Our Story
The Swiss Airline Academy enjoys origins in the airline environment motivated by an ever growing passion for aviation teaching. Teaching and Instruction are two very different things and 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.
The Academy today is set to operate in EASA, ICAO and UKCAA environments through various agreements held with Simulator Centres and also ATO's. The Academy is also a GSA (General Sales Agent) and Consultant for Aviation Simulation and Virtual Reality Systems.
Being based in Switzerland offers you a world-friendly, politically neutral training partner in a competitive and solid economy.
As we grow, we envisage entering the FAA, CAAC and various other sectors while also expanding our services to ground courses for all aircrew.
The Academy also envisages to start producing tailored airline and simulator products under license for all airline clients.
Over 50 Years of Aviation Experience
In Military, General and Commercial Airline Aviation.
Meet the Founders and Key Personnel
The Academy was founded by Andrea Serra and Erwin Broekman as active airline pilots and instructors. The idea started back in 2017 when it became apparent to both that there was a shortage for quality instruction throughout the Aviation sector.
Captain Andrea Serra 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.
Captain Erwin Broekman, our Head of Training, is a very 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. Erwin flies as a B737 TRI and is a CRM Instructor.
Ms. Irma Esterhuizen 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.
Captain Tom Van Rooyen is a highly experienced aviation professional who has filled the roles of Chief Pilot, Aviation Inspector, Manager, Director of Flight Operations, B777 Captain and more. Tom is who we go to when we have questions.
Licensing Authorities
SATA operates in collaboration with training partners under EASA, UKCAA and ICAO through whom we are able to offer a wide range of certified services and programs. Our ATO Agreements open many doors for students world-wide and our service providers, instructors and examiners offer some of the best training found in the world today.
EASA: EE/ATO/005
UKCAA: GBR.ATO-0260
ICAO: SACAA/1029/ATO
ICAO: SACAA/ATO/1050
