Training & Certification
Greybird Aviation Expands European Fleet with 13 New Tecnam Aircraft
Greybird Aviation Group orders 13 Tecnam aircraft to support European pilot training expansion with a uniform Garmin glass cockpit fleet.
Greybird Aviation Group Expands Fleet with 13 New Tecnam Aircraft at AERO 2026
According to an official press release from Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam, Denmark-based Greybird Aviation Group has signed a major fleet expansion agreement at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 exhibition. The premier flight academy has placed an orders for 13 new aircraft to support its rapidly growing pilot training operations across Europe.
The acquisition comprises 10 Tecnam P-Mentor single-engine trainers and three Tecnam P2006T NG (Next Generation) twin-engine aircraft. As noted in the company’s announcement, this strategic purchase is designed to integrate advanced, sustainable training platforms into Greybird’s European bases while maintaining a highly standardized cockpit environment for its cadets.
We understand from industry research that this order is part of a broader, aggressive European expansion strategy by Greybird, aimed at addressing the looming global commercial pilot shortage by graduating highly proficient, airline-ready cadets.
The “Uniform Fleet” Training Philosophy
A cornerstone of Greybird Aviation Group’s operational model is its “uniform fleet” philosophy. Operating a mixed fleet of different aircraft brands often forces student pilots to relearn cockpit layouts and avionics logic, which can waste valuable flight hours. By standardizing its fleet, Greybird aims to drastically reduce transition times and enhance overall training safety.
According to the press release, both the P-Mentor and the P2006T NG feature identical Garmin glass cockpit logic. This allows cadets to train on state-of-the-art digital displays from their very first primary flight lesson through to their final multi-engine commercial checkride.
“At Greybird, our core philosophy is to provide our cadets with the most modern, uniform, and airline-relevant training environment possible. The Tecnam P-Mentor and P2006T NG are the perfect fit for this vision. This 13-aircraft order allows us to sustainably scale our operations across our European bases while ensuring our students are flying the absolute best glass-cockpit aircraft on the market today.”
Aircraft Specifications and Synergy
Industry data and the official announcement detail the specific roles these two aircraft models will play in Greybird’s curriculum:
- Tecnam P-Mentor (10 ordered): Serving as the primary two-seat, single-engine and instrument (IFR) trainer, the P-Mentor is powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iSc engine and features a Garmin G3X glass cockpit. Certified to the latest EASA CS-23 Amendment 6 safety standards, industry research notes it burns approximately 14 liters (3.7 gallons) of fuel per hour, making it highly efficient.
- Tecnam P2006T NG (3 ordered): The four-seat, twin-engine advanced commercial trainer utilizes two Rotax 912 iSc3 engines and a Garmin G1000 NXi suite. It features retractable landing gear and constant-speed variable pitch propellers, allowing students to master complex multi-engine aerodynamics while utilizing the same Garmin interface learned in the P-Mentor.
European Expansion and Financial Backing
Greybird’s 13-aircraft order is a direct result of its rapid scaling across the continent. Headquartered at Aarhus Airport in Denmark, the academy operates a network of “city bases.” Industry research indicates that in addition to existing locations in Denmark, Sweden, and Spain, Greybird expanded its Nordic footprint by opening new bases in Finland and Norway in early 2026. The academy currently trains over 130 commercial pilots annually.
This growth is financially supported by Danish private equity firm Dansk Ejerkapital, which acquired a 45% minority stake in Greybird in November 2024. According to industry reports, this capital injection was earmarked for fleet growth, European expansion, and the development of “SmartBird,” Greybird’s proprietary Software as a Service (SaaS) platform used to manage training and administration.
“We’re impressed by the business Søren Møller has built. From the outset, he has integrated scalability, quality, and efficiency into the business model, making excellent use of data.”
Sustainability and Industry Impact
Flight schools are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, and the selection of Tecnam aircraft aligns with this industry-wide mandate. The Tecnam press release highlights that the P-Mentor allows Greybird to conduct training with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class. Supplemental research suggests the aircraft offers up to a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional IFR competitors.
“Greybird has built a reputation for innovation and excellence in flight training. Their commitment to a standardized, high-tech fleet is exactly what modern airlines are looking for in graduating cadets. We are extremely proud to secure this order at AERO 2026 and to provide Greybird with a highly efficient, sustainable fleet that will power their European expansion for years to come.”
AirPro News analysis
We view Greybird Aviation Group’s latest acquisition as a textbook example of how modern flight academies must adapt to survive and thrive in the current aviation landscape. The global pilot shortage is not just a numbers game; airlines are specifically demanding cadets who are highly proficient in “glass cockpit” environments that mirror the digital flight decks of modern Boeing and Airbus airliners.
By committing to a uniform Garmin-equipped fleet, Greybird is effectively eliminating the “negative transfer” of skills that occurs when students switch between analog dials and digital screens. Furthermore, the integration of their proprietary “SmartBird” SaaS platform alongside highly fuel-efficient Rotax-powered aircraft demonstrates a sophisticated, data-driven approach to flight training. This combination of reduced fuel overhead, streamlined maintenance, and accelerated student progression makes the academy highly attractive not only to prospective airline employers but also to ESG-conscious private equity investors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What aircraft did Greybird Aviation Group order at AERO 2026?
Greybird ordered a total of 13 aircraft from Tecnam: 10 single-engine Tecnam P-Mentors and 3 twin-engine Tecnam P2006T NGs.
Why is a “uniform fleet” important for flight training?
A uniform fleet utilizes identical or highly similar cockpit layouts and avionics (like Garmin glass displays) across different aircraft types. This prevents students from having to relearn basic instrument scanning when transitioning from single-engine to multi-engine aircraft, saving time and improving safety.
Who owns Greybird Aviation Group?
Greybird was founded by Søren Møller in 2012. In November 2024, Danish private equity firm Dansk Ejerkapital acquired a 45% minority stake to help fund the company’s European expansion.
Sources:
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Coptersafety to Open Oslo Helicopter Training Center in 2028
Coptersafety announces a new Level D simulator facility near Oslo Gardermoen Airport, opening in 2028 to expand Nordic training capacity.
Coptersafety will construct a new purpose-built helicopters pilot training center in Oslo, Norway, expanding its Nordic footprint to meet rising global demand for specialized rotorcraft instruction.
In a press release issued on June 24, 2026, the company announced that the new facility is scheduled to open in 2028. Located near Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), the center will provide additional capacity as Coptersafety projects its existing Helsinki headquarters will reach maximum simulator utilization within two years.
Addressing capacity constraints
The decision to build a second Nordic location stems directly from increased training volume across the European aviation sector. Coptersafety Chief Executive Officer Hannu Marjoniemi stated that the impending capacity limit at the Helsinki facility necessitated the infrastructure investment.
“We are extremely happy to be taking our first step in expanding our global footprint with additional training opportunities for pilots worldwide. Our Helsinki headquarters and training center will be at maximum simulator capacity in the next two years, yet the need for pilot training in Europe and globally is only increasing,” Marjoniemi said. “Coptersafety’s new facility in Oslo will provide operators a choice in location, alongside our Helsinki headquarters and training center, and new simulator aircraft platforms.”
The Oslo site is designed to operate in tandem with the Helsinki headquarters, allowing the company to distribute its training load while offering operators geographic flexibility.
Equipment and operational focus
The Oslo center will focus heavily on specialized mission profiles, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), and offshore energy operations. To support these sectors, the facility will house Level D full flight simulators configured for the Airbus H135 and Airbus H145.
The expansion aligns with a broader industry shift toward simulator-based training for high-risk rotorcraft missions. Utilizing full flight simulators allows specialized crews to practice complex emergency procedures while reducing the flight hours and associated risks of live aircraft training. Recent industry developments reflect this trend, with organizations like Poland’s medical air rescue service recently expanding their own simulator capabilities for HEMS crews.
AirPro News analysis
We view the selection of Oslo as a strategic positioning move for Coptersafety. Norway serves as a major hub for North Sea offshore helicopter operations and maintains robust SAR and HEMS networks across challenging terrain. By placing Level D simulators for the Airbus H135 and H145 directly in this market, the company can capture regional operators who previously had to dispatch crews to Finland or other European training centers. This proximity reduces operator travel costs and crew downtime, making the Oslo facility a highly competitive option for Scandinavian and North Sea rotorcraft operators.
Sources: Coptersafety
Photo Credit: Coptersafety
Training & Certification
U.S. Air Force Accepts First 8 Boeing T-7A Training Simulators
The Air Force accepted eight T-7A Ground Based Training System devices on June 12, 2026, initiating aircrew training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first eight Boeing T-7A Ground Based Training System devices at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas on June 12, 2026, clearing the way for initial maintenance and aircrew training.
According to a June 24 press release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), the formal transfer of the simulators to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) marks a critical step for the T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training program. The T-7 architecture is the first combined aircraft and simulator system designed from its inception with Embedded Training and Integrated Live, Virtual, and Constructive (I-LVC) capabilities.
A defining feature of the system is its “one-push” software architecture. The simulators utilize the exact same operational flight Software as the physical aircraft. This design allows student pilots to interact with identical pilot-vehicle interfaces on the ground before they transition to live flight.
Transitioning to operational training
The initial eight Ground Based Training System (GBTS) units and their associated support equipment began arriving at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in October 2025. Following months of setup and testing, the official acceptance triggers the next phase of the program’s deployment.
“The official transfer of the devices to AETC leads into the start of Type 1 Maintenance and Aircrew Training,” said Michael Casey, Training Systems Branch Chief for the T-7 Red Hawk Division at AFLCMC. “This training is the next step in preparations to support Initial Operational Test & Evaluation and the eventual start of advanced pilot training.”
The Air Force plans to acquire a total of 46 GBTS units. Deliveries for the remaining 38 devices are scheduled between 2027 and 2035. These units will be distributed to other pilot training installations, including Columbus, Laughlin, Vance, and Sheppard Air Force Bases.
Production approval and strategic focus
The simulator acceptance follows a major programmatic hurdle cleared earlier in the year. On April 23, 2026, the T-7A Red Hawk program received Milestone C approval, authorizing low-rate initial production (LRIP). Following this approval, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $219 million Contracts covering the first 14 aircraft, along with spares and support equipment, according to reporting by Defense News.
While the Air Force program advances, Boeing has opted to limit the T-7A’s immediate expansion into other military branches. On the same day the Air Force accepted the simulators, Boeing confirmed it would not submit the T-7A for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition, which seeks a replacement for the T-45 Goshawk. Breaking Defense reported that a Boeing spokesperson cited the Navy’s specific engine qualification requirements for the F404 powerplant. Meeting those requirements would necessitate a long-cycle development effort, which Boeing determined would hamper the ability to quickly reach initial operational capability for the Navy.
AirPro News analysis
We view the “one-push” software architecture as the most consequential element of the T-7A training system. Historically, military flight training programs have struggled with configuration disparities between physical aircraft and ground-based simulators. When an aircraft receives a block upgrade, simulators often lag behind, forcing instructors to teach workarounds for software discrepancies. By utilizing identical operational flight software across both domains, the T-7A program eliminates this training friction.
Additionally, Boeing’s decision to withdraw from the Navy UJTS competition suggests a strategic prioritization. By avoiding a complex, parallel development track for a navalized engine variant, the Manufacturers can focus its engineering resources entirely on executing the Air Force LRIP contract and resolving any remaining technical hurdles in the baseline T-7A program.
Photo Credit: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
Training & Certification
FAA Breaks Ground on $8.3M AAM Testing Facility in Oklahoma City
The FAA and DOT broke ground on the V-PAR facility in Oklahoma City to support Advanced Air Mobility research and NAS integration.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) broke ground on an $8.3 million testing and training facility in Oklahoma City on June 25, 2026, dedicated to integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range (V-PAR) will provide a controlled environment for regulators and industry partners to evaluate electric and hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs. According to an FAA press release, the facility is designed to address the specific technical and operational challenges associated with the emerging AAM sector.
Facility capabilities and research focus
The physical footprint of the V-PAR site will include a dedicated vertiport, a covered hangar, and a small control-center building. These assets will support a range of testing and training activities required to establish Safety standards for new aircraft configurations.
Planned research at the Oklahoma City site will focus on aerodynamic and operational phenomena unique to VTOL aircraft. The FAA stated that studies will examine wake separation, downwash and outwash effects, radiofrequency interference, and standard vertiport operations.
Regulatory perspective and integration
The development of the V-PAR facility aligns with broader federal efforts to prepare the National Airspace System for commercial AAM operations. Regulators are currently working to adapt existing aviation safety frameworks to accommodate novel electric and hybrid Propulsion systems.
“The V-PAR is a critical step in helping the FAA better understand how to integrate advanced air mobility aircraft safely into the National Airspace System,” Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury said in the release. He noted that the site will strengthen the agency’s ability to conduct research and train personnel.
FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the necessity of maintaining established safety margins as new technologies enter the market.
“As advanced air mobility technologies continue to evolve, the FAA must ensure they meet the same high safety standards expected throughout the National Airspace System. The V-PAR will help us gather the data and operational insights needed to support their safe integration into the nation’s airspace,” Rocheleau said.
AirPro News analysis
The $8.3 million investment in the V-PAR facility indicates a tangible shift from theoretical rulemaking to practical, data-driven testing for the AAM sector. By establishing a dedicated physical space for evaluating downwash, outwash, and vertiport operations, we see the FAA positioning itself to generate the empirical data necessary for final Certification standards. This facility will likely become a central hub for original equipment OEMs seeking to validate their operational models alongside federal regulators.
Sources: Federal Aviation Administration
Photo Credit: Federal Aviation Administration
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