SPO (Special Purpose Operator) Aerial Survey Specialist Division

Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) is Ireland’s foremost EASA-approved Special Purpose Operator (SPO), delivering expert aerial survey and data acquisition services to governmental bodies and industry partners for over three decades.​

Proven Expertise in Aerial Survey Operations

AFTA operates a fleet of state-of-the-art fixed-wing aircraft, including the environmentally friendly Diamond DA42 Special Mission platform, powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Our aerial survey division offers year-round services across various sectors.

• Civil Infrastructure: High-resolution imaging for planning and development.

• Forestry Management: Monitoring and assessment of forested areas.

• Traffic Analysis: Real-time data collection for transportation planning.

• Aerial Mapping: Precise topographical and geographical data acquisition.

• Ecological Offshore Surveys: Environmental assessments supporting renewable energy projects.​

Strategic Partnerships and Notable Projects

• Green Rebel Marine: Since 2021, AFTA has been the designated SPO for Green Rebel Marine, conducting digital aerial ecology surveys over Irish coastal waters. This collaboration supports offshore wind energy initiatives and underscores our commitment to sustainable practices. ​

• Tailte Éireann: In 2024, AFTA secured the national tender to provide aerial survey services for Tailte Éireann, Ireland’s national mapping agency. To fulfil this contract, we have expanded our fleet with two Vulcanair P.68 aircraft, equipped with advanced Leica sensors, enhancing our capacity for comprehensive national mapping.​

Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability

AFTA maintains a fleet of 26 aircraft, supported by our status as Ireland’s largest EASA Part CAO (Continuing Airworthiness Organisation). Our maintenance operations, based at Cork Airport with a satellite facility at Waterford Airport, ensure a flight dispatch reliability exceeding 98%.

As the sole Diamond Aircraft service centre in Ireland since 2018, we guarantee that all aerial survey missions are executed with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

 

 

Related News: AFTA CHOSEN AS SPO OPERATOR FOR LARGE SCALE AERIAL ECOLOGY SURVEYS OF IRISH COSTAL WATERS UNDERTAKEN BY GREEN REBEL GROUP. Read More here. 

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