Market Intelligence: Europe

French Helicopter Pilot Training Organization Appoints New Managing Director in 2026

France – Heli-Union Training Center (HUTC), an EASA-approved helicopter pilot training organization based in Angoulême, has appointed Patrice Bredemus as Managing Director. Learn more about HUTC or connect with Patrice Bredemus via her LinkedIn profile here.

About Heli-Union Training Center (HUTC)
Heli-Union Training Center (HUTC) is a France-based EASA Approved Training Organisation located in Angoulême providing helicopter pilot training using aircraft and simulator platforms. Originating in the 1970s and formally operating as an ATO since 2002, the organization has graduated more than 3,500 helicopter pilots serving individuals and aviation organizations globally.

Source: Patrice Bredemus (HUTC)
Photo Credit: HUTC

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Spain’s CANAVIA Aviation Training Expands 2026 Fleet with New Twin-Engine Trainer Aircraft

Spain – CANAVIA Aviation Training, a flight training organisation based in Gran Canaria, has expanded its training fleet with the delivery of a Tecnam P2006T NG multi-engine trainer, supporting the academy’s growing demand for advanced pilot training in the Canary Islands.

  • The new Tecnam P2006T NG (registration EC-ORF) was delivered from Tecnam’s production facility in Capua, Italy.

  • The aircraft will be used primarily for multi-engine training within CANAVIA’s professional pilot training programs, including ATPL and Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) training.

  • With this addition, CANAVIA’s Tecnam fleet expands to nine aircraft, consisting of six Tecnam P2008JC single-engine trainers and three Tecnam P2006T twin-engine aircraft.

  • The aircraft supports increased availability of multi-engine training hours for cadets enrolled in integrated and modular ATPL programs.

  • The P2006T NG features updated glass cockpit avionics designed to replicate airline-style training environments while offering improved operational efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

  • CANAVIA operates a fleet of 12 training aircraft and conducts training operations from its private aerodrome in El Berriel, benefiting from favorable weather conditions that enable more than 300 flying days annually.

  • The aircraft delivery reflects continued demand for modern twin-engine platforms to support multi-engine pilot training across European aviation training organizations.

Statements

  • Mario Daniel Pons Grau, CEO and Head of Training at CANAVIA: “This new aircraft reinforces our ongoing commitment to innovation and training excellence. We are proud to honor Eduardo González Santana, a professional who has left an indelible mark on CANAVIA’s history.”

  • Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer at Tecnam: “We are incredibly proud to continue our strong and growing partnership with CANAVIA. Operating a fleet of nine Tecnam aircraft is a true testament to the reliability, profitability, and exceptional training value of our platforms, especially in the vibrant aviation environment of the Canary Islands. The P2006T NG will provide CANAVIA’s students with the most advanced multi-engine training available today. We are also deeply moved by the dedication of EC-ORF to Eduardo González Santana, and we are honored that a Tecnam aircraft will carry his legacy forward into the skies.”

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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Aeroplanned Engages U.S. Flight Schools on Training Efficiency at Flight School Association of North America 2026 Conference

California, USA – Aeroplanned, a flight training resource planning and training timeline forecasting software provider, has participated in the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Conference 2026 in Coronado, engaging with flight training organisations across the U.S. pilot training sector to discuss operational challenges and student success in pilot training delivery.

The company highlighted the importance of consistent training scheduling and resource alignment to support student progression and on-time program completion. Aeroplanned CEO Jen Liddle spoke on a conference panel focused on student success in pilot training, addressing how operational planning and pacing of training program’s directly impact student outcomes.

AFM previously reported that Aeroplanned has expanded internationally in its third year of operation and is now working with flight training organisations across 15 countries, including large-scale flight schools and its first airline customer using the platform to manage cadet pilot programme planning.

The company has also expanded its team, with Raphaël Pellissier joining to support business development, bringing experience from Airbus alongside operational insight as an active flight instructor. In addition, Sam Matthews is expected to join as a senior developer in early 2026 to support product development.

Aeroplanned has recently introduced several platform enhancements aimed at improving training visibility and planning accuracy for flight schools.

  • The “3-Month Tracking and Resource Planning Dashboard” provides a rolling forward view of student progress, cohort status and resource utilisation to identify bottlenecks or under-used capacity.

  • Additional features released in 2025 focus on improving data accuracy, including prompts that flag missing or outdated planning inputs, particularly supporting flight schools without dedicated resource planning teams.

Check out the video below to see how it 3 Month Tracking Forecast looks in action.

Source: Aeroplanned

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FTEJerez Launches 6th Edition of Iberia Cadet Pilot Program

Spain – FTEJerez, the Jerez‑headquartered flight training group and long‑standing Iberia pilot cadet programme partner, has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Iberia Cadetes program, continuing its structured partnership with Iberia to finance and develop future airline pilots.

  • The programme funds 50% of the course fees, reducing financial barriers for selected candidates.

  • Eligibility requirements include:

    • Right to live and work in the EU

    • Fluency in Spanish

    • Completed university degree

  • The program is designed to identify high-potential candidates and provide airline-oriented ATPL training aligned with Iberia’s operational standards.

Last month FTEJerez welcomed a delegation from the airline as covered by AFM here FTEJerez Welcomes Iberia Training Leaders in February 2026 – AFM.aero

Source: FTEJerez
Photo Credit: FTEJerez

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Ireland-based Pilot Training Organization Strengthens APS MCC Partnership with Belgian Flight School in 2026

United Kingdom – Simtech Aviation, a Dublin-based provider of APS MCC and airline preparation training, has strengthened its partnership with Belgium’s Air Academy New CAG through a campus visit focused on advancing cadet progression into multi-crew jet training.

  • Simtech Aviation’s Head of Sales & Commercial Operations, Maurice Shiels, visited Air Academy New CAG in Belgium.

  • During the visit, Simtech delivered insights to students on APS MCC training and next-stage airline preparation pathways.

About Air Academy New CAG
Air Academy New CAG is a pilot training center based at the Brussels South International Airport since 1976. With nearly 50 years of aeronautical experience and in-depth knowledge of the aviation sector, we offer a comprehensive training program, ranging from private pilot (PPL) to frozen ATPL (MEP-IR, CPL, Adv.UPRT), adaptable to all types of candidates, withprecise, personalized, and professional guidance. Air Academy New CAG is also specialized in a wide range of supplementary pilot training courses, including: SEP/TMG – Aerobatics- CB-IR – Flight Instructor – Flight Examiner – Pilatus PC12 Class Rating -Pilatus PC24 Base Training – Conversion of a glider pilot license (SPL) to a private pilot license (PPL).Our professional pilot students are trained to meet the most advanced requirements of airlines, thanks to our modern fleet of around 20 aircraft, including ALSIM AL42 simulators and aircraft such as the Sonaca 200, Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42, and Extra 330LX (Advanced UPRT). Our instructors are all experienced pilots, either currently active or retired from the civil and military aviation sectors. Today, our alumni are employed by most major European and international airlines. The various types of training we offer allow them to work in passenger transport, cargo transport, business aviation, and aerial work.

Source: Simtech Aviation
Photo Credit: Simtech Aviation

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Acron Aviation Releases 2026 Guide on Scaling Airline Training Programs

Global – Acron Aviation has published a practical guide advocating hybrid pilot training delivery models, positioning integrated classroom simulation, remote learning, and optimized full flight simulator (FFS) utilization as a solution to projected global demand for 660,000 new pilots by 2044.

  • The company highlights key bottlenecks facing airline training departments:

    • High-cost full flight simulator time

    • Instructor shortages

    • Infrastructure constraints limiting scalability

  • The guide outlines a hybrid training framework combining:

    • Classroom-based simulation

    • Remote learning environments

    • Strategic FFS allocation

    • Flat panel and advanced training devices

  • The document includes:

    • A four-pillar training framework

    • A 12–18 month implementation roadmap

    • Performance metrics for tracking capacity and outcomes

    • Deployment risk factors and critical success considerations

  • The methodology is based on field implementation using Acron Aviation’s FMST, ETHOS, VFD, and flat panel training systems.

Check out the guide here.

Source: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation

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OSM Aviation Academy Appoints Christian Magnus Jemtland as Group Flight Simulation & Information Systems Manager

Global – OSM Aviation Academy has appointed Christian Magnus Jemtland as Group Flight Simulation & Information Systems Manager, reinforcing its technical and regulatory leadership as the academy expands simulator capacity and international operations across Europe and the United States.

OSM Aviation Academy is headquartered in Arendal, Norway with a base in Fort Lauderdale, USA. The group is a global training provider and one of Europe’s leading flight schools, with bases in Europe and the United States. The school offers modern ‘Airline Ready’ programs developed in close cooperation with the aviation industry, and continuously works to expand capacity and enhance quality in line with market needs. The flight school has established partnerships with, among others, Norse Atlantic Airways, Norwegian, and Widerøe.

Source: Christian Magnus Jemtland (OSM Aviation Academy)
Photo Credit: OSM Aviation Academy

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