Tennessee Flight Training has purchased the flight training division of Azure Flight Support, which includes Shelbyville Flight Academy as well as flight training locations in Crossville and Cleveland, Tennessee. The acquisition also enables a long-term strategic partnership for Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services and maintenance.

“The commercial aviation industry continues to face an unprecedented pilot shortage due to many pilots reaching retirement age and an overwhelming rebound in demand following the pandemic,” said Chris Erlanson, President of Tennessee Flight Training. “This partnership allows Tennessee Flight Training to expand beyond our current market and to continue providing the aviation industry with top-notch pilots from this region.”

“We are excited about Tennessee Flight Training taking our flight training programs and elevating them to the next level. Chris and his team are singularly focused on delivering high-quality flight training. As a strategic partner we will work with Tennessee Flight Training at our FBO locations in a support role,” stated Allen Howell of Azure Flight Support.

Industry experts estimate a global shortfall of at least 34,000 commercial pilots by 2025 as current trends persist. Meanwhile, demand for commercial airline pilots is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years, outpacing the average growth rate for most occupations. In many cases, aspiring pilots can expect to go from no experience to qualifying for regional airlines in fewer than three years and at one-third of the cost of a typical college education.

“Opening the door to high-demand careers like aviation requires students to have easy access to education and training. Our goal is to continue breaking down those barriers and making aviation more accessible and affordable for all types of students, especially those who traditionally haven’t seen a viable path to the pilot’s seat,” Erlanson added.