Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Flight School AELO Swiss Academy Boosts 2026 Training Fleet with Diamond DA40 Arrivals

Switzerland – Aelo Swiss Academy has reinforced its instrument flight training capability with additional Diamond DA40 aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits, enhancing student pilot proficiency in IFR procedures and IMC operations.

Aelo’s modern training fleet includes four DA40 aircraft in operation, with two additional DA40s recently arriving in Locarno and due to enter service soon.

In December 2025 AFM had reported that AELO Swiss Academy had confirmed a significant expansion of its training fleet with an order for 12 brand-new Diamond DA20 aircraft, plus 6 optional units, all scheduled for delivery starting April 2026.

  • Deliveries will proceed at a rate of two aircraft per month, with all units to be based at LSZL (Locarno Airport).

  • The new aircraft will be factory-new DA20s equipped with full glass cockpits, TCAS, and engine data monitoring systems to support safety and operational precision in training.

  • All units will operate on MOGAS fuel, aligning with AELO’s sustainability efforts by reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.

  • The investment follows AELO’s EUR 5 million investment into a new campus, which also includes the launch of its new 2,000 square-meter training complex at Locarno Airport.

Source: Aelo Swiss Academy
Photo Credit: Aelo Swiss Academy

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French Flight School Adds New DA42 NG to Training Fleet in February 2026

France – Mermoz Academy has expanded its training fleet with the addition of a Diamond DA42 NG twin-engine aircraft in February 2026.

About Mermoz Academy
Founded in 1957, Mermoz Academy is a French aviation school specializing in the training of airline pilots and flight attendants, renowned for the quality of its instruction. Located in Rungis as well as at the airports of Tours and Nîmes, the school places its students at the heart of real airport environments, offering them full immersion in their future profession. With years of experience and a rigorous teaching approach supported by its dedicated teams and instructors, Mermoz Academy is recognized by its partner airlines for producing pilots who are thoroughly prepared to meet the industry’s high standards.

Source: Mermoz Academy
Photo Credit: Mermoz Academy

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BRM AERO to Deliver Bristell Aircraft to the South Korean Air Force

Czech Republic – BRM AERO has been selected by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to deliver Bristell aircraft for an initial pilot training program operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). The multi-year contract includes Cockpit Procedure Trainers and comprehensive technical support, with phased deliveries scheduled from the period 2026 – 2028.

Following a competitive Test and Evaluation process, the program supports BRM AERO’s expansion into defense and government training. The Bristell B23-915 IFR platform combines a modern Garmin glass cockpit with the proven Rotax 915iSc turbocharged engine, delivering IFR capability and efficient operations for high-utilization training environments.

The selection followed a rigorous evaluation led by DAPA in cooperation with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), including flight testing and a comprehensive technical assessment against an extensive set of mandatory and optional requirements. Key factors in BRM AERO’s successful bid included the aircraft’s technical capabilities, strong lifecycle economics, and the company’s long-term commitment to production and parts support. These elements are critical for sustained military pilot training operations.

Martin Bristela, CEO and Co-Founder, BRM AERO, said: “Being selected by South Korea’s defense procurement agency is a proud moment for our team. It confirms that BRM AERO can meet demanding operational and quality standards, and it reinforces the global trust operators place in the Bristell platform. We are approaching this as a long-term program, with strong in-country support and a clear commitment to sustain the fleet for decades.”

Martin Berka, Business Development Director, BRM AERO, said: “This contract is not only about delivering aircraft. It is about delivering a complete training solution and supporting it over the long term. The Bristell platform is proven with flight schools and operators worldwide, and this program significantly strengthens our footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. We will build robust local infrastructure in South Korea to ensure readiness, reliability, and sustained training operations.”

The program includes a spare parts package, support equipment, and technical documentation, along with in-country training for key personnel, including instructors, and maintenance teams. BRM AERO will build local support infrastructure in South Korea with partners including Hansung Industrial (authorized Bristell and Rotax service center) and Kyungwoon University (Rotax-authorized training provider) to ensure operational readiness and long-term fleet sustainability.

About Bristell
Founded in 2009 by Milan and Martin Bříštěla, Bristell by BRM AERO is a Czech aircraft manufacturer specializing in light sport and general aviation aircraft. With comprehensive in-house manufacturing at its Kunovice facility, the company produces 110+ aircraft annually and delivers through 30+ authorized dealers across five continents. Bristell’s portfolio includes FAA- and EASA-certified and MOSAIC-ready aircraft, known for modern Garmin avionics, efficient performance, and a strong safety focus, with features such as all-metal airframes and optional BRS ballistic parachute systems.

Source: Bristell
Photo Credit: Bristell

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Tecnam Gains Ground in India with Direct Sales Strategy and P-Mentor Demand

India – Tecnam Aircraft has reported a highly successful debut of its “Direct Factory Representation” strategy at Wings India 2026, resulting in unprecedented engagement with Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) and renewed momentum in the company’s expansion across the Indian aviation sector.

  • The Italian aircraft manufacturer showcased a diverse fleet tailored for training and utility roles, including:

    • The P-Mentor (IFR-capable two-seat trainer with glass cockpit)

    • The P2010 TDI (Jet A1/Diesel-powered four-seater for private and air taxi missions)

    • The P2006T (light twin-engine aircraft widely adopted for multi-engine training)

  • Key Indian FTOs partners were highlighted such as ARCA Aviation, Chimes Aviation Academy, and Redbird Flight Training Academy.

  • Tecnam’s shift away from intermediaries allows direct sales, service, and technical support between headquarters and Indian operators—streamlining procurement, feedback, and aftersales engagement.

  • At three high-level roundtables chaired by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, Tecnam:

    • Advocated for a “Capillary Aviation” model using light aircraft to unlock last-mile connectivity across Tier-3/4 cities.

    • Emphasized the urgency for modernising flight training fleets, especially with glass-cockpit trainers like the P-Mentor.

    • Proposed recognising training aircraft fleets as bankable assets to facilitate easier financing and leasing.

Statements

  • “India is a key market that demands our highest level of attention. By establishing a direct connection between our headquarters and the Indian operators, we are positioning Tecnam to better support the steady growth of major flight schools and airliners in the region. Our institutional partners require immediate, unfiltered access to our support and sales teams to maintain their operational tempo. This direct structure allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them as they expand their fleets,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director of Tecnam.

  • “From the viral success of the P-Mentor to the honor of hosting Mr. Campbell Wilson at our stand, the validation from the Indian market has been immense. With our full fleet on display—from single-engine trainers to our twin-engine versatile platforms—we showed that Tecnam has the right tool for every mission. The future of Indian aviation is here, and Tecnam is powering it,” added Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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Portuguese Flight School Adds 2nd Elixir Aircraft to Fleet in February 2026

Portugal – Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC), one of Portugal’s key flight training organisation’s, has announced the arrival and operational launch of its second Elixir aircraft.

In November 2025 AFM had reported that OATC had formalised its fleet renewal with the introduction of Elixir aircraft through a turnkey leasing agreement with Green Aerolease. The arrangement supports OATC’s transition to a more modern and sustainable training fleet while marking a further step in Green Aerolease’s European expansion.

  • The fourth-generation Elixir aircraft entering service at OATC are equipped with a Rotax engine, full glass cockpit, integrated autopilot and an airframe parachute system, providing enhanced safety and operational efficiency for ab-initio training.

  • Green Aerolease’s turnkey leasing model enables rapid fleet deployment and maximises aircraft availability, supporting higher utilisation across OATC’s integrated and modular training programmes.

  • Through Green Aerolease’s global fleet purchasing structure, OATC gains access to “fleet-level” pricing typically reserved for large operators, including more favourable aircraft and parts acquisition costs.

  • Pooled technical requirements across all Green Aerolease customers—combined with direct manufacturer relationships—provide accelerated spare parts delivery, reducing downtime and improving aircraft availability; the company reports a 94% availability rate for its Velis Electro fleet in 2024.

  • Programme-wide insurance pooling allows operators, including smaller flight schools, to benefit from reduced premium rates calculated at the fleet rather than individual-aircraft level.

Source: Omni Aviation Training Center & Green Aerolease
Photo Credit: Omni Aviation Training Center

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