Press Release

Issued by Asian Sky Group.

December 13, 2018

Showcasing the capacity of the Asia-Pacific region's training schools, Hong Kong business aviation firm Asian Sky Group (ASG) has presented its second edition of the Asia-Pacific Training School Report.

With a detailed analysis of the training schools and fleet across the region, courses offered, pricing, and training equipment used, the Asia-Pacific Training School Report provides an overview of the Asia Pacific, each country throughout the region and how respective countries are equipped to handle the growing shortage of aviation personnel.

Highlights of this report include:

- There are 338 aviation training facilities located throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Only 32 of these schools provide training for both fixed-wing and rotary, while most service one or the other.

- There are 3,057 fixed-wing aircraft and 680 helicopters used for training throughout the region. The four-seat, single-engine piston Cessna 172 is the most popular fixed-wing aircraft, accounting for 35% of the fixed-wing aircraft training fleet. While the Robinson 44 is the most popular rotary aircraft, accounting for 26% of the helicopter training fleet.

- There are several full flight simulator (FFS) schools in the region, including simulators from categories A to D. CAE, Boeing, Airbus, Airbus Helicopters and Flight Experience are a few of the companies utilising the FFS schools.

- Australia has the highest number of schools with 103, as well as the highest number of aircraft serving the aviation training segment. Several airlines based their training programmes are based in the country including Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Qantas, and Hainan Airlines, as well as others, indicating the country is a key player because of its available airspace, high operating standards, and safety oversight.

- Mainland China follows Australia with 55 schools, as well as the second highest number of aircraft serving training facilities. The country's air traffic, expected to quadruple over the next two decades, makes China one of the world's busiest markets and the source of the highest demand.

- Students training in Australia and New Zealand may use their certifications interchangeably between the two countries, without having to take additional courses or exams. This is allowed through the Mutual Recognition of Aviation-Related Certification.

- Singapore is the most expensive country to provide fixed-wing training, while the Philippines has some of the least expensive training programmes.

- Helicopter training costs are relatively similar country to country across the region for both PPL and CPL certifications. However, CPL certifications are generally around three times the price of a PPL, across the region.

Also included in the report is a profile of US-based training provider FlightSafety International; an interview with Metrojet's lead G650 captain and manager of flight training and licensing, Stewart Borg; an interview with Oriental Signature managing director, Jessie Pan; as well as insight from the president-director of Aviatory Indonesia, Ziva Narendra Arifin. This edition of the Training School Report also includes a number of special sections: Pilot Career Paths, Opportunities in Aviation, Pilot Demand, Special Missions Training and Simulator Training.

“The second edition of the Asia-Pacific Training School Report comes at a time when forecasts estimate the Asia-Pacific region to lead the worldwide growth in demand for pilots, mechanics and cabin crew,” says Asian Sky Group managing director, Jeffrey Lowe. “This publication, once again, demonstrates the capacity the region has for aviation personnel, while offering a clear indication of the steps that need to be taken in order to meet the growing demand.”

ASG's second edition of the Training School Report comes just after Asian Sky Media's third consecutive award win as the 'Best Media Outlet', as presented by the Asian Business Aviation Association at the Icons of Aviation Awards in November.