AIR ONE appoints Ilya Gavrilin as Business Development Director APAC to drive scheduled and charter freighter growth
AIR ONE has appointed Ilya Gavrilin as Business Development Director APAC to support the growth of its Boeing 777F and 747F scheduled and charter freighter services across Asia Pacific.
Quadrant Pilot and Infinity Sim Wings launch APS MCC+ enhancing airline pilot preparation beyond the core APS MCC course
Quadrant Pilot, a UK Civil Aviation Authority Approved Training Organisation, has partnered with Infinity Sim Wings to introduce APS MCC+, an APS MCC programme with additional structured development elements designed to strengthen pilot readiness for airline operations. APS MCC+ retains the full APS MCC course delivered in accordance with UK CAA and EASA requirements. The additional “plus” elements sit alongside the approved course structure, providing further preparation, coaching and operational exposure without altering the regulatory training framework. While APS MCC provides the required foundation for multi-crew cooperation, APS MCC+ has been developed to focus on how pilots apply those competencies in an operational context. The programme combines Quadrant Pilot’s full flight simulator capability and approved training governance with Infinity Sim Wings’ behavioural expertise and coaching approach. Rather than applying a standardised training pathway alone, APS MCC+ incorporates competency diagnostics informed by over 17 years of applied behavioural research. These diagnostics are used to identify individual development areas, allowing training to place greater emphasis on behaviours that directly influence performance in a multi-crew environment. The additional elements within APS MCC+ are designed to support airline readiness by: Reinforcing decision making and communication in operationally realistic scenarios Aligning observable behaviours with airline competency frameworks Strengthening consistency in crew interaction and task management Preparing pilots for the expectations of airline selection and type rating The core APS MCC course is delivered through four days of ground school supported by Cockpit Procedure Trainer sessions, followed by 40 hours of simulator training on A320 and B737 platforms. Alongside this, APS MCC+ includes a dedicated airline immersion day delivered outside the APS MCC syllabus. This provides additional exposure to line-oriented flying with real-time ATC, dynamic weather and live traffic scenarios, designed to reflect the variability and operational pressure of airline environments. As airlines continue to recruit and develop new pilots, the focus is increasingly shifting towards operational readiness and facilitating the development of specific observable behaviours and skills. APS MCC+ has been designed to support this by ensuring that pilots are better prepared to meet airline expectations as they progress into selection and type rating. Simon Bill, Managing Director of Quadrant Pilot, said: “We see a clear distinction between completing a course and being ready to operate in an airline environment. APS MCC+ has been designed to build on the APS MCC foundation by focusing on how pilots think, communicate and make decisions in practice.” Hani Nabeel, Founder of Infinity Sim Wings, added: “Our focus has always been on developing confident and credible pilots. By combining behavioural insight with realistic simulation environments, we can support pilots in building the skills that matter in day to day operations.” APS MCC+ is open to self-sponsored cadets, modular and integrated graduates, and pilots preparing for airline selection or type rating. The APS MCC course is delivered under UK CAA and EASA approved training frameworks. For further information, visit www.quadrantpilot.com
AIR ONE International Holdings establishes AIR ONE Technics at MBR Aerospace Hub, Dubai South
AIR ONE International Holdings has established AIR ONE Technics, a UAE-based company providing line maintenance and continuing airworthiness management services for the group’s fleet. Located at MBR Aerospace Hub, Dubai South, AIR ONE Technics will support the group’s technical operations in the United Arab Emirates. The new company is led by Ayrat Gilmutdinov, Chief Executive Officer. Ayrat is a results-oriented aviation leader with extensive experience in strategic and operational roles, bringing a strong focus on innovation, process optimisation, and data-driven decision-making. Alex John, who has also joined the company as Director of Supply Chain & Logistics, brings over 35 years of expertise in aviation materials and logistics management across major Middle Eastern carriers, with a proven record in building efficient, compliant, and technology-driven supply chain systems. Ayrat Gilmutdinov, Chief Executive Officer of AIR ONE Technics, commented: “AIR ONE Technics has been established to strengthen our commitment to safety, quality, and operational reliability — values that define every aspect of how AIR ONE serves its customers.” AIR ONE Technics forms part of AIR ONE International Holdings, a global aviation group with activities spanning aircraft operations, commercial management, and technical support across key international markets. Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said: “The launch of AIR ONE Technics at MBRAH underscores the attractiveness of Dubai South as a destination for specialised aviation investments. We remain committed to enabling companies with advanced capabilities to grow and thrive, contributing to the development of a robust, sustainable, and future-ready aviation sector in the UAE.”
SF Express partners with AIR ONE to expedite cross-border deliveries between China and the UK with new Ezhou-East Midlands freighter services
SF Express, the largest integrated logistics service provider in Asia, has commenced a new partnership with freighter specialists AIR ONE to expedite cross-border deliveries between China and the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the initial one-year charter agreement, four Boeing 747-400BDSF freighter services per week now connect the central China hub of Ezhou with East Midlands Airport (EMA), the UK’s primary cargo gateway in the Midlands region, enabling faster nationwide deliveries. The new route is part of SF’s strategic planning in Europe and network expansion worldwide. It restructures Sino-UK cross-border transit times and will support increasing trade and logistics demand between China and the UK. The first flight operated on 2 November from Ezhou Huahu International Airport (EHU), marking the official launch of SF’s inaugural all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The arrival of the fully loaded aircraft after its 16.5-hour flight marked the official launch of SF’s first all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The new Ezhou-East Midlands cargo route not only fills the gap of direct air transport capacity from Ezhou to the UK, it significantly shortens the end-to-end cross-border logistics time between China and the UK to 4 days, providing an efficient and stable air channel for time-sensitive goods such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain products. “We are honoured to have been chosen by SF, one of the world’s largest and most respected logistics companies, as their partner for this landmark route,” said Mark Middleton, Head of Charters at AIR ONE. “This agreement reflects SF’s trust in our operational standards and strategic access to the UK market. As the leading UK-based widebody freighter operator, our goal is to continue developing strong partnerships that support cross-border trade and create sustainable logistics bridges between Asia and Europe.” Peter Huang, Head of International Air Freight Department, SF International Business Center, added “The launch of the new route between Ezhou and East Midlands is a crucial step in SF’s global network deployment. Our in-depth partnership with AIR ONE not only shortens the delivery time of cross-border logistics between China and the UK to 4 days, but also empowers industries such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain with an efficient and stable airfreight channel. In the future, SF will continue to expand its international air network and provide more intelligent and sustainable logistics solutions for global trade.” The launch of this new route reinforces AIR ONE’s strategic ambition to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Asia, positioning the group as a leading provider of widebody freighter capacity for China-bound markets and a key enabler of the UK’s global trade growth.