Global Aviation

What Global Aviation does

Global Aviation S.A. is a privately held EASA Part-FCL approved pilot training academy headquartered in Athens, Greece, founded in 1997 by aviation experts including Alexandros Tsaktanis (CEO) and Petros Tsaktanis. Operating as the oldest pilot academy in Greece and the domestic market leader, the company delivers integrated and modular pilot training programs (most prominently the ATP Integrated course at €67,000 over 18 months) and operates four sub-brands: Global Flight Academy (the training core), Global Maintenance Centre (EASA-certified aircraft maintenance, EL.CAO.0002), Global Aircraft Sales (exclusive Piper Aircraft distributor for Greece and Cyprus and Bombardier Business Jets sales agent), and an ICAO English Language Proficiency Test centre (EL.LAB.102). The business serves aspiring commercial pilots globally, licensed pilots seeking EASA license conversion, and airline-sponsored cadet program candidates, with 2,500+ graduates placed at 15+ major airlines and a 90%+ employment rate within 6 months.

The company trains on a fleet of Piper, Cessna, and Elixir aircraft supplemented by Elite FNPT II simulators and a Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator, supporting multi-crew cooperation and type-rating preparation. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time course fees (ATP Integrated €67,000; CPL/IR/MEP Modular €26,000; ICAO-EASA Conversion €12,500; APS-MCC €6,000; ELP Test €200), supplemented by transaction-based aircraft sales, professional-services revenue from maintenance and consulting (in partnership with Aviation Strategy Ltd), and B2B scholarship program funding (notably the €7M+ Aegean Airlines program covering 120 students). The company operates two Greek bases (Athens ground school and Pachi/Megara flight base LGMG, plus the Ikaros private airport acquired in 2021), with international student support including visa processing and accommodation assistance. GTM combines direct enrollment, airline partnerships (Aegean, Ryanair's APC, EPST), aviation career events, and certified psychometric candidate assessment (Symbiotics ADAPT).

Name

Global Aviation

Legal name

Global Aviation S.A.

Website

https://globalaviationsa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Global Aviation is Greece's oldest EASA Part-FCL approved pilot training academy, founded in 1997, offering integrated and modular ab-initio pilot programs plus license conversions to aspiring commercial pilots globally, with 2,500+ graduates placed at major airlines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pilot Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Airport Operations (48811), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Pilot training academy
• EASA Part-FCL training
• Ab-initio pilot courses
• Aircraft maintenance services
• Piper aircraft dealership

Headquarters

HQ city

Athens

HQ country

Greece

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Pilot Training Courses: Core revenue from ab-initio and modular pilot training programs including ATP Integrated (€67,000), CPL/IR/MEP Modular (€26,000), ICAO-EASA Conversion (€12,500), and APS-MCC courses. Revenue is one-time course fees with payment typically structured across program duration.
2. Aircraft Sales (Global Aircraft Sales): Exclusive distributor of Piper Aircraft in Greece and Cyprus, and sales agent for Bombardier Business Jets. Also sells carefully selected pre-owned aircraft from single-engine piston to luxury business jets.
3. Aircraft Maintenance Services: EASA-certified maintenance centre (EL.CAO.0002) providing continuous airworthiness management services for single and multi-engine piston aircraft. Internal maintenance supports fleet operations.
4. Aviation Consulting: Partnership with Aviation Strategy Ltd providing industry analyses, forecasts and expert advice to financiers, airlines and manufacturers.
5. Piper Aircraft Dealership: Exclusive Piper Aircraft dealership for Greece and Cyprus providing aircraft sales, ownership, maintenance and operation solutions to clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Global Aviation is an EASA Part-FCL approved pilot training academy (EL.ATO.102) offering ab-initio and modular pilot training programs (ATP Integrated, ATP Modular Theory, ICAO-EASA Conversion, CPL/IR/MEP Modular, APS-MCC) using a fleet of 28 aircraft and FNPT II/A320 simulators. Beyond flight training, it delivers EASA-certified aircraft maintenance, exclusive Piper Aircraft sales, and aviation consulting in Greece and Cyprus.

Product overview

Global Aviation S.A. is Greece's oldest pilot training academy, established in 1997, operating as a comprehensive EASA-approved aviation training organization. The company offers a portfolio of pilot training programs centered on the ATP Integrated (€67,000, 18 months) and ATP Modular Theory (€3,000, 3 months) as core products, complemented by conversion programs (ICAO-EASA Conversion at €12,500, CPL/IR/MEP Modular at €26,000), APS-MCC Enhanced MCC (€6,000), and English Language Proficiency testing (€200). Beyond flight training, the organization provides cabin crew training, aircraft maintenance services (EL.CAO.0002 certified), aircraft sales through Global Aircraft Sales (exclusive Piper distributor), and aviation consulting in partnership with Aviation Strategy Ltd. The company operates from Athens headquarters and Pachi Megara flight base (LGMG), maintaining a fleet of Piper, Cessna, and Elixir aircraft with Elite FNPT II and Simnest A320 simulators.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Global Flight Academy: EASA approved pilot training academy, the oldest in Greece with over 80,000+ hours of training
• Global Maintenance Centre
• Global Aircraft Sales

Products and services

• ATP Integrated Comprehensive integrated training program for ab-initio students without prior flight experience, designed to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with CPL, ME, IR ratings, and MCC training. Includes 13 theoretical subjects, minimum 230 flight hours, and multi-crew cooperation certification over 18 months at €67,000.
• ATP Modular Theory Distance learning program for ATPL theoretical knowledge covering 13 subjects using PadPilot CBT materials. Minimum 3-month duration at €3,000, designed for PPL holders seeking to complete ATPL theory credit.
• ICAO-EASA Conversion CPL/IR/MEP Conversion program for ICAO-licensed pilots to obtain EASA Part-FCL CPL/IR/MEP rating with ATPL theory credit. 4-7 weeks duration at €12,500, requiring minimum 185 total hours including 100 as PIC and 50 hours cross-country.
• CPL/IR/MEP Modular Modular training program for pilots with completed ATPL theory and 100 hours PIC experience to obtain Commercial Pilot License with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. 3-month average duration at €26,000, including 84 flight training hours.
• APS-MCC Enhanced MCC Advanced Multi-Crew Cooperation course training pilots for multi-pilot, multi-engine airplane operations under IFR. 6-week program at €6,000 including 25 hours theoretical training and 40 hours FNPT II synthetic flight instruction.
• English Language Proficiency (ELP) Test ICAO Aviation English Language Proficiency Test conducted as a certified test center (EL.LAB.102). 30-minute oral examination assessing English proficiency for international radiotelephony communications, with results valid 4-9 years depending on level achieved. Fee: €200.
• Aircraft Sales (Piper / Bombardier) Global Aircraft Sales division operates as exclusive distributor of Piper Aircraft in Greece and Cyprus and sales agent for Bombardier Business Jets. Also provides selected pre-owned aircraft ranging from single-engine piston to luxury business jets.
• Aircraft Maintenance Services Global Maintenance Centre (EL.CAO.0002) certified by HCAA and EASA providing maintenance and continuous airworthiness management services for single and multi-engine piston aircraft at the Pachi Megara airport base (LGMG).
• Aviation Consulting Aviation consulting services provided in partnership with Aviation Strategy Ltd, offering industry analyses, forecasts, business planning, and due diligence to financiers, airlines, and manufacturers.
• Online BSc in Aviation 100% online bachelor degree in Aviation offered in collaboration with the New England Aeronautical Institute (US-based university), expanding the academy's educational product offering beyond flight training.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90%+ of graduates find employment within 6 months
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aegean Airlines S.A.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2022Aegean Airlines Scholarship Program partner since 2018. 3-year scholarship program for 120 Greek and Cypriot nationals covering €7+ million in training costs. Theoretical and flight training in aircraft and simulators with guaranteed employment at Aegean and Olympic Air upon completion. New 2023 cycle supports 40 additional participants.
• European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018EPST provides ab-initio and Airline Jet Foundation Course using experienced line captains and type-specific B737-NG and A320 platforms. EPST has highest pilot placement scores according to pilot union surveys. Students referred to Global Aviation for integrated training.
• Airline Pilot Club (APC)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016APC partnership with Boeing as financial and strategic partner. Provides free aptitude assessments, career guidance, and airline connections. Global Aviation listed as partner ATO with access to APC webinars, airline career resources, and funding opportunities for prospective students.
• Piper Aircraft, Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive distributor of Piper Aircraft in Greece and Cyprus. Also sales agent for Bombardier Business Jets in the region. Global Aviation's fleet includes 12 Piper PA-28 Warriors and 2 Piper PA-44 Seminoles. Company is also a certified Piper service center.
• Air bpminorOthersAviation fuel supplier serving over 600 locations across 40 countries. Provides aviation fuel products and services supporting flight training operations.
• Aviation Strategy LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoutique strategic consultancy specializing in aviation industry analyses, business planning, and financial transactions. Publisher of Aviation Strategy newsletter. Founded in 2013 by Keith McMullan and James Halstead. Provides consulting services to airlines, financiers, and manufacturers.
• AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLargest general aviation association in the world with hundreds of thousands of members. Provides representation, legal services, and member benefits supporting general aviation community.
• Adams AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation component supplier since 1968. Provides same-day dispatch of aircraft components with full certification to airlines, operators, maintenance companies, armed forces and manufacturers worldwide.
• Airpart Supply LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAircraft parts and aviation spare parts distributor serving aviation community for over 20 years across two generations.
• MEDIACUBEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning native digital agency with 16+ years experience. Provides digital marketing services including Google and Facebook advertising, analytics, and implementation for sustainable growth.
• ARAB-HELLENIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit organization established 1979 under Greek law. Facilitates business activities between Greece and Arab world. May support international student recruitment from Middle East and North Africa regions.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Egnatia Aviation: Greek-based EASA-approved pilot training academy offering integrated ATPL programs in direct competition with Global Aviation for both domestic students and international enrollees in the Greek market.
• Pan Am International Flight Academy: Pilot training academy with multiple US bases offering integrated ATPL and type-rating programs. Comparable in product mix (ab-initio plus MCC/type rating) and airline-sponsored cadet pipelines.
• Flight Training Europe (FTE): European ab-initio pilot training organization offering integrated ATPL courses in partnership with airlines. Competes with Global Aviation for European and international student enrollees and airline cadet program placements.
• ATP Flight School: US-based ab-initio pilot training academy offering integrated ATP programs with airline partnerships. Comparable in program structure and student placement focus, though US-domiciled rather than EASA.
• European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST): Partner ATO that refers pre-selected students to Global Aviation for ab-initio training. Operates B737-NG and A320 type-specific platforms and competes for the same airline-sponsored cadet pipeline that Global taps via Aegean.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training (European Flight Academy): European ab-initio pilot training academy affiliated with Lufthansa Group, offering integrated ATPL programs. Operates from multiple European bases and provides airline-direct pipelines comparable to Global's Aegean relationship.

Broad incumbents

• FlightSafety International: Major incumbent in pilot training with extensive simulator network and type-rating programs. Overlaps with Global Aviation's MCC/type rating offerings, particularly for business aviation clients in the European market.
• CAE: Global leader in civil aviation training with hundreds of simulators and 50+ training centers worldwide. Directly competes with Global Aviation in ab-initio pilot training, type rating, and MCC programs but at significantly greater scale and geographic reach.

Others

• Airline Pilot Club (APC): Aptitude assessment and candidate funnel platform backed by Boeing; Global Aviation is a partner ATO. Functions as a referral/ecosystem partner that channels prospective students to Global and competing academies.
• Sim-Industries (ELITE Simulation Solutions): Provider of FNPT II flight simulation devices and IFR training software used by Global Aviation. Functions as a technology supplier and adjacent training ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/global_1997
• YouTubeyoutube.com/GlobalAviationSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlobalAviationSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/globalaviationsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/globalaviationsa

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Aviation