Wissam Mehyou – CEO, Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE)
Founder of IAE Vision 2030 for Training – FlyIAA

At the start of this year, we launched IAE Vision 2030 for Training—a strategy to build a unified, modern, and high-impact aviation training network under our dedicated training arm, Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA). Guided by a clear mission, we aim to create one of the world’s most effective flight training ecosystems—transforming lives by turning students into pilots.

Over the past months, FlyIAA’s momentum has been undeniable. Our growth is supported by high-impact joint ventures, a renewed aircraft fleet, and a deep commitment across our teams to elevate global pilot training standards.

Today, FlyIAA is proud to be recognised not just as a provider, but as a trusted partner to students, airlines, regulators, and institutions across key regions.

Our flagship academy in the United Arab Emirates reflects the country’s leading role in global aviation. Scheduled to begin operations in September 2025, this base is already generating strong demand, with the “Founders' Batch” nearly full.

This achievement is the result of coordinated efforts across regulatory, commercial, and operational teams—showcasing the collaborative spirit that drives FlyIAA.

Global Outlook  

In Cyprus, our joint venture with Cyprus Airways Flying Academy has quickly positioned FlyIAA as the leading provider in the Eastern Mediterranean and Levant. Operating from Larnaca International Airport, our 2025 intakes are already fully booked—a testament to our market trust and strong cadet-to-airline pathway supported by Cyprus Airways.

Our joint venture with Cretan Eagle Aviation launched IAA Greece, serving Southeast Europe with a modern Diamond fleet under EASA approvals. We're already at 50% of our 2025 intake goals, driven by strong interest from GCC students.

In Lebanon, we continue to operate one of the region’s most stable and high-performing academies. Despite external challenges, our intakes remain full—thanks to a resilient team that consistently delivers on our promise.

Our strategic partnership with Pier Seven Aviation in the UAE enables a complete pilot pathway—from ab initio to Type Rating and MPL programs—under both EASA and GCAA frameworks. This integrated model offers a seamless training journey, rare in the global market.

Our Next Frontier

We are moving forward with a new base in Portugal, expanding our footprint into Western Europe and the broader EU market. With a projected shortage of over 50,000 pilots in Europe by 2032, FlyIAA is positioned to contribute meaningfully to this challenge with world-class training.

We’ve announced acquisitions of new Diamond DA40/DA42 aircraft and Elixir Aircraft, reinforcing our commitment to fleet standardisation, safety, and training quality. With 70% of our fleet under upgrade or renewal, we are ensuring our students benefit from the most advanced and sustainable platforms available.

At FlyIAA, we are not just training pilots—we are changing lives, unlocking potential, and shaping a new generation of aviation professionals ready to lead the skies of tomorrow.

This journey is only possible thanks to the dedicated teams across our bases, the students who place their trust in us, and the partners who support our vision. We move forward with humility, gratitude, and determination.

To our students, airline partners, institutional allies, and future collaborators—we welcome you to join us as we continue writing this exciting chapter. We are confidently positioning ourselves among the top global leaders in aviation training, with a solid market presence, strong brand, strategic momentum, and the foundation to take even bolder steps toward shaping the future of the industry.

Wissam Mehyou
Chief Executive Officer
Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE)
Founder of IAE Vision 2030 for Training – FlyIAA