Market Intelligence: LATAM

Canada-based FTO Operator Launches Free Global Pilot Training Resource to Developing Countries

Global – Canada-based pilot, flight instructor and flight school operator Jules Selwan has launched a free online pilot training handbook initiative aimed at supporting student pilots in developing countries. The platform, accessible at www.selwanj.com, offers no-cost educational resources covering foundational aviation topics.

  • The handbook draws on Selwan’s 25 years of experience flying aircraft from light trainers to the Airbus A330.

  • Although based on Canadian training standards, approximately 90% of the content is globally applicable, excluding national regulatory sections.

  • The initiative focuses on reducing access barriers for aspiring pilots worldwide, especially in regions where high training costs limit entry into aviation careers.

  • Selwan intends the materials to serve both new and current students seeking accessible, high-quality aviation knowledge.

Juules Selwan leads Canadian FTO International Pilot Academy.

Source: Jules Selwan
Photo Credit: Jules Selwan

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Airbus Helicopter Sees Strong Global Demand, Orders Surge in 2025

Global – Airbus Helicopters reported a robust order performance in 2025, securing 544 gross helicopter orders (net: 536) from 205 customers across 50 countries, highlighting strong global demand across civil, parapublic, military, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) markets.

  • Airbus Helicopters logged 544 gross orders in 2025, with 536 net orders, reflecting nearly a 20% increase in units compared with prior periods.

  • The company delivered 392 helicopters in 2025, sustaining its global presence across mission profiles.

  • Breakdown of 2025 deliveries by type:
    • H125 – 129 units
    • H130 – 47 units
    • H135 – 45 units
    • H140 – 61 units
    • H145 – 149 units
    • H160 – 30 units
    • H175 – 15 units
    • Super Puma – 34 units
    • NH90 – 34 units

  • Airbus captured 51% of the civil and parapublic helicopter market and 28% of the military market in unit bookings, reinforcing its competitive position in both commercial and defence segments.

  • Major sovereign commitments included Spain’s landmark order for 100 helicopters (50 H145Ms, 31 NH90s across all armed forces branches, and first orders for H175M), and Germany’s continuation of its modernisation with 20 additional H145Ms.

  • The NH90 programme showed renewed activity: the Netherlands ordered three additional aircraft, Greece signed a follow‑on support contract, and Germany received its first NH90 Sea Tiger anti‑submarine/anti‑surface warfare variant.

  • In the heavy helicopter segment, Greece ordered eight H215s for firefighting, and Morocco contracted ten H225M helicopters, with first deliveries to Iraq.

  • The H145 emerged as the top seller with 149 orders, reaffirming its broad appeal across civil and parapublic and military markets.

  • Airbus introduced the H140, a next‑generation light twin engine helicopter with 61 firm orders, featuring innovative design elements including a T‑tail configuration.

  • The Racer demonstrator achieved a cruise speed of 440 km/h (240 kts), surpassing original performance targets and reflecting Airbus’ capability to deliver high‑speed rotorcraft solutions with optimised aerodynamics.

  • Airbus expanded its UAS portfolio by integrating Survey Copter, securing first contracts with Drone Forge and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMS Agency), plus six VSR700s for the French Ministry of Armed Forces.

  • Through HTeaming capabilities, Airbus continues to advance crewed‑uncrewed teaming solutions, enabling real‑time management of uncrewed systems from crewed platforms and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

  • The H160 programme progressed with the military H160M “Guépard” completing its first flight and sustained civil market share (~50%) in the medium twin segment. The H160 also expanded operational use with law enforcement, firefighting, and offshore missions, including first U.S. energy sector operations with PHI Aviation.

  • The H175 super medium helicopter received 15 orders in 2025, strengthening its role in the upper mid‑size segment.

  • To support growing demand, Airbus commenced construction of a new Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, Karnataka, India—the world’s fourth H125 FAL—further enhancing industrial capacity and reinforcing commitments to the Indian market and global supply chain resilience.

Statements

  • “Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today’s complex environment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

  • “Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper. Furthermore, we are leading the shift toward UAS by integrating Survey Copter into our core operations, establishing a comprehensive range of tactical drones. By combining drones with our advanced and unique HTeaming capabilities, we provide a seamless, networked ecosystem for the modern battlespace,” added Bruno Even.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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FFS Training Center Operator Avenger Flight Group Appoints Eduardo Carrasco as CEO

USA – operator of independent full flight simulator training centers across the America’s and Europe, Avenger Flight Group, has appointed Eduardo Carrasco as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

  • Eduardo Carrasco brings over 30 years of aviation industry experience, spanning airline operations, pilot training, simulator manufacturing, and advanced training technologies.

  • His previous executive leadership roles include Delta Connection Academy / Aerosim Flight Academy, Aerosim Technologies, Mechtronix Systems, United Airlines, and Airbus Industries.

  • Carrasco is also an FAA Commercial Pilot and a U.S. Military Veteran, combining operational credibility with deep experience in aviation training and simulation.

Earlier this month AFM reported that Avenger Flight Group (AFG)’s President Andres Restrepo has shared an industry outlook for 2026, highlighting signs of recovery and growing momentum in pilot demand.

Statements

  • “Momentum is returning to aviation. After a difficult period for airlines and training providers alike, we are beginning to see healthier demand signals, clearer fleet strategies, and renewed investment in pilot pipelines. The rebound will not be perfectly linear, but it is real. At Avenger Flight Group, LLC, we spent the last few years doing the disciplined work behind the scenes: strengthening reliability, optimizing our footprint, and deepening partnerships. That focus now allows us to support growth quickly and responsibly, without compromising quality. As the industry accelerates, AFG is ready!! Ready to scale, ready to partner, and ready to help our customers train safely, efficiently, and with confidence.” said Andres Restrepo, President at AFG.

Source: Andres Restrepo (Avenger Flight Group)
Photo Credit: Avenger Flight Group

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Acron Aviation Secures ANAC Brazil Approval to Train Brazilian-Licensed Pilots at its London Training Center

United Kingdom & Brazil – Acron Aviation announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to provide training for ANAC Brazil-licensed pilots at its London Gatwick Training Center (LTC). This milestone significantly expands Acron Aviation’s global training footprint and enhances its capability to support Brazilian operators and pilots with world-class training solutions.

The approval, achieved in partnership with Simshares, enables Acron Aviation to deliver high-quality, regulator-approved training to Brazilian-licensed pilots across multiple aircraft types, leveraging its established instructor expertise, advanced training devices, and globally recognized safety and compliance standards.

Dave Coward, GM and SVP, Acron Aviation, said: “This approval from ANAC Brazil is an important step in expanding our global training capabilities and supporting the needs of Brazilian operators and pilots. It reflects the strength of our regulatory credentials, our long-standing heritage in pilot training, and the confidence that international authorities place in our systems and standards.” Coward continued, “It also highlights the benefit of working in partnership with Simshares, whose support was instrumental in achieving this approval and in developing future opportunities in the Brazilian market.”

Simshares facilitated the regulatory approval, coordinating and managing communications and logistics between Acron Aviation and ANAC Brazil and will now take-up the role of business introducer for future ANAC Brazil–related pilot training.

Captain Rudolf Brockhausen, Founder and CEO, Simshares, said: “Acron Aviation’s Reality7 simulators, with their full-motion capability and data-driven realism, set a high benchmark for pilot training and will deliver real value to Brazilian operators and pilots.” Brockhausen continued, “With our long-standing relationships and first-hand experience within Brazil’s aviation sector, we look forward to building on this partnership as Acron expands its presence in the world’s fifth largest airline market.”

This development reinforces Acron Aviation’s commitment to delivering flexible, globally accessible training solutions that meet the highest international regulatory standards, while supporting airline and pilot communities worldwide.

About Acron Aviation
Acron Aviation is strategically aligned to deliver world-leading commercial aviation solutions designed to serve aircraft operators and airframe manufacturers across the globe. Our expertise extends to multiple facets of commercial aviation from OEM certified avionics to state-of-the-art simulation devices, best-in-class pilot training and market-leading flight data analytics. With a global footprint, we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers operations and further our mission of innovating to create safer skies.

About Simshares
Simshares is a UK-registered management consulting firm that works across aviation and related industries, supporting strategic projects, partnerships and high-level communications. Based in London and incorporated in October 2016, its core services focus on advising C-Suite executives on business strategy, operations, contracts, logistics and procurement, particularly in aviation simulation and training contexts. The company is led by Founder and CEO Captain Rudolf Brockhausen, an experienced international Airline Transport Pilot with broader consulting and aviation industry experience.

Source: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation

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