Heraklion, Crete – April 2025 — Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), a global aviation investment and management holding company, is proud to announce a strategic joint ventured partnership with Cretan Eagle Aviation Academy (CEA) to officially launch Intercontinental Aviation Academy Greece (IAA Greece). This milestone marks the beginning of a new aviation training hub in Europe, headquartered in the island of Crete.
This partnership between IAE and CEA is designed to transform Crete into a regional center of aviation excellence. IAE’s investment through the IAA Greece venture will support the expansion of training facilities, the deployment of additional aircraft, and the creation of a scalable infrastructure that will boost Greece’s presence in international aviation education.
IAA Greece will commence operations with a full fleet of Diamond aircraft, offering students a state-of-the-art training experience. The academy will deliver airline-level pilot training, combining European EASA standards with industry-leading methodologies, designed to meet the evolving needs of global airlines.
The first official intake of cadets is scheduled for September 2025, and applications are now open for local and international students aiming to pursue a career as professional pilots.
“IAA Greece is a vital part of our IAEVision2030 for training roadmap,” said Wissam Ahmad Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise. “Through this partnership, we’re not just launching a new IAA academy — we’re building a regional aviation hub in Crete that will attract talent from around the world. Our goal is to elevate pilot training standards and expand capacity through continued investment in aircraft, infrastructure, and innovation.”
CEA’s CEO, George Kelarakis, added: “We are excited to join forces with Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise to bring this ambitious vision to life. Crete has long been a strategic gateway between continents, and this initiative positions it at the forefront of aviation training excellence. With quality training and safety always in mind, we aim to meet the evolving needs of global aviation. ”
IAA Greece stands as a symbol of the shared commitment between IAE and CEA to develop future generations of pilots through high-quality training, cutting-edge technology, and a strong global network.
For more information or enrollment inquiries, please contact:
Intercontinental Aviation Academy
Website: www.flyiaa.aero
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About Intercontinental Aviation Academy:
Intercontinental Aviation Academy is a leading global aviation training institution offering comprehensive programs for aspiring commercial and private pilots. With a mission to develop world-class aviators, IAA continues to expand into key international locations with strategic partners to deliver top-tier, accessible training.
About Cretan Eagle Aviation:
Cretan Eagle Aviation, established in 2002 by Captain Georgios Kelarakis, brings decades of experience to the partnership. Having successfully trained hundreds of pilots—many of whom now fly for commercial airlines worldwide—CEA is known for its personalized, high-quality, value-for-money training programs, at a family environment.
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