Training & Certification
Infinity Flight Group Adds 10 Cessna Skyhawks to Expand Pilot Training Fleet
Infinity Flight Group expands its training fleet with 10 new Cessna Skyhawks, enhancing pilot training capacity and industry partnerships.
In a strategic move to address the growing global demand for commercial pilots, Infinity Flight Group has announced the acquisition of 10 additional Cessna 172 Skyhawks. This expansion brings the total number of Skyhawks ordered by the company over the past three years to 35, further solidifying its position as a leading aviation training provider in the United States.
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk, one of the most iconic and widely used training aircraft in aviation history, continues to play a central role in pilot education programs. With over 45,000 units delivered globally since its introduction in 1955, the Skyhawk is celebrated for its reliability, safety, and ease of use, qualities that make it ideal for student pilots.
Infinity Flight Group, a certified Cessna Pilot Center, operates out of New Jersey and Florida. Its latest expansion is not only a response to increasing enrollment but also a proactive step towards bridging the pilot shortage projected by industry analysts. The company’s investment in technologically advanced aircraft underscores a commitment to providing future pilots with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Infinity Flight Group’s recent agreement with Textron Aviation includes the purchase of 10 new Cessna Skyhawks, with delivery scheduled for 2027. This acquisition follows previous orders, bringing the total to 35 aircraft over a three-year period. Once delivered, the company’s Skyhawk fleet will grow from 65 to 75 aircraft, enabling greater training throughput and operational flexibility.
Each of the newly ordered Skyhawks will be equipped with the latest dual electronic ignition system (dual EIS), a feature designed to enhance engine reliability and reduce maintenance complexity. This system replaces traditional magneto-based ignition, offering benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and easier diagnostics for maintenance teams.
The expansion reflects a broader trend among flight schools to modernize their fleets with technologically advanced, reliable aircraft that meet both regulatory and operational standards. By investing in new airframes and avionics, Infinity aims to maintain high training standards while minimizing downtime and operational costs.
“The Cessna Skyhawk sets the standard in reliability and performance. Organizations like Infinity Flight Group continue to trust this industry-leading aircraft, ideal for both student pilots and private owners.” — Chris Crow, Vice President of Piston Sales, Textron Aviation
The addition of 10 aircraft significantly enhances Infinity Flight Group’s ability to accommodate an increasing number of students. With a larger fleet, the school can offer more flexible scheduling, reduce wait times for flight slots, and ensure that maintenance cycles do not disrupt training continuity.
This expansion is particularly important in light of the global pilot shortage. According to Boeing’s 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the aviation industry will require approximately 674,000 new pilots over the next 20 years. North America alone is expected to account for a significant portion of this demand, driven by retirements, fleet growth, and increased air travel. Infinity’s fleet growth positions it to play a critical role in meeting this demand. By scaling its operations responsibly and strategically, the company is contributing to a more robust and resilient pilot pipeline.
The dual EIS system is not the only technological advancement being embraced by Infinity Flight Group. The organization is also exploring the integration of AI-powered simulators and digital learning platforms to enhance the training experience. These tools provide students with real-time feedback, adaptive learning modules, and scenario-based training that replicates real-world challenges.
Such innovations are part of a broader industry shift toward competency-based training, where the focus is on mastering specific skills rather than logging a set number of flight hours. This approach is particularly effective in preparing pilots for the complex, automated cockpits found in modern commercial-aircraft.
By combining advanced aircraft with cutting-edge training methodologies, Infinity is setting a new benchmark for flight education in the United States and beyond.
In 2024, Infinity Flight Group entered into a strategic partnership with the American Airlines Cadet Academy. This collaboration offers students a structured pathway from flight training to employment with one of the world’s largest airlines. Participants benefit from mentorship, financial assistance through the American Airlines Credit Union, and guaranteed placement upon successful completion of the program.
This partnership is a significant milestone for Infinity, aligning its curriculum with industry needs and providing students with a clear career trajectory. It also enhances the school’s appeal to prospective students who are seeking a fast-track route into commercial aviation.
Such alliances are becoming increasingly common as airlines look to secure a steady supply of qualified pilots. By aligning with major carriers, flight schools like Infinity can ensure that their graduates are not only well-trained but also immediately employable.
In January 2025, Infinity Flight Group expanded its operations to Fort Pierce, Florida, establishing a new training center at Treasure Coast International Airport. This move allows the company to tap into a broader student base and offer year-round training in favorable weather conditions. The Florida location complements the company’s Trenton, New Jersey base, enabling more efficient resource allocation and operational redundancy. It also supports the American Airlines Cadet Academy’s East Coast training pipeline, ensuring geographic diversity and increased capacity.
Florida’s aviation-friendly environment, combined with its proximity to major airline hubs, makes it an ideal location for flight training. Infinity’s presence in the state underscores its commitment to scaling responsibly while maintaining high quality standards.
The aviation industry has responded positively to Infinity’s expansion. Analysts view the move as a timely response to market dynamics, particularly the urgent need for qualified pilots. By investing in both infrastructure and partnerships, Infinity is positioning itself as a key player in the pilot training ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the company may explore additional partnerships, fleet upgrades, and curriculum enhancements. As the demand for pilots continues to grow, institutions that can offer comprehensive, technologically advanced training will be in high demand.
Infinity’s model, combining fleet modernization, strategic alliances, and geographic expansion, could serve as a blueprint for other flight schools aiming to scale sustainably in a competitive market.
Infinity Flight Group’s decision to expand its fleet with 10 additional Cessna Skyhawks marks a significant investment in the future of aviation training. With enhanced technological capabilities and strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for pilots both in the U.S. and globally.
By aligning itself with industry trends and focusing on operational excellence, Infinity is not only addressing current challenges but also laying the groundwork for long-term success. Its expansion into Florida and collaboration with American Airlines Cadet Academy further reinforce its leadership in the flight training sector.
What is the significance of the Cessna Skyhawk in flight training? Why is Infinity Flight Group expanding its fleet? What is the dual electronic ignition system (dual EIS)? How does the partnership with American Airlines benefit students? Where are Infinity Flight Group’s training centers located?
Infinity Flight Group Expands Training Fleet with 10 Additional Cessna Skyhawks
Fleet Expansion and Technological Advancements
Details of the New Acquisition
Operational Impact and Training Capacity
Technological Integration in Training
Strategic Partnerships and Geographic Expansion
Collaboration with American Airlines Cadet Academy
Expansion into Florida
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is widely regarded as the most reliable and widely used training aircraft in aviation history, with over 45,000 units delivered globally.
The expansion is a strategic response to the global pilot shortage and increased enrollment, enhancing the company’s training capacity and operational flexibility.
Dual EIS is a modern ignition system that improves engine reliability, reduces maintenance complexity, and enhances fuel efficiency, replacing traditional magnetos in aircraft engines.
It provides a structured pathway to employment, including mentorship and financial support, ensuring students have a clear route from training to a commercial airline career.
The company operates out of Trenton, New Jersey, and Fort Pierce, Florida, offering year-round training in diverse geographic locations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron
Training & Certification
Tecnam P2008JC NG Launches with Fuel-Injected Engine and EASA Certification
Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG featuring a fuel-injected Rotax engine, EASA CS-23 certification, 30% lower emissions, and advanced Garmin avionics for flight training.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2008JC NG (Next Generation), a significant upgrade to one of its most popular single-engine trainers. According to the company’s announcement, the new model integrates the fuel-injected Rotax 912 iSc engine and has been certified to the latest EASA CS-23 airworthiness standards. The launch targets Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) looking to modernize fleets with aircraft that offer higher fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The P2008JC NG represents a strategic move by Tecnam to solidify its position in the global flight training market. By replacing legacy carbureted engines with modern fuel injection technology, the manufacturer aims to lower operating costs for flight schools while simplifying engine management for student pilots.
The core of the “NG” evolution is the adoption of the Rotax 912 iSc Sport engine. In its press materials, Tecnam highlights that this 100-horsepower powerplant replaces traditional carburetors with a redundant electronic fuel injection system. This change eliminates the risk of carburetor icing, a common safety concern in general aviation, and removes the need for manual mixture or choke adjustments during flight operations.
According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the new engine configuration delivers substantial efficiency gains:
Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s Managing Director, emphasized the balance of efficiency and utility in the company’s official statement:
“The P2008JC NG represents a significant leap in training safety. By certifying to the latest CS-23 Amendment 6 standards, we have enhanced the aircraft’s safety characteristics specifically at very low speeds, the typical mission profile for ab-initio training. We needed an aircraft that works hard, consumes little, and inspires confidence.”
The P2008JC NG is certified under EASA CS-23 Amendment 6. This certification standard is rigorous, placing the aircraft in a high safety tier for General Aviation. Tecnam notes that this certification ensures enhanced handling characteristics, particularly in the low-speed regimes where student pilots spend much of their training time practicing stalls and landings.
The aircraft retains Tecnam’s signature hybrid construction approach. The fuselage is constructed from carbon fiber, allowing for a wider cabin and aerodynamic sleekness that is difficult to achieve with sheet metal. However, the wings and stabilator are built from metal. This design choice is intentional for the training market; metal wings are generally easier and cheaper to repair if they suffer “hangar rash” or minor damage in a busy flight school environment.
To prepare students for modern commercial cockpits, the P2008JC NG comes equipped with a glass cockpit as standard. The avionics suite features the Garmin G3X Touch, which provides situational awareness tools and flight data presentation similar to what pilots will encounter in airline operations. The interior has also been redesigned with ergonomics in mind. Updates include a new central console, improved window design for better visibility, and 3-point safety belts with inertial reels. An autopilot system is available as an option, allowing schools to conduct more advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedural training on a VFR-capable platform.
The introduction of the P2008JC NG highlights a broader trend in the flight training industry: the shift away from 1970s-era designs toward modern, efficient platforms. While legacy aircraft like the Cessna 152 and 172 remain workhorses, their fuel burn and maintenance requirements are significantly higher than modern Rotax-powered alternatives.
For a flight school, the difference between burning 8–10 gallons per hour in a legacy trainer versus 3.7 gallons in the P2008JC NG represents a massive reduction in direct operating costs. Furthermore, as European regulators and airports place increasing pressure on noise and emissions, the “green” credentials of the NG model, specifically the 30% CO2 reduction cited by Tecnam, may become a critical selling point for academies operating in environmentally sensitive regions.
However, the challenge for modern composite or hybrid aircraft remains long-term durability. Metal legacy fleets have proven they can survive 40+ years of student abuse. It remains to be seen if the hybrid carbon-metal construction of the P2008JC NG can match that longevity, though the metal wings are a strategic concession to that reality.
Tecnam Unveils P2008JC NG: A Fuel-Injected Evolution for Flight Training
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
Safety and Certification Standards
Hybrid Airframe Design
Avionics and Interior
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Gains EASA and UK CAA Certification for Europe
Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series G7+ receives EASA and UK CAA type certification, introducing Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland to European piston aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Cirrus Aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft has officially received type certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its SR Series G7+ aircraft. Announced on December 9, 2025, this regulatory milestone clears the way for immediate deliveries of the manufacturer’s latest single-engine piston models, the SR20, SR22, and SR22T, to customers across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The certification marks a significant technological shift for the European general Commercial-Aircraft market. The “G7+” designation distinguishes this model from the standard G7 introduced earlier in 2024. While the G7 focused on a flight deck redesign, the G7+ introduces the Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system as standard equipment. According to the company’s announcement, this makes the SR Series G7+ the first single-engine piston aircraft in the European market to feature a certified autonomous landing system capable of taking control during pilot incapacitation.
The primary differentiator for the newly certified G7+ is the integration of the Safe Return™ system, powered by Garmin Autoland technology. Previously available only on the jet-powered Vision Jet, this technology has now been standardized for the piston fleet. In the event of an emergency, such as pilot hypoxia or a cardiac event, a passenger can activate the system via a button on the cabin ceiling.
Once engaged, the system performs a complex sequence of autonomous actions without human intervention:
In addition to the Autoland capability, the G7+ certification includes other automated enhancements designed to reduce pilot workload. These include “Smart Pitot Heat,” which automatically engages based on outside air temperature to prevent icing, and Cirrus IQ™ Pro, a connectivity suite that facilitates real-time health monitoring and automatic database updates.
“We are pleased to receive EASA and UK CAA approval for the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland… European owners enjoy premium innovation, safety and quality with the SR Series G7+.”
, Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft
The dual certification from EASA and the UK CAA is a critical component of Cirrus Aircraft’s growth Strategy in the region. According to data referenced in reports by Flight Global, Europe currently represents the company’s second-largest market, accounting for approximately 11% of global deliveries. Cirrus has stated a strategic objective to increase this market share to between 20% and 30%.
By securing approval for the G7+, Cirrus aims to leverage the region’s focus on safety features. The complex airspace and variable weather conditions in Europe often drive buyers toward aircraft with advanced Avionics and redundancy. The immediate availability of the G7+ allows Cirrus to fulfill existing Orders and target new buyers looking for the specific safety net provided by the Autoland system. The certification of the G7+ establishes a significant competitive advantage for Cirrus in the high-performance piston sector. While competitors like Diamond Aircraft (based in Austria) and Piper Aircraft (USA) offer strong alternatives in the single-engine piston category, Cirrus is currently the only Manufacturers offering a certified autonomous landing system in this class within the European market.
We observe that this move effectively blurs the line between high-end piston aircraft and entry-level turbines. By migrating “Vision Jet” technology down to the SR Series, Cirrus is likely attempting to upsell owner-pilots who might otherwise consider moving to a competitor’s turboprop for perceived safety gains. Furthermore, achieving simultaneous certification from both EASA and the UK CAA demonstrates a successful navigation of the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, ensuring that the G7+ faces no friction in accessing the continent’s two most vital general aviation jurisdictions.
The rollout of the G7 platform has been rapid. The initial SR Series G7, featuring the new touchscreen flight deck and improved ergonomics, was launched in January 2024. The “Plus” variant, adding the Autoland capability, was introduced to the US market in May 2025. With the December 2025 certification, the European market has now caught up to the North American standard, unifying the product line globally.
Deliveries to European and UK customers are expected to commence immediately.
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Secures EASA and UK CAA Certification, Bringing Autonomous Landing to Europe
The “Plus” Distinction: Safety and Autonomy
Strategic Expansion in the European Market
AirPro News Analysis: A Competitive Moat
Timeline of the G7 Evolution
Sources
Photo Credit: Cirrus
Training & Certification
Diamond Aircraft Restarts European DA20i Production with First Delivery
Diamond Aircraft resumes European production of the DA20i Katana at its Austria facility, delivering the first unit to Aviation Academy Austria.
Diamond Aircraft has officially restarted European production of its two-seat DA20 trainer after a hiatus of more than a decade. In a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, the manufacturer delivered the first newly built DA20i Katana to its launch customer, Aviation Academy Austria (AAA).
The delivery, which took place on November 28, 2025, marks a strategic shift for Diamond Aircraft. For the past 13 years, the DA20 was manufactured exclusively in London, Ontario, primarily for the North American market. By bringing production back to Austria, the company aims to address the surging demand for flight training across Europe while mitigating the logistical costs and tariffs associated with importing aircraft from Canada.
The resumption of the DA20 line in Europe is a direct response to the region’s growing need for modern, cost-effective training fleets. According to Diamond Aircraft, the decision to produce the aircraft locally allows for faster delivery times to European flight schools and offers a configuration specifically tailored to the local market.
Aviation Academy Austria, located directly adjacent to the Diamond factory at Wiener Neustadt airfield, was the natural launch customer. The academy ordered two DA20i aircraft; the first was handed over during the ceremony, with the second scheduled for delivery in early 2026. AAA already operates a mixed fleet of Diamond aircraft, including older DA20s, DA40 NGs, and DA42 NG-VI twins.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Oliver Karall, CEO of Aviation Academy Austria, highlighted the importance of modernizing training equipment:
“We are thrilled to welcome the new DA20i Katana into our fleet… [it] allows our students to experience the very best in modern flight training. This aircraft perfectly aligns with our mission to provide state-of-the-art training solutions.”
While the North American DA20-C1 has remained a staple in flight schools, the new European DA20i Katana introduces significant technical updates designed for European operating environments. The most notable difference lies in the powerplant and avionics suite.
The European model is powered by the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine (100 hp), replacing the Continental IO-240-B32B (125 hp) found in the Canadian variant. According to technical specifications released by Diamond, this switch results in substantial fuel savings:
To prepare students for modern airline cockpits, the DA20i is equipped with a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit. This upgrade replaces legacy analog instruments, allowing ab-initio students to train on digital interfaces from their very first flight hours.
Jane Wang, Sales Director for Diamond Aircraft Austria, emphasized the blend of heritage and modernity in the new model: “Relaunching production of the DA20i Katana, and now delivering the first unit in Europe, marks another exciting chapter for Diamond Aircraft… The DA20i blends tradition with innovation.”
The relaunch comes at a critical time for the aviation industry. Citing data from CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, industry reports indicate a need for 64,000 new pilots in Europe over the next decade. Flight schools are expanding their fleets to meet this intake, driving demand for efficient primary trainers.
The market has already responded to the availability of the European-built model. Shortly after the announcement involving AAA, AELO Swiss Academy signed a deal for 12 DA20i aircraft with options for six more. Based in Locarno, Switzerland, AELO cited the aircraft’s environmental credentials and operating efficiency as key drivers for their fleet standardization.
The return of the DA20 to European production lines is more than a nostalgic nod to the company’s history; it is a calculated economic maneuver. European flight schools face significantly higher fuel costs and stricter noise abatement regulations than their North American counterparts. By offering a Rotax-powered variant produced locally, Diamond eliminates the trans-Atlantic shipping costs and import tariffs that made the Canadian DA20-C1 less competitive in Europe.
Furthermore, the shift to the Garmin G500TXi in a primary trainer reflects a broader industry trend. Airlines increasingly prefer cadets who are “glass-cockpit native,” reducing the training gap when students transition to complex turbine aircraft. The DA20i appears positioned to serve as a bridge between cost-effective ab-initio training and professional airline preparation.
Diamond Aircraft Resumes European Production with First DA20i Delivery
A Milestone for European Flight Training
Technical Evolution: The DA20i Katana
Engine and Efficiency
Modern Avionics
Market Context and Future Orders
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft
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