Training & Certification
Belgium Awards 20 Year Contract for PC7MKX Military Pilot Training
Belgium modernizes pilot training with Pilatus PC-7 MKX, replacing the SF-260 fleet and launching advanced programs by 2028.
A New Era for Belgian Pilot Training
The Belgian government has officially confirmed a significant modernization of its military aviation capabilities by awarding a 20-year service contract to Swiss manufacturers Pilatus Aircraft. This agreement secures the acquisition and operation of the PC-7 MKX Training System, a move designed to overhaul the basic flying training curriculum for the Belgian Air Component. The contract represents a strategic pivot from legacy platforms to a highly digitized, service-oriented training model.
This decision marks the conclusion of a long-standing era defined by the Marchetti SF-260, a fleet that has served Belgium for over half a century. As the demands of modern aerial warfare evolve, particularly with the incoming fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters, the necessity for a training platform that bridges the technological gap between basic flight principles and advanced systems management has become paramount. The PC-7 MKX is selected to fulfill this critical role, ensuring that future pilots are trained in an environment that mirrors the complexity of frontline operations.
We observe that this procurement is not merely a purchase of hardware but a comprehensive service agreement. By structuring the deal as a long-term partnership involving domestic and international stakeholders, Belgium is securing guaranteed fleet availability and infrastructure development. This approach aligns with broader European trends where defense ministries seek to minimize operational risks while maximizing training efficiency through industry collaboration.
The “Power-by-the-Hour” Service Model
A defining feature of this agreement is its structure as a “power-by-the-hour” or availability-based contract rather than a traditional direct purchase. Valued at approximately €40 million per year, the contract stipulates that Pilatus and its partners are responsible for delivering a guaranteed number of flight-ready aircraft daily. This shifts the burden of maintenance, supply chain management, and operational readiness from the Belgian Air Component to the industry providers.
To execute this ambitious service model, Pilatus has aligned with key Belgian partners. Sabena Engineering will oversee in-country technical support, airworthiness management, and daily fleet maintenance. This partnership ensures that while the airframes are Swiss-made, the operational expertise and logistical support remain deeply rooted in the Belgian aerospace sector. Furthermore, the contract includes significant infrastructure development managed by AG Real Estate, which will oversee the construction of new hangars and training centers at the Beauvechain Air Base.
The timeline for this transition is set with precision. Deliveries of the 18 new PC-7 MKX aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2027, with the first pilot training courses expected to begin in 2028. This schedule allows for a seamless phase-out of the aging Marchetti fleet while providing ample time for the construction of necessary ground-based training systems and facilities.
The agreement represents a shift from asset ownership to service assurance, guaranteeing that student pilots have access to modern platforms without the administrative burden of fleet lifecycle management falling solely on the military.
Technical Capabilities of the PC-7 MKX
The PC-7 MKX is widely regarded as a “smart trainer,” engineered specifically to prepare student pilots for the cognitive load of modern combat aircraft. At the heart of this platform is the “glass cockpit,” featuring the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. This system includes three large, high-definition displays that mimic the layout and functionality of fifth-generation fighters. By introducing students to complex avionics early in their training, the system reduces the learning curve when transitioning to advanced platforms like the F-35.
Safety and performance upgrades are also central to the new fleet. The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C engine, delivering 700 shaft horsepower, which offers a balance of high performance and low operating costs. Crucially, the PC-7 MKX is equipped with Martin-Baker Mk 15A ejection seats. This inclusion represents a substantial upgrade in pilot safety compared to the outgoing fleet, providing a reliable escape system for instructors and students in critical emergencies.
Beyond the aircraft itself, the training package includes advanced ground-based simulation tools. The contract covers the provision of flight simulators and virtual/mixed reality (VR/MR) systems. These tools allow for extensive mission debriefing and scenario rehearsal, enabling pilots to master complex procedures in a controlled digital environment before taking to the skies. This “downloading” of training tasks from the aircraft to the simulator is a cost-effective strategy that enhances overall training quality.
Strategic Implications and European Alignment
The selection of the PC-7 MKX places Belgium in alignment with its closest European allies. Both France and the Netherlands have recently selected the same platform for their respective pilot training programs. This commonality offers significant opportunities for cross-border cooperation. We anticipate that operating a shared platform will facilitate the development of common training doctrines, shared maintenance synergies, and potentially joint training exercises, strengthening the interoperability of European air forces.
This acquisition is inextricably linked to the Belgian Air Component’s broader modernization efforts. As the country prepares to integrate the F-35 Lightning II, the training pipeline must evolve to produce pilots capable of managing data-centric warfare. The PC-7 MKX serves as the foundational step in this pipeline, ensuring that the cognitive habits formed during basic training are compatible with the systems management required in a fifth-generation cockpit.
The Future of the “Red Devils”
The arrival of the PC-7 MKX signals the end of the road for the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, a legendary aircraft that has been the workhorse of Belgian pilot training for 55 years. Consequently, the famous “Red Devils” aerobatic display team, which operates the SF-260, has officially paused its activities as of late 2024. This transition period marks an emotional milestone for aviation enthusiasts and the Air Component alike.
However, reports indicate that this is a suspension rather than a permanent disbandment. The team is currently in a transition phase, with operations on hold until the new PC-7 MKX fleet is fully operational. A new display concept is expected to be defined around 2028, once the new aircraft have been integrated and instructors have achieved proficiency on the type. This pause allows the Air Component to focus resources on the critical task of implementing the new training syllabus without the distraction of maintaining a display schedule on an obsolete platform.
Conclusion
The awarding of this contract to Pilatus is a definitive step toward securing the future of Belgian military aviation. By replacing a 55-year-old legacy fleet with a state-of-the-art “smart trainer,” Belgium is ensuring that its next generation of pilots is equipped with the skills necessary for modern aerial warfare. The comprehensive service model, valued at €40 million annually, reflects a modern approach to defense procurement that prioritizes availability and partnership over simple asset acquisition.
As the first aircraft arrive in 2027, the focus will shift to the successful integration of these systems at Beauvechain Air Base. With strong industrial partners and strategic alignment with neighboring nations, the PC-7 MKX program promises to deliver a robust, safe, and technologically advanced training environment for decades to come.
FAQ
Question: What aircraft is replacing the Marchetti SF-260 in Belgium?
Answer: The Marchetti SF-260 is being replaced by the Pilatus PC-7 MKX, a modern turboprop trainer equipped with a digital glass cockpit.
Question: When will the new training system be operational?
Answer: Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first pilot training courses starting in 2028.
Question: What is the value and duration of the contract?
Answer: The contract is a 20-year service agreement valued at approximately €40 million per year.
Question: Will the Red Devils aerobatic team continue to fly?
Answer: The Red Devils have paused operations as of late 2024 due to the retirement of the SF-260. They are expected to return with a new concept using the PC-7 MKX around 2028.
Sources: Airforce Technology
Photo Credit: Pilatus
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
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