Center Air Pilot Academy Expands Fleet with Tecnam Aircraft Order

This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.

Live from the AERO 2026 exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Italian aircraft Manufacturers Tecnam announced a major fleet expansion agreement with Denmark’s Center Air Pilot Academy (CAPA). According to an official press release from Tecnam, the Danish flight school has placed an Orders for 11 new aircraft, comprising ten P-Mentor single-engine trainers and one P2006T NG twin-engine aircraft.

This latest acquisition represents a significant milestone for the European flight training sector and reinforces a Partnerships that originally began in 2022. The new order highlights a growing industry trend toward modernizing training fleets with highly efficient, environmentally friendly platforms that closely mirror the advanced flight decks of commercial airliners.

We note that CAPA’s decision to expand its fleet follows positive operational experiences with its initial Tecnam aircraft, which led to a previous expansion in 2024. By integrating both the P-Mentor and the P2006T NG, the academy aims to create a cohesive and cost-effective training environment for its cadets.

Modernizing the Training Fleet

The core of the new order centers on the ten P-Mentor aircraft, which will serve as the primary training platform for CAPA’s students. As detailed in the Tecnam press release, the P-Mentor is an EASA CS-23 IFR certified two-seat trainer. It is equipped with a modern Garmin G3X glass cockpit and is powered by a Rotax 912iSc fuel-injected engine.

Tecnam states that this specific engine and airframe combination offers the lowest fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions currently available for instrument flight rules (IFR) training. This aligns with the broader aviation industry’s push toward Sustainability and reduced operational footprints.

Twin-Engine Capabilities

Complementing the single-engine fleet is the addition of one P2006T NG (Next Generation) aircraft. The press release notes that this twin-engine platform is designed to be highly cost-efficient while providing the advanced Avionics and spacious cabin necessary for multi-engine training.

The P2006T NG prepares cadets for the complexities of commercial aviation. By utilizing both aircraft types, CAPA ensures a seamless transition for students moving from single-engine fundamentals to advanced multi-engine operations.

Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership

The relationship between Center Air Pilot Academy and Tecnam has grown steadily over the past four years. After acquiring its first Tecnam aircraft in 2022, CAPA expanded the partnership in 2024 based on the fleet’s proven reliability and efficiency.

Company leadership from both organizations expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration. Simon Frost, Co-Owner and Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) of Center Air Pilot Academy, emphasized the technological benefits of the new fleet.

“By adding ten P-Mentors and another P2006T NG to our fleet, we are ensuring our students train on the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly aircraft available,” said Simon Frost in the company’s press release.

Frost further noted that the synergy between the two aircraft models creates a modern training environment that perfectly mirrors the commercial airliner flight decks cadets will soon enter.

Tecnam’s Perspective

From the manufacturer’s side, the order is seen as a strong validation of their product line’s performance in high-demand training environments. Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer, highlighted the significance of the repeat business.

“The fact that this partnership began in 2022, grew in 2024, and has now resulted in this massive fleet expansion is the greatest testament to the quality and reliability of our aircraft,” Da Costa stated in the release.

He added that Tecnam is honored to be the trusted partner for the academy’s sustainable and operational growth.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Center Air Pilot Academy’s continued investment in Tecnam aircraft reflects a broader strategic shift among European Approved Training Organizations (ATOs). Flight schools are increasingly prioritizing fleet commonality and advanced avionics to streamline the training syllabus.

By standardizing on Garmin G3X-equipped aircraft for both single- and multi-engine phases, academies can reduce the cognitive load on students transitioning between aircraft types. Furthermore, the emphasis on fuel-efficient engines like the Rotax 912iSc demonstrates that sustainability is no longer just a corporate buzzword, but a critical factor in managing the long-term operating costs of a professional flight school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft did Center Air Pilot Academy order?

According to the Tecnam press release, Center Air Pilot Academy ordered ten Tecnam P-Mentor single-engine trainers and one Tecnam P2006T NG twin-engine aircraft.

Where is Center Air Pilot Academy located?

The academy is based at Roskilde Airport in Denmark and is recognized as one of Scandinavia’s premier Approved Training Organizations.

Why did CAPA choose Tecnam aircraft?

Company officials stated that the aircraft provide a technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and cohesive training environment that mirrors commercial airliner flight decks.

Sources: Tecnam