Ireland – Simtech Aviation marked a major milestone as it hosted senior officials from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) alongside key airline leadership from Aer Lingus to announce the airline’s largest investment in pilot training infrastructure in over 20 years, with three new full‑flight simulators (FFSs) slated to be delivered to the centre between now and 2027.

• Once operational, this expansion will position Simtech Aviation as Ireland’s largest full‑motion simulator training centre
• The A320 CEO/NEO and A330 CEO/NEO Full-Flight Simulators are scheduled to enter service in early 2026, with the A321XLR simulator to follow in early 2027.

• The announcement was celebrated with attendance by Aer Lingus leadership including Adrian Dunne (COO) and Captain Brian O’Sullivan (MTS), alongside Simtech’s Captain Sé Pardy, affirming collaborative commitment to training excellence.

Founded in 2001, Simtech Aviation is approved by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and EASA as a leading European Approved Training Organisation (ATO). The company has trained more than 5,500 student pilots and works with airlines and flight schools across Ireland, the UK and Europe, delivering training across Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft.

In addition to the newly announced simulators, Simtech currently operates a broad range of training assets at its Dublin facility, including:

• ATR 500 and ATR 600 full-flight simulators supporting EASA type rating and recurrent pilot training
• A fixed-base Boeing 737-800NG simulator used for APS MCC training for both EASA and UK CAA cadets along with stand-alone EASA MCC course
• An Airbus A320 full-flight simulator, with increased availability anticipated from mid-2026, enabling expanded pilot assessment activity and future training programmes

Source: Simtech Aviation
Photo Credit: Simtech Aviation