect of the recruitment campaign is that potential applicants will have the opportunity to find out more about the company, its culture, and ambitions, along with more specific details on the above opportunities, at a series of recruitment roadshows being hosted by Etihad in various cities over the coming weeks.   

At these events, attendees will get the chance to speak with members of the recruitment team regarding specific openings, as well as discussing the lifestyle aspects of being an Etihad pilot with those who know best – current flight crew and management pilots with the company. 

It should be noted that Etihad’s recruitment drive is not only seeking to find new pilots for the present time but rather for the next few years, as the process is planned to be ongoing. The invitation to the roadshows is extended to those who may not be ready to make the switch at present but might consider Etihad as part of their own professional development plan at some point in the future. 

As a key corporate value of Etihad, family inclusion is paramount. Therefore, spouses and partners of potential applicants are also actively encouraged to attend the roadshows to see first-hand what life in Abu Dhabi can offer families of Etihad employees.  

For a full list of upcoming roadshow dates, see below.  

Working for Etihad 

Flying for Etihad brings with it benefits that few other international airlines can match. Just as the company aspires to create meaningful experiences for its passengers, it is as equally committed to delivering a remarkably thoughtful employee experience through its culture, creativity and innovation, plus the opportunity to enjoy a varied flying career unlike that with other carriers. 

Etihad has rosters that allow for flexibility and ample downtime, a modern and diverse fleet that offers an equally diverse range of flying activities and offers the chance to transfer between fleets and operate different types. It also has clear and defined career progression plans that provide a pathway to personal development and fulfilment.  

Additionally, the range of non-flying benefits Etihad offers to pilots is industry leading. These include competitive tax-free salaries, concessionary air travel and numerous other travel industry discounts, health insurance, and gym membership. Plus, there’s the chance to build a life for yourself and your family in the eclectic and cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most vibrant modern metropolises.         

Combined, these benefits make flying for Etihad a highly attractive proposition for suitably qualified applicants. Becoming an Etihad pilot can be seen as less of a career choice are more of a lifestyle decision that pilots and their families can enjoy, embrace and thrive by being part of. 

Abu Dhabi – simply the place to be 

Ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. It is a friendly and lively environment, with a pace that can be dictated by personal preference. Slowing down with lazy beach days or dining and socializing the evening away are both possible within the vibrant city and its desert surroundings.  

The city boasts one of the highest living standards globally, while the local culture is focused on family-friendly environments, thriving communities with excellent facilities, exceptionally low crime rates and a stable government.  

A huge range of high-quality accommodation is available across Abu Dhabi for those who join Etihad. There are plenty of flexible renting options, from serviced apartments to shared housing, apartments and villas. The districts of Al Reef, Al Muneera, Khalifa City A, Al Zeina, and Yas Island are all just a short drive away from Etihad’s headquarters and the newly opened state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport – Etihad’s home base. 

In terms of education, Abu Dhabi boasts a range of government and private schools, catering to all nationalities and ability levels. Additionally, the airline offers an allowance for schools within Abu Dhabi, so long as children have an Etihad-sponsored visa.  

For new employees and their families, Abu Dhabi offers the highest quality of medical professionals, as well as hospitals and health clinics, while Etihad provides unrivaled healthcare insurance coverage for pilots and their relatives.  

From the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race to its award-winning theme parks, Abu Dhabi is guaranteed to satisfy all those who seek adventure.  Additionally, the needs of high-adrenaline seekers are catered to by Ferrari World and desert-based adventures, while those who seek something more sedate may appreciate the art collection at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

Dates for roadshows 

Initially, the upcoming roadshows hosted by the Etihad pilot recruitment team will visit eight cities across Europe, with further cities to be added over the months ahead. 

Each roadshow listed below is split into two sessions, with the first session lasting from 09:30 to 11:30 and the second session from 12:00 to 14:00. All times are local for each event location.       

• June 29, 2024 – Larnaca, Cyprus 
• July 1, 2024 – Sofia, Bulgaria  
• July 3, 2024 – Tirana, Albania 
• July 5, 2024 – Bucharest, Romania 
• July 7, 2024 – Cluj, Romania  
• July 9, 2024 – Budapest, Hungary 
• July 11, 2024 – Warsaw, Poland  
• July 13, 2024 – Vilnius, Lithuania 
• July 14, 2024 – Online pilot roadshow  

Individuals interested in attending any of the upcoming roadshows (with or without their spouses and partners) are requested to register in advance by clicking on this link.  

Etihad’s pilot recruitment team is looking forward to meeting as many potential applicants as possible at these roadshows. They’re hoping to ensure that the airline’s future fleet and global operation remain in the capable hands of talented, conscientious and ambitious pilots, seeking a varied, engaging and rewarding career and lifestyle.

Should you decide that Etihad might be the airline to fulfil your personal career aspirations, you are warmly invited to attend one of the roadshows where the Etihad recruitment team will be waiting to meet you.

WSOC2024 is delighted, and honoured, that industry leaders that have already confirmed their participation to Conference plenary discussions include Abdelhamid Addou, Chair and CEO of sponsoring airline Royal Air Maroc; Mesfin Tasew Bekele, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO; Michele Merkle, ICAO ANB Director; Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair; Christian Scherer, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO; Marc Parent, CAE President and CEO.

Safety

The Safety track builds on the success of the 2023 World Safety and Operations Conference held in Hanoi, Vietnam whilst pivoting the sessions to the WSOC2024 theme “Embracing technology and innovation”.

Specifically, and associated with current IATA activities and campaigns on Safety Leadership; Accident Investigation; Risk-Based IOSA; and Runway Safety, panels will explore where technology may support advances to enhance safety performance and how innovation across current work practices may unlock better solution to current issues.

The safety track will challenge the status quo of what we do to enhance aviation safety around the world.

Key Panel Highlights

Safety Leadership: How the IATA Safety Leadership Charter is delivering practical actions that enhance organisational safety culture to support greater business and industry resilience; and how this mindset is critical to deliver the change management required to embrace complex and dynamic challenges around the adoption of new technology, the roadmap to a more sustainable aviation system, and continuous changes in the geopolitical landscape.

Accident Investigation: The IATA campaign for the delivery of timely and comprehensive Accident Investigation Reports, where States fulfil all requirements presented in ICAO Annex 13, continues to identify non-compliance. Panellists from FAA, IFALPA and BEA will discuss the issues and how, through creative means, industry can continue to learn from previous accidents to ensure similar events are avoidable in the future.

Risk-Based IOSA: As IOSA completes it move to a risk-based audit program, the session will discuss the importance of data to continuously evolve the program. It will explore how the new IATA Connect platform will unleash the next level of stakeholder collaboration by capturing and sharing safety insights from audits, how intelligence will inform thinking around variable audit periods, and the criticality of the IOSA Maturity Assessment.

Runway Safety: Incidents and accidents around runway incursions and runway excursions appear on the rise – is this a perceived or real concern that is bucking the trend of improved safety performance in aviation? This session will examine current trends; look at the recent evolution of industry-derived documentation such as GAPPRI and GAPPRE; and consider how technology can mitigate the risks of safety events occurring within the runway environment.

Cabin Operations

Cabin operations, and the need for highly-trained cabin crew to utilise well developed standard operating procedures, are critical for assuring the safety of all passengers within commercial aviation.

The WSOC Cabin Operations track provides a unique opportunity to bring together cabin safety specialists with global aviation regulators, operators, training and solution providers to discuss today’s key cabin safety issues. 

Topics included at WSOC2024 include the safe carriage of electronic devices and lithium batteries; evacuation of aircraft; the safety of passengers with disabilities; inadvertent slide deployment and cabin crew training innovations. 

While flying is now safer than ever, our passengers also have safety responsibilities that they are mostly unaware of, so we are including a session on how we might communicate these safety messages to them in a way that appeals to them and helps them understand more about how to fly safely.

These sessions aim to be fully interactive with the audience, actively encouraging open discussion and collaboration between our delegates and speakers with a common goal of improving inflight cabin safety around the world.

Crisis Management

The Crisis Management track is designed to provide aviation professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively handle crises and enhance safety protocols in the modern operating environment. A high-level summary of topics include:

• Corporate Apologies: How to Say Sorry in the Modern Operating Environment – explore the evolving landscape of corporate apologies and the importance of sincere, effective communication in crisis situations. Learn best practices for issuing apologies that maintain trust and integrity, even under challenging circumstances.
• Cybersecurity and Its Link to Geopolitical Risk – the critical intersection of cybersecurity and geopolitical risk. Understand how global political dynamics can impact cybersecurity threats and what measures can be taken to protect aviation infrastructure from these emerging risks.
• Aircraft Recovery Protocols – gain insights into the latest protocols and strategies for aircraft recovery following incidents. Learn from case studies and expert experiences to enhance your organization’s preparedness and response capabilities in the event of an aircraft recovery scenario.
• Crisis Communication – learn of the principles of effective crisis communication. This topic will cover strategies for timely, transparent, and accurate information dissemination to stakeholders, passengers, and the public during a crisis. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining trust and managing the narrative.
• Management Systems Approach to Managing Risk and Crisis Planning – explore comprehensive risk management systems and their application in crisis planning. Understand how to integrate risk management into your organizational culture, ensuring a proactive and systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks.

Flight Operations

Building on the success of the 2023 Conference, this year operations track will focus on the use of data, technology, and artificial intelligence across the aviation sector including:

• Innovating Aviation Training: Learn about the latest developments in aviation training, such as competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) and the application of technology. Experts from regulatory bodies and the industry will discuss both the challenges and opportunities.
• Future aircraft avionics: Blue-sky thinking is required for the application of future technologies to support aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This includes the arrival of new entrants and the ways to manage existing and emerging risks.
• Future skies: Learn how a system change is needed to embrace the challenges and opportunities associated with the introduction of new entrants that rely on increasing levels of automation, such as advanced air mobility (AAM), supersonic and even hypersonic aircraft.
•  Applied Flight Operations: This session will examine the development of technology in both the flight deck and beyond that using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Digitalization and Aircraft Maintenance: A look at the ways airlines are implementing new technologies to provide real-time data to improve aircraft maintenance. This includes sensors and connectivity infrastructure that capture information to enhance decision-making and cooperation.
• Aircraft Health Management: Learn about the future of aircraft health management using technology to move from scheduled maintenance tasks and events to condition-based maintenance.
• Technology Transforming the Role of Dispatch and Airline Ops Center: Discover how dispatch and operational control centers (OCC) will be impacted by the implementation of trajectory-based Operations (TBO) and system-wide information management (SWIM).

We’re discussing those and some other interesting topics with:

• Iyad Alomar, Dr.Sc.Eng., Assoc. Prof. at the TSI, Transport and Telecommunication Institute in Latvia, Director of TSI’s Bachelor’s Degree Programme “Aviation Engineering“, with 30+ years of experience in aviation and aviation training
• Yury Solovyov, M.Sc.Eng, Training Manager at TSI’s Academic and Professional Aviation Center APAC, with 15+ years of experience in aviation and aviation training

The impact of new technologies, including digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI), on various spheres of life is being actively discussed in society. What is the situation in aviation?

Yury Solovyov: Innovations are being introduced. Traditionally, the first to use new technologies is military aviation, then these solutions come to business aviation, civil aviation, and finally cargo aviation.

Iyad Alomar: The aviation industry has achieved good results in digitalizing operations management, including maintenance management. However, in the field of maintenance itself in aviation, digitalization is still slow. This is partly influenced by the fact that ‘old-school’ specialists are reluctant to adopt new technologies. Last year, for a scientific article, we surveyed specialists from several continents, and we were stunned by the level of distrust in the use of AI, robots, and so on. I think that in 10 years, when the generation of specialists changes, these prejudices will disappear by themselves.

In researching scientific publications, it is easy to note that the first mention of the potential use of AI in aviation maintenance dates back to 1986. I would say that since then, in almost 40 years, progress has been 0.5 on a 10-point scale. Even visual inspections of aircraft using drones are still rare. Many maintenance experts say: I’d rather stand on a ladder and check everything with my own eyes. A good example of a powerful implementation of digitalization and AI in maintenance is the Airbus hangar of the future. There, the use of drones is at a high level. You don’t even need a drone pilot for an inspection. The staff specifies the type of aircraft in the software, and the drone autonomously flies, taking pictures of the exterior of the aircraft. The AI then compares the captured images with the samples and tells the maintenance crew what to pay attention to. The AI can make mistakes and confuse dirt with hull damage, but it still makes the job easier. The problem is that this solution is very little used anywhere.

We are now developing a course called ‘Emerging  Technology in Aviation’ for TSI’s Aviation Engineering undergraduate programme, so that students can better understand the capabilities of modern technology. For example, RFID tags can be used on rescue equipment in aircraft, which can be inspected at least five times faster. We also cover the application of AI in aircraft maintenance.

We all remember how much the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic affected aviation. Can we say that the industry has already recovered from this shock?

IA: No. I would say that cargo operations, on the contrary, experienced a growth spurt during that period. But passenger operations suffered a lot. You can count on your fingers to see which airlines have returned to the same level of performance as before the pandemic.

YS: I agree. The problem is that the number of people working in the industry dropped during the pandemic. Fewer planes were flying, and fewer staff members were needed. There has always been a need for workforce in aviation, and now it’s even greater.

What kind of specialists are most lacking?

YS: There is a staff hunger at all levels. Numerically, we always need more people at the initial levels: mechanics, non-certifying staff, and certifying staff. People for managerial positions are also very much needed. We constantly need specialists who are ready to improve their education and qualifications, to move to the next league.

Data from various studies show that the higher the level of education, the more stable a person’s employment is and the higher their income. How exactly do you think higher education helps develop a career in aviation?

IA: Without higher education, the opportunities for career development in aviation are very limited. One can, for example, get a professional education as an aviation technician in two years. But in many countries, such a person cannot even become a shift supervisor without higher education. It is possible to learn to be a pilot in 18 months, then go through flight practice, work as a copilot, and be promoted to pilot. But let’s be honest: regular flying is a very big strain on the body, and I have often seen pilots retiring at 35 because of health problems. The cabin crew has the same problem. If a person doesn’t have at least a bachelor’s degree, at that point, they need to start their career from scratch in another field.

However, if you have a master’s degree in aviation, such as a Double Degree in Aviation Management from TSI (Latvia) and UWE Bristol (UK), it opens up opportunities at a whole different level. It is not always publicized, but in my experience in recruitment, I can see that a Master’s degree is a prerequisite for being considered for managerial positions in aviation.

What categories of specialists will find this programme most interesting and useful?

IA: Most of our students are already working in aviation in some capacity – pilots, stewards, engineers. They have experience in the industry, and enroll in the Aviation Management master’s programme to boost their knowledge and qualifications. For them, the studies take only one year, plus writing a master’s thesis. The curriculum is module-based, and lectures are scheduled on weekends – three days in a row, every third or fourth week of a month. This blended learning format allows students to choose between online and on-site studies and to continue working while studying.

The Aviation Management programme can also be suitable for those with a bachelor’s degree in management, and who like to work with finance, statistical analysis, and budgeting. In aviation, you need people who can do market analyses. Finally, some people have always dreamed of working in aviation, who are passionate about it, who have studied background – for them, taking this programme can be a step towards working in this field.

What skills do the students of the programme hone?

IA: In obtaining a Master’s degree, a person learns to look at things more broadly and develops the skill of critical thinking and the ability to make decisions in critical situations. I always include such issues as the main task in my exams: I voice a problem that may arise with an aircraft and give 40 minutes to find a solution. If a student doesn’t show that he or she can at least start thinking in the right direction, I don’t credit the exam. This is a necessary skill for engineers like Yury, who are dealing with sudden malfunctions when there may be one hour left before the plane is scheduled to take off.

Problem-solving skills are important for the pilots, who sometimes have no more than 3 seconds to make a decision, and for the crew as well. There was a real case in the early 1980s when one of the four engines of an IL-18 aircraft caught fire and fell off at the beginning of the flight. The stewardess, who incidentally also had a university degree, managed to calm the panic in the cabin by saying: ‘Dear passengers, don’t worry, it’s time for this engine to be repaired, and we just parachuted it to the repair plant’. The passengers laughed and calmed down, and the pilots managed to land successfully at the nearest airport.

In this way, Master’s education empowers aviation specialists to make the right decisions and later to develop their careers by promoting to managerial positions.

YS: Indeed, studying at a Master’s level broadens the professional outlook, adding knowledge and skills to the basic skills acquired earlier. We talk about how a person can act in non-standard situations, how they can choose the best solution from a variety of solutions, how they can implement this solution both independently and working in a team.

What makes the TSI’s Aviation Management programme stand out from other aviation master’s programmes?

IA: This double degree programme is designed in cooperation with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). From UWE, the alumni get a degree “MSc in Aviation Management and Sustainability”, so there is an emphasis on sustainable solutions.

A special value of the programme is the lecturers. More than half of the lecturers are experienced practitioners who hold managerial positions in aviation companies. One is a Member of the Board at Riga International Airport, and the other is a Director of the Aviation Department at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia, who supervises the entire aviation industry in Latvia. We have Prof. Romano Pagliari, Special Adviser to the Board of Directors at Luton Airport, etc. One of the subjects is also taught by a former representative of General Electric, which produces the engines that power most modern aircraft.

Student’s experience

Egija Vilka, student of TSI and UWE Bristol Double degree programme “Aviation Management”:

“I run a company in the aviation industry. I chose this programme because I want to promote sustainability as a shared responsibility for all of us. By taking care of the environment and sustainability, we take care of ourselves and future generations. The additional knowledge I gained at TSI will help me to implement technology in two projects that will contribute to sustainability. One project relates to sustainable aviation fuels and their use in the near future. And the other big project is the digitalization of the aviation refueling industry, where we want to go in the so-called “paperless” direction, using fewer resources while operating more efficiently.

I found the courses “Engineering Project Management” and “Airport Management” particularly relevant in my studies. Although I am already familiar with aviation and the airport environment, these courses helped me organize my thought process.”

www.tsi.lv

Most airlines, particularly in the United States (US), are being forced to find increasingly inventive ways to recruit pilots or enhancing pay offers to attract talent. According to CAE’s latest Aviation Talent Forecast (2023), the civil aviation industry will require 284,000 new pilots over the next 10 years.

While many profess to have the answers to the global pilot shortage, a smart thinking company run by a former Head of Training at Ryanair is providing genuine solutions to a problem with which the aviation industry continues to struggle with. 

In adopting a holistic technological approach to recruitment and training, the Airline Pilot Club (APC) is transforming how airlines discover and train the pilots of tomorrow, ensuring a consistent supply of well-prepared, highly skilled pilots ready to meet the demands of the aviation industry.

Airline Pilot Club

Andy O’Shea, CEO of the Airline Pilot Club (APC), spent 28 years at Ryanair with 18 of those as Head of Training, where more than 10,000 newly licensed pilots were selected and trained to become safe and effective airline pilots.

During his tenure, Ryanair grew from an airline operating 26 aircraft to one that flew 460 and as Chair of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Aircrew Training Policy Group, Andy introduced the APS MCC to the pilot training industry.

His wealth of knowledge and invaluable insights led him to believe that a new approach to pilot training and recruitment was needed, one that would become a transformative force in the aviation industry.

He believed that, for too long, pilot training and recruitment had operated as separate entities, often leading to inefficiencies and a mismatch between training competencies and airline requirements.

Andy knew that a holistic approach, in which recruitment and training are viewed as interconnected components of a single process, was needed to meet the industry’s demands. An approach that creates a community to connect aspiring pilots, Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and ultimately airlines looking for pilots or experienced recruits.

Andy told AeroTime: “Once the airlines announce that there are jobs, there’ll be plenty of applicants, but what we can do is help them very easily and quickly find the right people culturally, technically, education wise, with the right competencies, attitude, knowledge, skills. Our task would be to do all that integration using our experience and software and deliver safe and efficient pilots on-time and ready to go”.

How the Airline Pilot Club works 

At its core, the Airline Pilot Club is a community that transforms aspirations for a career as a pilot into a viable and tangible goal. By investing in the development of aspiring pilots and providing them with access to topflight schools, APC ensures airlines can find the most suitable candidates.

APC’s airline partners include HK Express Airways, owned by Cathay Pacific, and the Colombian flag carrier Avianca, both of which draw on APC’s expertise and state-of-the-art technology such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to access the candidates best suited for pilot positions.

In a climate where airlines are battling to win the services of highly trained aviators, APC enables its partner carriers to get ahead of their competitors.

APC’s Airline-Ready Pilot Pool is a key tool to align pre-screened, well-trained cadets, as well as experienced pilots, with carriers, streamlining the path from training or recruitment to cockpit. While APC’s AI and data analytics ensure only the most qualified candidates make it to Airline-Ready Pilot Pool creating a treasure trove of talent for carriers to access.

“The results of this interconnected community can be more efficient and effective training, reduced cost, and a faster career progression,” Andy said.

Focus on AI and technology solutions

With its ambition to play a pivotal part in shaping the future of the aviation industry, APC is continuously looking at ways to further develop its technology platforms to include more advanced training and recruitment tools.

Much of APC’s work draws on highly sophisticated AI and technology solutions, enabling airlines, experienced and aspiring pilots, and flight schools to gain invaluable insights to drive recruitment and optimize training. 

APC believes that its AI systems can even be used to anticipate and adapt training for future trends in aviation, not only to meet current demands but also anticipate challenges yet to come. 

From APC’s Airline-Ready Pilot Pool to psychometric assessments to its Evidence-Based Training (EBT) and Personal Evidence-Based Training (PEBT) Optimization Suite, AI and technology solutions are central to its success. 

The EBT and PEBT Optimization Suite enables airlines, as well as independent pilots and instructors, to personalize and optimize training programs and adapt materials and methodologies to meet the unique needs of each trainee

As Andy said, by personalizing the training experience through the Optimization Suite, APC is “not only enhancing learning outcomes but are also making strides in flight safety and operational efficiency”.

The suite is also able to provide real-time, actionable feedback with detailed, data-driven insights into a trainee’s performance, competencies, and progress and is highly compatible with various airline training record systems allowing for smooth data exchange.

System integration between APC and airlines ensures that all relevant data is up-to-date and synchronized across both platforms, thus improving the efficiency of training and the overall safety and effectiveness of aviation operations.

And with the systems working in tandem, historical training data from the carrier’s records can be drawn out and new training assessment and performance data pushed back into the system.

The AI suite is also capable of analyzing vast amounts of data from simulation exercises, in-flight performance, and other training activities to pinpoint areas where a trainee may need additional support or guidance.

And because the information gathered is individual specific, airlines and trainers can use their time and resources in the most effective way.

How APC delivers for airlines

APC partners with airlines like HK Express Airways and Avianca to enhance recruitment processes and enable carriers to connect with potential recruits. These partnerships aim to facilitate access to top-tier talent and align training programs with airline-specific needs.

The company’s collaboration with HK Express was cemented to provide the airline with access to pilots and build brand awareness among the pilot community globally while APC’s continued relationship with Avianca aims to create an end-to-end approach for recruitment, training, and long-term development. 

From utilizing Symbiotics’ psychometric assessment, or using AI data-driven candidate selection, to partnering with the best flight schools, the end goal is to provide aspiring aviators with their dream job and provide airlines with access to pilots who are ready for the challenges ahead.

With APC’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, AI technology and airline industry know-how, operators benefit from an enhanced recruitment process and access to the right pilots. 

And by using APC’s Airline-Ready Pilot Pool, carriers anywhere in the world can benefit from a pipeline of skilled pilots who are extremely well-prepared for their journey into aviation.

“This initiative will not only streamline the recruitment process for airlines but also open up unparalleled career opportunities for aspiring pilots,” Andy said. 

Airlines can also be sure that APC’s commitment to high-quality training, plus a meticulous evaluation process that leverages both AI and data analytics, ensures that the Airline-Ready Pilot Pool only includes the most qualified candidates, guaranteeing a consistent standard of excellence. 

How APC delivers for Approved Training Organizations

For aspiring pilots, learning to fly at a flight school is an essential step in their career but finding the right one is crucial for their development.

With its portfolio of talented prospective aviators APC collaborates with a network of APC vetted worldwide Approved Training Organizations to provide high-quality, industry-relevant training programs. 

The selected schools offer training, Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Integrated and Modular Airline Transport Pilot License (iATPL) and Approved Training Organizations can also use APC’s platform to find potential students who would benefit most. 

The close partnership between APC and the selected flight schools means that trainees are not only equipped with the ability to fly, but also ensures they possess the mindset and adaptability that airlines require of pilots in the modern age.

How APC delivers for aspiring pilots

Aspiring aviators with APC are given access to exceptional career opportunities while they are guided through the process of becoming a qualified pilot.

Those already qualified or currently in training also receive support from APC and are able to access the next steps of their journey to find employment with an airline.

According to APC, 40% of licensed pilots who apply for an airline job do not reach the required standard. Becoming a pilot requires a blend of ability, behavior, and innate capability that unfortunately not everyone can achieve. However, by using technology strategically, APC can select the candidates most likely to succeed. 

Using psychometric technology and advanced AI tools, APC provides aspiring pilots with an early indication of their aptitude and personality traits, in relation to a potential career at an airline. 

“The report tells you where your strengths and weaknesses are, and the whole idea behind the training content that we have in our free learning management system is to enhance the areas that might have been identified as being weak, or even strong,” Andy explained.  

Those found to possess the right attributes can access the Pathway to Pilot Competence e-learning course, which includes modules on Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Pilot Competencies (ICAO/EASA), amongst others. 

The program was developed by APC training experts to airline pilot standard and provides candidates with insights into the human aspects involved in being a pilot.  

APC can also customize training to address the specific needs of individuals, thus enhancing learning outcomes through a competency-based approach. 

APC’s integrated approach delivers pilots who are not only technically proficient but also equipped with the soft skills necessary for effective teamwork and leadership in high-pressure environments. 

The Airline Pilot Club (APC) is setting a new standard in the aviation industry by integrating recruitment and training into a seamless, technology-driven process. Under Andy O’Shea’s visionary leadership, APC uses advanced AI and data analytics to address the global pilot shortage, providing airlines with well-prepared, highly skilled pilots. 

By partnering with leading airlines and top-tier flight schools, APC ensures that aspiring pilots receive the best training and support, paving the way for a successful aviation career. This innovative approach not only meets current industry demands but also anticipates future challenges, positioning APC as a transformative force in the future of aviation. 

For airlines seeking top-tier talent and for individuals aspiring to reach the skies, APC offers an unparalleled pathway to success.

To find out more visit the Airline Pilot Club website.

“Our industry is at a pivotal moment where traditional training methods must evolve to meet the dynamic demands of modern aviation,” said Andy O’Shea, CEO of APC. “The EBT & PEBT Optimization Suite is designed to provide airlines with precise, data-driven insights and continuous improvement mechanisms, paving the way for more effective and efficient pilot training.” 

The EBT & PEBT Optimization Suite offers a comprehensive analytics and development platform that integrates advanced AI algorithms, aviation psychology, and industry-standard competencies to enhance training programs. Key features include: 

• AI-powered analysis: Advanced algorithms analyze instructor and pilot performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. 
• Expert insight integration: Combines AI analysis with insights from seasoned aviation psychologists for a multidimensional perspective on training effectiveness. 
• Dynamic reporting tools: Customizable reports detail candidate assessments, training outcomes, and improvement suggestions. 
• Continuous improvement mechanism: Feedback loops and continuous monitoring ensure training programs evolve with industry standards. 
• Training customization recommendations: Provides actionable recommendations for addressing competency gaps and leveraging strengths. 
• Safety and efficiency focus: Enhancements prioritize flight safety and operational efficiency, aligning with regulatory standards. 

Benefits for heads of training: 

• Ability to implement training solutions at the right time: Ensures that training solutions can be deployed when most needed without disrupting ongoing training programs. 
• No impact on current approved training program: The suite operates independently of existing approved training programs, allowing seamless integration and approval processes. 
• Ability to use innovative training tools (xR, Online Courses, etc.): Incorporates the latest in training technologies, providing flexibility and adaptability in training methods. 

For airlines and flight training organizations, the head of training remains integral to the process by approving the PEBT program. This program, while logically separate, can be seamlessly integrated using current tools and technologies, with AI ensuring compliance and efficiency. 

Andy O’Shea, the CEO of APC and former Head of Training at Ryanair, emphasized the importance of this new suite: “By utilizing AI and expert insights, we can ensure our training programs are not only compliant with the latest regulations but also optimized for maximum efficiency and safety. This is a game-changer for the industry.” 

APC’s EBT & PEBT Optimization Suite promises significant benefits for airlines, including enhanced training effectiveness, improved operational safety, data-driven decision-making, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, talent attraction, and adaptability to changing operational scenarios. 

About Airline Pilot Club: The Airline Pilot Club (APC) is a respected authority in aviation training and pilot development. APC’s mission is to connect quality-assured students with top-tier Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and introduce them to recruiting airlines. APC leverages advanced technologies and a holistic approach to ensure a consistent supply of highly skilled pilots ready to meet the demands of the aviation industry. 

For more information, please contact: 

Roisin O’Shea   

Email: roisin@theairlinepilotclub.com 

Spectrum Aeromed’s devices have received CE Marking, confirming they meet the EU’s stringent directives regarding health, safety, and environmental protection standards. The journey to certification involved close collaboration with various regulatory experts and took approximately 18 months to complete. “The process to achieve CE Marking was demanding, involving extensive product testing and quality assurance to meet these high standards,” said Thomas Redder, VP of International Sales at Spectrum Aeromed. 

The newly certified medical devices, the stretcher solution and the electric patient loader and its accessories, are specifically designed for seamless integration into the Falcon 900 aircraft. Designed to prioritize patient safety and care, the solution simplifies patient transitions from the ground ambulance to the aircraft. By reducing manual strain on operators, the air ambulance setup enhances safety and efficiency. These devices not only improve medical capabilities but also empower air ambulance services across Europe with advanced, compliant solutions. 

With the complete CE Marked solution, Spectrum Aeromed is poised to expand its reach within the European market, offering products that meet local regulatory requirements and enhance operational safety and efficiency. “This complete certification not only broadens our market presence but also lays a solid foundation for our expansion into other platforms,” added Redder. 

Looking ahead, Spectrum Aeromed is committed to further advancing its offerings and exploring additional certifications to meet the diverse needs of the global air ambulance industry, ensuring continued innovation and leadership in safety and quality. 

Spectrum Aeromed is excited to showcase its latest innovations at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland. From May 28th to 30th.  Visitors can find Spectrum Aeromed at Booth #X49, where the team will be available to highlight their solutions and discuss future developments in air ambulance interior designs.