As we draw the curtain on 2025, I do so with immense pride, gratitude, and conviction. This has not simply been a successful year — it has been a defining year for Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) and Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA). A year shaped by discipline, professionalism, bold decisions, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.
Together, we did more than grow.
We transformed.
Throughout 2025, FlyIAA exceeded key performance indicators across every major function, proving once again that focus, teamwork, and shared belief turn vision into reality. Our brand presence expanded dramatically, reaching millions of people worldwide. Today, FlyIAA is no longer “the next academy” — it is a recognized, powerful aviation brand, supported by the strength and credibility of IAE as a rapidly scaling aviation investment enterprise.
This year marked a decisive expansion of our footprint. New bases and programs were launched, reinforcing our promise to deliver accessible, world-class aviation training across regions. Our teams represented FlyIAA with pride at more than 18 local and international aviation events, with the Dubai Airshow standing as a historic milestone. From our beloved UAE, we drew a clear line forward — one pointing firmly toward greatness.
These efforts delivered measurable, undeniable results.
In 2025, FlyIAA achieved 35% year-on-year growth compared to 2024. Operations alone grew by 18%, while one figure stands above all others: a 78% increase in licensed graduates. This achievement speaks volumes — of the dedication of our instructors and mentors, the discipline of our support teams, and the commitment, resilience, and ambition of our students. As a direct result of this collective performance, IAE’s valuation increased by 35%, reaffirming the long-term strength, credibility, and value of our group.
2025 was also a year of landmark strategic moves that reshaped our future.
Among the most significant was the launch of our strategic cadet program with Solitair, the first of many such programs to come, directly connecting FlyIAA students with airline career pathways. The introduction of type-rating training within the group further accelerated access to airline readiness and elevated our advanced training capabilities.
The share acquisition and merger with Cyprus Airways Flying Academy marked a major step forward, deepening our partnership with a national airline and strengthening our airline-culture training philosophy. The launch of The Aviator Fund positioned IAE on course to become a serious aircraft leasing and asset-ownership powerhouse.
Our expansion into Western Europe was confirmed with the Ponte de Sor academy in Portugal, backed by an investment of up to €4 million — a future flagship base with much more to be revealed. We reinforced our operational backbone through the signing with Diamond Aircraft for 10 new training aircraft, complemented by multiple DA40 acquisitions on the secondary market, with deliveries beginning in January 2026. Alongside this, the addition of multiple ALSIM simulators significantly strengthened our training infrastructure.
Equally important was our collaboration with Flyou, introducing a student wellness and performance monitoring system — a clear statement that we train not only pilots, but complete aviation professionals. These milestones were further strengthened by the addition of new board members, bringing governance, experience, and strategic depth to our growing organization.
We capped this historic year with a major announcement: FlyIAA’s UAE expansion, including the launch of a new Al Ain base — a powerful signal of our long-term commitment to the region and our global ambitions.
At the heart of everything we do are our students.
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to personally acknowledge each of you. Your dedication, professionalism, resilience, and hunger to learn inspire us daily. Many of you reached critical milestones this year, bringing your aviation dreams closer to reality. You are the reason we push harder, build smarter, and aim higher.
Make us proud in the airline world — and know that we will always strive to make you proud in return.
Looking ahead, 2026 is a year of acceleration. A year of execution, expansion, and elevation. With the UAE as our strategic hub and a solid global foundation in place, IAE and FlyIAA are positioned to set new benchmarks, launch new bases, deepen global partnerships, and continue redefining aviation education and enterprise.
More announcements are coming in 2026 — and this time, when we say “stay tuned,” we truly mean it.
In aviation terms: brace for impact.
All of these achievements are fully aligned with IAEVision 2030, our long-term blueprint for sustainable growth, global leadership, and human-centric aviation excellence. Step by step, we are building a globally integrated aviation enterprise — one that develops people, empowers communities, and sets new international standards.
As we enter the holiday season, I extend my deepest gratitude to our teams, instructors, staff, partners, board members, and students. Thank you for your trust, your loyalty, your belief, and your relentless commitment. Because of you, IAE and FlyIAA are not just growing — we are leading.
May this festive season bring you well-deserved rest, joy, and time with those you love. Let us return in 2026 re-energized, focused, and ready to make history once again.
With sincere appreciation and my warmest wishes,
Wissam Mehyou
Founder & CEO
Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE)
Global Chairman – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA)
.png)