Launch of the 50th Professional Pilot Course at Forlì Airport, Joined by Regional Institutions and Aviation Stakeholders
Luigi Ridolfi International Airport, Forlì - 19 November 2025 - The Mayor of Forlì, Gian Luca Zattini, Councillor Paola Casara, the Principal of ITAER Forlì, Prof. Maura Bernabei, and Prof. Maura Maltoni, together with representatives from ENAV, ENAC, the Mercury and Civitas Consortiums, Skema, and Confindustria, attended the inauguration of the 50th ATPL Course at Professione Volare Flight Academy, part of the international Airways Aviation Group.
The event opened with a presentation by the General Manager of Airways Aviation Italy, Eng. Francesco Surace, who outlined the school’s vision and the strategic importance of the Forlì base. This was followed by remarks from the Group’s CEO, Mauro Calvano, speaking from the Dubai Airshow, who stressed the international expansion strategy currently driving the growth of Airways Aviation.
Ombretta Sequino, Delegate Councillor of Confindustria Romagna, Prof. Maura Bernabei, Principal of ITAER Forlì, and Mayor Gian Luca Zattini then addressed the audience. Their contributions emphasised a shared commitment to strengthening the local aeronautical district, promoted as the “Aviation Valley”, a place where training, industry, and innovation work together to support the regional economy. At the end of the institutional session, participants gathered informally at the airport restaurant, encouraging open discussion among stakeholders, instructors and students.
Speakers throughout the event highlighted the need for a long-term project that goes beyond pilot training alone. The objective is to prepare professional pilots while also developing the infrastructure and services required to train cabin crew, maintenance technicians, and ground staff. This reflects Airways Aviation’s commitment to building a sustainable, integrated system in which the local aviation ecosystem benefits from growth, employment, and high-level specialisation.
Ombretta Sequino, Delegate Councillor of Confindustria Romagna, stated: “Forlì Airport must be seen as a resource; the pilots of tomorrow are a resource, not only for airports, but for the entire economy of Emilia-Romagna. Alongside the pilot and the airport is the whole supply chain that is being supported. We are working to invest in it, but we need resources from everyone and close cooperation with the authorities, the Mayor, the Region and the schools.”
