European Flyers

What European Flyers does

European Flyers S.L.U. is a privately-held Spanish flight training organisation founded in 1992 through the merger of two traditional Spanish aeronautical schools, headquartered at Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid with a second base at Mutxamel Aerodrome in Alicante. The company operates an ATO (Approved Training Organisation) certified by Spain's AESA and is also an ICAO-recognised Aeronautical English Centre, enabling it to issue integrated and modular pilot licences for airplanes (ATPL, CPL, PPL, FI), helicopters (CPL, ATPL, FI, PPL), and drones (UAS/RPAS STS), along with MCC, UPRT, PBN, and multi-engine ratings. Its technology stack includes seven next-generation simulators (Cessna 172 G1000 FNPT-I, Alsim FNPT-II Diamond DA42, Airbus A320 MCC, EC 135 helicopter MCC, and a hybrid A320/B737 unit), a fleet of 14 aeroplanes and 8 helicopters (Cessna 172 G1000, Diamond DA42 NG, Robinson R22/R44, EC 135), and a 5,000 m² training infrastructure spread across both bases.

The business monetises primarily through tuition for multi-year ATPL integrated courses priced at approximately €70,000, modular licence courses, helicopter and drone certifications, and supplementary advanced training (type ratings, MCC, instructor courses). Revenue is augmented by an affiliation with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid for a €180,000 dual-degree pathway, simulator rental, and an affiliate referral for student housing with Livensa Living. Distribution is direct via website inquiries, bilingual open-day events in Madrid and Alicante, and a partnership-driven recruitment funnel with commercial airlines (Volotea, Avion Express, Air Europa Express, Ryanair, Wamos Air, Iberia, Vueling, Iberia Express) and emergency-services operators (Avincis, Eliance, Rotorsun). The school maintains 50 instructors and serves an addressable market pressured by a global pilot shortage, graduating 140+ students in 2024 (its largest class), and announced the acquisition of Aerotec in Madrid in April 2025 to double student numbers.

Name

European Flyers

Legal name

European Flyers S.L.

Website

https://europeanflyers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

European Flyers is a Spanish ATO-certified flight training school offering integrated and modular pilot courses for airplanes, helicopters, and drones, serving individual cadets and airline cadet pipelines from bases in Madrid and Alicante.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight training services
• Pilot certification programs
• Aviation education
• Helicopter pilot training
• Commercial pilot courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Madrid

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pilot Training Courses: One-time fees for integrated and modular pilot training courses including airplane, helicopter, and drone pilot programs. Revenue generated from course tuition, simulator time, flight hours, and associated training materials and certifications.
2. Supplementary Training Services: Additional revenue from flight instructor courses, type ratings (A320, A330, Boeing 737), MCC courses, and advanced training programs. Revenue from partnership agreements with airlines for cadet training programs.
3. Student Housing Services: Partnership with Livensa Living for student accommodation services. Commission or referral arrangements for student housing facilitation at discounted rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

European Flyers is an AESA-certified Approved Training Organisation (ATO) that sells integrated and modular pilot training courses for airplanes, helicopters, and drones across its two Spanish bases in Madrid (Cuatro Vientos) and Alicante (Mutxamel). Courses combine ATPL/CPL/PPL/FI theoretical instruction with simulator and fleet-based flight hours, supplemented by university degree programs, type ratings, and drone/RPAS certifications. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time course tuition and supplementary advanced training services, with graduate placement supported by direct partnerships with European airlines and emergency-services operators.

Product overview

European Flyers is an ATO (Approved Training Organization) flight school offering a comprehensive portfolio of pilot training programs. The core offerings include integrated and modular courses for Airplane ATPL (160/180 hours), Helicopter CPL/ATPL, and Drone/RPAS pilot certifications. The school operates simulator training centers with FNPT II and FNPT I certified simulators including Airbus A320, Diamond DA42, Cessna 172 G1000, and EC135 helicopter simulators. Training aircraft fleet comprises Cessna 172 G1000, Diamond DA42 NG, Robinson R22/R44, and Eurocopter EC135. An official university degree program (Grado en Gestión y Operaciones del Transporte Aéreo) is offered in partnership with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. The school has two training bases in Madrid (Cuatro Vientos) and Alicante (Mutxamel).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ATPL Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Course (Airplane, 160/180 hours) Integrated commercial airline pilot training program for aspiring airplane pilots, providing comprehensive theory and 160–180 flight hours toward an AESA-recognized ATPL license.
• Official University Degree in Air Transport Management and Operations (Grado Oficial) Official Spanish university degree in Air Transport Management and Operations delivered jointly with the Polytechnic University of Madrid, integrating academic study with flight training.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) - Airplane (Modular) Modular commercial pilot license course for airplane pilots seeking to work professionally in aviation, taken as an alternative to the integrated ATPL route.
• Private Pilot License (PPL) - Airplane Private pilot license course for individuals seeking to fly aircraft for recreational or non-commercial purposes.
• Flight Instructor (FI) Course - Airplane Flight instructor training course qualifying certified pilots to teach airplane flight training at ATOs such as European Flyers.
• MCC APS (Multi-Crew Coordination) Multi-Crew Coordination course with APS for airline-oriented pilot training, typically taken prior to type rating.
• Multi-Engine (ME) Rating Course - Airplane Multi-engine aircraft rating course enabling pilots to operate twin-engine airplanes such as the Diamond DA42 NG.
• Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating (ME & IR) Course Combined multi-engine and instrument rating course providing enhanced operational capability for commercial pilots.
• UPRT - Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Specialized upset prevention and recovery training course focused on avoiding and recovering from unusual aircraft attitudes.
• ATPL Theory Course Standalone theoretical knowledge training program preparing students for the ATPL examination, typically paired with flight training.
• PBN Training - Airplane Performance-Based Navigation training for modern RNAV/RNP operations on airplanes.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) - Helicopter (Integrated ATPL) Integrated commercial helicopter pilot license course covering full professional helicopter operations training.
• Airline Transport Pilot Course - Helicopter Integrated ATPL course for helicopter pilots seeking airline transport pilot certification.
• Flight Instructor (FI) Course - Helicopter Flight instructor training course qualifying helicopter pilots to teach helicopter flight training.
• Private Pilot License (PPL) - Helicopter Private pilot license course for personal helicopter operations.
• PBN Training - Helicopter Performance-Based Navigation training adapted for helicopter operations.
• UAS FLYERS - Expert Drone/RPAS Pilot Course Professional drone pilot certification course (STS level) for commercial RPAS/UAS operations in Spain.
• Practical Drones STS Course Practical drone training course covering Specific Technical (STS) drone operations.
• Online Drone Courses Online theoretical training programs for drone pilot certification.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% employability for firefighting helicopter pilots
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AeroteccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2025Acquisition announced in Madrid as part of strategic expansion plan. Deal aims to double student numbers, increase infrastructure, fleet, and staff. Pending regulatory approval. Merger project filed with authorities.
• BRAVO 19minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2025Agreement with BRAVO 19 aviation training centre for advanced type rating training. Students can complete Airbus A320 and A330 type ratings under competitive conditions as part of career progression.
• RepsolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2024Agreement for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply, making European Flyers the first flight school in Spain to use eco-friendly aviation fuel as part of sustainability commitment.
• EliancecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 August 2024Partnership with helicopter operator for emergency services and firefighting pilot training and employment. One of several operator partnerships to address high demand for firefighting pilots in Spain.
• RotorsuncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 August 2024Partnership with helicopter operator for aerial emergency services. Part of network of operator agreements including Avincis and Eliance for comprehensive pilot employment pipeline.
• Air Europa ExpresscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 July 2024Agreement for pilot training and placement. Top academic performers eligible for Boeing 737 type rating and copilot positions. Joint cadet program being developed for career pathway from ATPL training through flight instructor to airline employment.
• Ejército de Tierra (Spanish Army)minorOthers · 17 January 2024Professional training agreement with Spanish Army for military personnel through AESA certification. Training services provided to military aviation professionals.
• VoloteacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 September 2023Ongoing partnership with Volotea airline for pilot recruitment. The airline has visited European Flyers for selection events multiple times. Third consecutive year of trust in 2025, with 21 recently graduated students participating in selection process.
• Livensa LivingminorOthers · 31 August 2023Student housing partnership providing discounted accommodation for pilot students in Madrid. Residences in Getafe, Aravaca, and Alcobendas with amenities including gym, library, pool, cinema. Half-board, full-board, or accommodation-only options.
• Avion ExpresscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2023Collaboration agreement with largest Lithuanian carrier to facilitate student employment. 25 European Flyers students attended roadshow, 5 selected for employment. Airline expanding fleet from 50 to 100 aircraft by 2027 creating ongoing opportunities.
• Avincis (formerly Babcock)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 June 2022Agreement with leading aerial emergency services company for helicopter pilot placement. 100% employability for graduates in firefighting sector. Addresses demand for specialized pilots in emergency services.
• RyanaircoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 September 2018Ryanair regularly visits school for pilot recruitment presentations. Students learn about recruitment process, professional positions, Boeing 737 Type Rating Programme. Has attended since 2018 at both Madrid and Alicante bases.
• Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership offering degree in Gestión y Operaciones del Transporte Aéreo (Air Transport Management and Operations). Joint academic program combining university education with flight training.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a global leader in professional aviation training, operating high-fidelity simulators and serving corporate, commercial, and military operators. It is a broad incumbent in the same training category as European Flyers.
• CAE: CAE is the world's largest civil aviation training company, operating a global network of flight simulators and training centers. It represents a much larger incumbent that overlaps with European Flyers' simulator-based training offerings and serves the same airline customers.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training: Lufthansa Aviation Training is the training arm of the Lufthansa Group, providing pilot training, type ratings, and simulator services across Europe. It competes for premium European airline cadet placements and sets the bar for simulator technology.

Direct peers

• Aerotec Escuela de Pilotos: Aerotec is a Madrid-based pilot training school that European Flyers is acquiring in 2025. Pre-acquisition, Aerotec was a direct local competitor for ATPL students in the Madrid market; the deal consolidates the two into a single scaled ATO.
• Airways Aviation: Airways Aviation is a European flight training school with bases in Spain and Portugal, offering integrated ATPL courses. It directly competes with European Flyers for international students and airline cadet pipeline placements.
• BAA Training: BAA Training is a Lithuania-based aviation training organization offering integrated ATPL, type rating, and cadet programs across Europe. It competes directly with European Flyers for European airline cadet placements, particularly with carriers like Avion Express.
• Flight Training Europe (FTEJerez): FTEJerez is a leading ATO-approved flight training organization in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, offering integrated ATPL, modular, and type rating programs. It is one of European Flyers' closest Spanish competitors for fixed-wing pilot training.
• Ryanair Flight Academy: Ryanair Flight Academy is a European pilot training organization that recruits cadets for the Ryanair group — a partner of European Flyers — making it both a placement competitor and a benchmark for integrated ATPL pricing.

Emerging players

• Helity Copter Airlines / Helicopteros del Sureste: Helity and similar Spanish helicopter operators represent an adjacent peer — they overlap with European Flyers' helicopter training vertical, since they both source pilots from and place graduates into the Iberian helicopter operator market (firefighting, EMS, offshore).
• Global Aviation + Polytechnic (GAP): GAP is a smaller Spanish flight training organization offering modular and integrated pilot programs. It is an emerging competitor in the same AESA-regulated ATO category, targeting similar student demographics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/europeanflyers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1vRC7M9shEU3WTzhpDA9eQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/europeanflyers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/european-flyers
• Instagraminstagram.com/europeanflyerspilotos
• TikToktiktok.com/@europeanflyerspilotos

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about European Flyers