Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Singapore Airshow with FlyBest Flight Academy that will see them together set up a new Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Indonesia.
The partnership will transform AAG into an international pilot training institution after their growth and success in the Philippines. The joint venture with FlyBest will involve the replacement of ageing training aircraft, as well as building new facilities to support the enlarged business.
FlyBest Flight Academy, an Indonesian ab-initio pilot school, will help AAG continue to provide localised training. Their belief is that students should not have to relocate at great expense to train as pilots. This entities believe the partnership will support the Indonesian aviation sector to flourish.
This new FTO is based in the Riau Province, an 8270 km2 area to the south of Singapore that offers several satellite operating airfields for long range navigation exercises and a fully equipped airport for instrument training. The region is also exempt from import duty, value-added tax, sales tax, and other concessions and AAG believes the authorities are very keen to see the archipelago becoming a flying training hub serving the region and beyond.
AAG is also purchasing a new A320 Full Flight Simulator for their Philippines training centre. Late last year, they upgraded their Airbus A330 simulator to include Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) – the only training provider in the Philippines to offer this service according to AAG.
This comes after a record post-Covid year for AAG (Philippines) with pilot cadet enrolments in the market increasing year-on-year by 55% in 2023. AAG has also announced a significant expansion of its operations in India, as they continue to build out their presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
AAG Philippines Chief Operating Officer Cristopher Magdangal said:
“Through a combination of upgrading our Philippines facilities and striking a partnership with FlyBest Flight Academy, we are confident we will be able to better support the aviation industry in both the Philippines and Indonesian regions. This will reduce training costs for airlines and consolidate these nation’s expertise in aviation.”
