ABOUT SATA
Swiss Airline Training Academy GmbH — founded on a passion for aviation teaching, with over 140 years of cumulative experience across military, general and commercial airline aviation.
A PASSION FOR
TEACHING
Swiss Airline Training Academy GmbH has its beginnings in the airline environment, motivated by an ever-growing passion for aviation teaching. Teaching and instruction are two very different things — at the Academy, we believe in teaching.
We believe in ensuring that the student enjoys the fullest benefit of knowledge as well as experience from a dedicated team of aviation teachers who train students and candidates under the control of certified ATOs with whom we collaborate.
The Academy was founded in 2017 when it became apparent that there was a shortage for flexible, cost-effective and quality instruction throughout the aviation sector. From individual pilots to major carriers, SATA delivers programs that are operationally relevant and built for the realities of modern airline operations.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
& KEY PERSONNEL
The Academy was founded by Erwin Broekman and Andrea Serra as active airline pilots and instructors — bringing real-world airline knowledge directly into every training program.
Andrea Serra
Accountable Manager
Andrea takes care of running the business, managing existing and developing new business relationships. He currently also flies as a B747 training captain and is a qualified B747 TRI, B737 SFI and CRM Instructor.
Erwin Broekman
Training Manager & Director
Erwin, our Training Manager, is a most vital part of the Academy, ensuring that the standards offered are set at the highest quality levels while embracing and promoting a high culture of Aviation Safety.
Irma Esterhuizen
Accountant & Compliance
Irma has a long and distinguished background as a Financial Manager and as a Training Facilitator. Her Training Facilitation expertise is vital in ensuring that the Academy offers its clients well-structured and smooth running services.
Tom Van Rooyen
Aviation Business Advisor
Tom is a highly experienced and respected aviation professional who has filled the roles of Chief Pilot, Aviation Inspector, Manager, Director of Flight Operations, B777 Captain and more.
TRAINING IN ACTION
At SATA, every phase of training is delivered with purpose — from theory ground school and CRM facilitation to live simulator instruction and structured post-session debriefs. Our instructors are active airline professionals who bring real-world operational knowledge into every lesson.
Simulator Instruction
Live instruction inside the B737 FFS during a night approach, with the instructor guiding from behind the jump seat.
In-Simulator Coaching
Real-time guidance during a simulator session — our instructors are present throughout every exercise, not just at debrief.
Theory Ground School
Instrument approach theory at the whiteboard — covering ILS procedures, stabilised approach criteria, and missed approach profiles.
CRM Training
A Crew Resource Management session covering situational awareness, communication, and threat & error management in airline operations.
Post-Session Debrief
A structured debrief in the debriefing room — flight data replay on screen, reviewing performance with students in a focused, private setting.
WHO WE SERVE
Individual Pilots
Whether you are a self-sponsored pilot seeking a B737 or A320 type rating, or a qualified pilot looking to add an instructor qualification — SATA provides a professional, supportive training environment.
- Initial type ratings
- Renewals & revalidations
- SFI / TRI qualifications
Airlines
We partner with airlines to deliver fleet intake training, recurring renewal programs, and instructor qualification courses. Our programs are designed around your operational schedule and regulatory requirements.
- Fleet intake type ratings
- Bulk renewal programs
- Custom airline programs
Agencies & Organizations
Training agencies and aviation organizations rely on SATA to provide qualified training for their pilot pools. We offer flexible arrangements to support your training pipeline.
- Agency pilot programs
- SFI/TRI supply programs
- Regulatory compliance support
OUR VALUES
Safety First
Every training decision is grounded in safety. We instill a safety culture that goes beyond regulatory compliance.
Excellence
Swiss precision defines our approach. We hold ourselves and our trainees to the highest professional standards.
Expertise
Our instructors are active airline professionals — their operational experience is embedded in every lesson.
Global Reach
We serve pilots and airlines across Europe and beyond, adapting to different regulatory environments.
Partnership
We build long-term relationships with airlines and agencies, becoming their trusted training partner.
Flexibility
Training programs are designed around operational realities — flexible scheduling, individual or group formats.
LEVEL D FULL FLIGHT
SIMULATORS
All SATA training is conducted on Level D certified Full Flight Simulators — the highest fidelity classification available. Level D simulators provide the most realistic and effective training environment, with full motion, visual, and audio cueing.
Our simulator partnerships ensure access to current, well-maintained equipment for both B737 and A320 family training, with scheduling flexibility to meet individual and airline requirements.
View Our Programs
READY TO TRAIN WITH SATA?
Contact us to discuss your training requirements. We are ready to help you advance your career or build your airline's training program.
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