Tennessee Flight Training acquires Azure Flight Support Flight training division 

Nashville – October 9, 2023 – Tennessee Flight Training has announced the purchase of the flight training division of Azure Flight Support, which includes Shelbyville Flight Academy as well as flight training locations in Crossville and Cleveland, TN.  The acquisition also enables a long-term strategic partnership for Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services and maintenance.

“The commercial aviation industry continues to face an unprecedented pilot shortage due to many pilots reaching retirement age and an overwhelming rebound in demand following the pandemic,” said Chris Erlanson, President of Tennessee Flight Training.  “This partnership allows Tennessee Flight Training to expand beyond our current market and to continue providing the aviation industry with top-notch pilots from this region.  We couldn’t be any more excited about working with Azure Flight Support with their years of expertise combined and outstanding integrity in their operations.”

“We are excited about Tennessee Flight Training  taking our flight training programs and elevating them to the next level. Chris and his team are singularly focused on delivering high-quality flight training. As a strategic partner we will work with Tennessee Flight Training at our FBO locations in a support role.” stated Allen Howell of Azure Flight Support.

Industry experts estimate a global shortfall of at least 34,000 commercial pilots by 2025 as current trends persist. Meanwhile, demand for commercial airline pilots is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years, outpacing the average growth rate for most occupations.  In many cases, aspiring pilots can expect to go from no experience to qualifying for regional airlines in fewer than three years and at one-third of the cost of a typical college education.

“Opening the door to high-demand careers like aviation requires students to have easy access to education and training. Our goal is to continue breaking down those barriers and making aviation more accessible and affordable for all types of students, especially those who traditionally haven’t seen a viable path to the pilot’s seat,” Erlanson added.

Tennessee Flight Training offers a range of customized options – from recreational to career pilot training – at a pace that fits each student’s needs. An FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) can provide a personalized training path based on the student’s schedule.

About Tennessee Flight Training

Tennessee Flight Training was established in 2010 and provides affordable flight instruction from award-winning, FAA-certified instructors and offers state-of-the-art equipment. It received multi-year recognition for its high standard of accomplishment in flight training by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest aviation association. Its flight training facilities are located at Nashville International Airport and Maury County Regional Airport, with the addition of the three locations mentioned above. More information is available by calling (615) 366-9192 or visiting www.TNFlightTraining.com 

About Azure Flight Support

Azure Flight Support has spent a lifetime starting, building and growing aviation businesses including air charter, aircraft maintenance and world class fixed based operations services. They take the experiences and wisdom gained through almost 100 years of combined aviation experience and apply it to helping communities make their airports the best they can be.  More information is available by visiting www.AzureFlightSupport.com