Aviation training provider Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) has embarked on a significant expansion of its operations in Southeast Asia through a new joint venture with Indonesia’s FlyBest Flight Academy.
Announced at the Singapore Airshow, the collaboration aims to establish a new Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Indonesia, marking AAG’s transformation into an international pilot training institution following its success in the Philippines.
AAG, known for its aviation training programmes, will bring to the partnership resources to replace ageing training aircraft and construct new facilities. Meanwhile, FlyBest Flight Academy, a leading Indonesian ab-initio pilot school, brings to the table its expertise in local flying training.
Set in the expansive Riau Province, the new FTO will benefit from a location that offers multiple satellite operating airfields, ideal for long-range navigation exercises, and a fully equipped airport for instrument training.
In addition to the Indonesian expansion, AAG has also acquired a new A320 Full Flight Simulator for its Philippines training centre and recently upgraded its Airbus A330 simulator to include Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), a unique offering in the Philippines.
This expansion comes on the heels of a record post-Covid year for AAG in the Philippines, which saw a 55% increase in pilot cadet enrolments in 2023, and the announcement of a significant operational expansion in India.
AAG Philippines General Manager Cristopher Magdangal said:
“At AAG, we take pride in bringing aviation training to the airlines, and the pilots that embark on it. 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. This demonstrates our ambition to be the premier aviation training solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region.”
FlyBest Flight Academy CEO, Karin Item said:
“We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with AAG, combining our expertise to produce the next generation of pilots in Indonesia. Our new upgraded fleet and outstanding new facilities will ensure we are able to provide the highest quality training to the cadet passing through our new Flying Training Organisation.”