AAV News in Brief 21 July 2025

Tecnam delivers first P2006T NG to FlyBy: Tecnam announced the first delivery of its P2006T New Generation (NG) aircraft to FlyBy Aviation Academy, one of Europe’s fastest growing and most internationally diverse Approved Training Organizations (ATO), headquartered in Spain. This milestone marks a new chapter in the ongoing collaboration between Tecnam and FlyBy, who now operate a fleet of 30 Tecnam aircraft. The addition of the P2006T NG, Tecnam’s modern twin-engine trainer, reflects FlyBy’s commitment to offering its cadets the latest in aviation training technology while ensuring ease of operation, high safety standards, and operational efficiency. FlyBy, which was recently acquired by Sherpa Capital, a leading private equity firm in Iberia, is experiencing a new phase of growth. This growth is supported by an ambitious expansion plan that includes both internationalisation and inorganic growth, as well as the strengthening of its position as a leading training centre. StandardAero Expands Its CFM56-7B Services Portfolio: StandardAero has recently expanded its portfolio of CFM International CFM56-7B services to include exchange engine solutions.  StandardAero is already an OEM-authorized CFM56-7B MRO provider, with full engine overhaul and test capabilities in two locations across North America, and this new engine exchange offering introduces an additional service option for Boeing 737NG customers worldwide. Under the exchange engine program, StandardAero provides a serviceable CFM56-7B turbofan engine with strong remaining life, taking delivery of an unserviceable powerplant in turn.  This approach offers a responsive and straightforward solution for a wide variety of customers, including airlines, lessors and other asset owners.  StandardAero has a long and successful track record of offering exchange solutions on other engine platforms, and the company has applied this expertise to its CFM56-7B program. StandardAero recently completed such an exchange for Stellar Aviation Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leading Indian aviation company, which took delivery of a serviceable, warrantied CFM56-7B26/3 engine (including QEC) in exchange for a time-expired unit.  This deal, which was completed in just six weeks, enabled Stellar Aviation to assist with the immediate return to service of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft which was urgently required for cargo operations.  StandardAero and Stellar Aviation also agreed on a future end-of-life solution for the serviceable engine after LLP expiration, and the two parties are also working on an additional engine exchange opportunity. Pegasus Airlines launches direct route to Bristol: Pegasus Airlines continues to expand its flight network this summer by adding a new direct route from Bristol to Istanbul. The direct route from Bristol Airport to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport commenced today, on 8 July 2025. The thrice-weekly service departs from Bristol every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with return flights from Istanbul operating on the same days. The new route brings opportunities to explore Istanbul, a vibrant city with a unique location straddling the two continents of Europe and Asia and divided by the mighty Bosphorus Strait, whilst also connecting passengers from Bristol via Istanbul to over 150 destinations within Türkiye and beyond across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia on the Pegasus Airlines network. Flydocs and Air Astana announce long-term partnership: flydocs and Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s award-winning flag carrier, announced their strategic partnership to digitise the records management process with flydocs’ market-leading Digital Records Management (DRM) solution across its fleet of over 60 aircraft. The collaboration brings together solutions from flydocs to create value out of aircraft maintenance data for Air Astana in the form of digital records management, ensuring smooth integration with their maintenance and engineering systems. Air Astana will experience first-hand benefits of flydocs’ software package, including the integration with their M&E system-TRAX. Andy Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, flydocs said, “We are pleased to partner with Air Astana, as this collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in establishing our global footprint in Central Asia. With our core records management platform, we will fully support them in their digital transformation journey. Being selected as Air Astana’s preferred partner reinforces the tangible benefits of the flydocs DRM solution, which maximises asset value and enhances efficiency, compliance and operational excellence. We look forward to working closely with them to deliver innovative solutions and accelerate digital transformation.” Accelya launches Business Travel Innovation Group: Accelya, in partnership with temoji, the travel consultancy led by Paul Tilstone, announced the launch of the Business Travel Innovation Group (BIG), a new initiative designed to give corporate travel buyers a stronger voice in shaping the future of airline retailing and distribution. The group is created by Accelya, with temoji consulting playing a lead role in shaping and managing the initiative. The BIG initiative brings together 20 enterprise and mid-market travel buyers from across the corporate travel landscape. BIG aims to foster open discussion, spotlight best practices, and support cross-industry collaboration as modern retailing becomes a reality. Members will explore how New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) can unlock richer content, smarter pricing, and better traveller experiences, while addressing the specific needs of managed travel. Accelya, a global leader in airline technology, is working alongside BIG members to help translate their insights into actionable recommendations. This collaboration begins with the release of a new guide, ‘Making Modern Airline Retailing a Reality for Corporate Travel’, which outlines seven key enablers buyers say are critical for mainstream NDC adoption in corporate travel programmes and three case studies of buyer implementations of NDC. Indra renews Colombia’s air surveillance network: Indra is set to further modernize Colombia’s air surveillance network with the delivery of the first of the new radars to be installed in the country. The contract, awarded by Aerocivil, the public entity that manages all the air navigation services in the country, is valued at over €65 million, and it envisages the renewal of over 50% of the current radars. It’s the largest civil aeronautics contract ever concluded in Colombia and Latin America in terms of volume, but also ambition, as it will entail equipping seven new stations with the latest technology to guarantee maximum safety and the efficiency and sustainability of the civil aviation system, facilitating more seamless air traffic management and, in turn, contributing to greater punctuality. The project will encompass the planning, design, installation, commissioning, and security of the entire radar renewal process and the construction of new sites throughout Colombia, a large country with complex mountainous terrain, especially the Andes. Indra will deploy seven primary radars (one of them long-range), seven MSSR mode S secondary radars with integrated ADS-B systems, and seven independent ADS-B radars to monitor aircraft movements. The systems will be devoted to ensuring efficient and safe operations in Colombia’s airspace and they will be equipped with the latest technologies to guarantee exchanges of information during the different take-off and flight phases, both en route and during approaches to the country’s main airports. Elevate Jet expands aircraft management capabilities: Elevate Jet announced it has been awarded Certified Air Carrier capabilities by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate Large Aircraft, such as the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ), Embraer Lineage 1000, and Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The certification allows Elevate Jet to engage in a broader range of commercial activities including Large Aircraft operations for management, demonstration flights, structured leasing opportunities, and more — capabilities critical to supporting the company’s efforts in representing and marketing VIP Airliners. Reid Oslin, VP Strategic Accounts at Elevate Aviation, stated “these aircraft are in increasing demand in the U.S. charter space. For decades we have specialized in curating trips for a variety of highly discerning clientele such as the best names in music and entertainment, executives and founders, and presidential campaigns; each able to benefit from the Large Aircraft placements soon to be available with the growing Elevate Jet fleet.” BARIG community continues to grow: The international airline association BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) continues to grow in the field of air freight and welcomes MSC Air Cargo as new member. The air cargo carrier is part of the MSC Group, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions. “We are delighted that MSC Air Cargo joins our BARIG community and brings a high level of expertise in the air freight sector,” emphasizes Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director. “The industry in Germany has been facing numerous challenges, such as high location costs, complex processes, and a high level of bureaucracy. With the practical knowledge of our more than 30 international cargo airlines, we are committed to achieving measurable relief, accelerating processes, and improving the overall framework conditions for air freight in Germany.” BARIG coordinates all activities and initiatives in the field of air freight in its Air Cargo Committee, which was recently further developed through restructuring and a new co-chairmanship. As a result, the committee is now even more efficient and effective in handling the current challenges. Allegiant selects Flightscape platform: CAE announced that it has signed a long-term contract with Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) which will allow the airline to transform its operational intelligence and performance by using Flightscape – Powered by CAE. Flightscape is a data-driven platform that enables airlines to effectively manage operations, adapt seamlessly to challenges and mitigate disruptions, optimizing efficiency and costs, even in the most complex and time-sensitive situations. Allegiant has selected the Crew Management and Operations Management modules, and implementation of these two next-generation solutions has already begun. “We are excited to partner with CAE and know Flightscape will be a valuable platform to optimize our operational efficiency,” said Tyler Hollingsworth, Allegiant COO. “Integrating this new technology equips our teams with richer data and insights that help minimize travel disruptions for our customers. Flightscape will enhance our customer experience as we continue to provide safe and reliable air service.” Flightscape is built on a modular architecture enabling airlines to deploy the solutions they need for operations control, crew management, flight management, airport management and in-flight service management. Modules can be deployed independently or together as part of a unified system. CPaT signs new deal with Tunisair Express: CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced they have been awarded a new contract with Tunisair Express. CPaT will be providing Tunisair Express with their ATR 72-600 Aircraft Systems course along with their Interactive Classroom and robust library of General Subjects. “CPaT is proud to partner with Tunisair Express to support their pilot training with our ATR 72-600 courseware,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “We look forward to providing flexible and comprehensive training solutions that meet the needs of their growing operation.” CPaT Global, LLC (CPaT) is the market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry. CPaT delivers software-as-a-service applications to more than 400 global aviation customers, serving 100,000+ individual training users each year. CPaT pioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training 30 years ago and has built on that legacy to offer new and imaginative training solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and invaluable. CPaT transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions, with in-depth content and interactive courseware spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures. AerFin repairs and returns CFM56 engine to service: AerFin, the aviation asset specialist that buys, sells, leases and repairs aircraft, engines and parts, has successfully repaired and returned to service a CFM56 engine that was originally considered unserviceable – a clear demonstration of our in-house technical strength and growing MRO capabilities. The engine was one of three acquired for teardown. But AerFin’s Trading Team recognised untapped potential in one of the units. Rather than dismantling all three, they proposed a repair strategy, replacing the 21X and 22X modules with serviceable components from one of the other engines in the package. Following repair, the engine underwent a successful test cell run, marking a significant operational milestone: the first time AerFin has completed a full-cycle engine repair and return-to-service using its own infrastructure. Dnata rolls out autonomous vehicles in airport operations: Dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next-generation technology in ramp operations. The rollout marks a significant step in the automation of ground handling services – one of the aviation industry’s most labour-, and time-intensive areas. Dnata now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model developed by TractEasy – at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. With these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster turnarounds. At the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]