Market Intelligence: Africa

• Simaero strengthens its position as Africa’s premier aviation training provider with the addition of an Embraer E190 Full-Flight Simulator to its fleet.
• Supporting Africa’s evolving aviation sector, the new device will help airlines transition from the Embraer ERJ 145 to the more modern and fuel-efficient E190.
• This milestone results from a long-term collaboration with Simaero’s Chinese partner HNCA, whose leasing joint venture enables the rapid deployment of new and relocated training devices.

Johannesburg, South Africa – Simaero is pleased to announce the relocation of a modern Embraer E190 Full-Flight Simulator from the China Southern Airlines training center to its Johannesburg facility. This expansion— following the recent relocation of a Bombardier CRJ 200/700 simulator—reinforces Simaero’s position as a leading aviation training provider in Africa, meeting the region’s growing demand for advanced pilot training solutions. The simulator will be certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is expected to be ready for training in the second half of 2025.

Meeting Africa’s Growing Demand for E190 Training

The integration of the E190 simulator aligns with the evolving needs of Simaero’s clients, many of whom are transitioning from the Embraer ERJ 145 to the more modern E190 aircraft. African carriers are increasingly switching their ERJ 145 fleets with the larger, more fuel-efficient E190 E-Series jets, while newer start-up airlines are opting for this model due to its extended range and ETOPS capabilities. This growing demand for the E-Series jet has created a pressing need for high-quality simulator training in Africa.

The introduction of the E190 full-flight simulator at Simaero’s Johannesburg Training Center will enhance training opportunities for external clients in South Africa. As the largest independent aviation training facility in the region, this expansion strengthens Simaero’s role in supporting the continent’s shift to the latest Embraer fleets on short-to-medium-haul routes, establishing Johannesburg as a key hub for both local and international airlines.

Strengthening Johannesburg as a Leading Training Hub

This expansion builds on the recent relocation of a Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator, solidifying Simaero’s Johannesburg Training Center as a leading hub for regional aircraft training. With upcoming CRJ and E190 comprehensive training programs, from initial type-rating to command upgrade, the center will offer high-quality solutions tailored to Africa’s evolving aviation sector.

“Our Johannesburg center is evolving into a key training hub for regional aviation in Africa. The introduction of the E190 simulator, alongside the recently added CRJ 200/700, allows us to offer a full range of training solutions tailored to the needs of African airlines,” affirmed Keith Roseveare, General Manager of Simaero South Africa.

Accelerating Expansion Through Strategic Collaboration with HNCA

This milestone stems from a strategic partnership between Henan Aviation Investment Management Company (HNCA), the Bank of China, and Simaero. In 2024, Simaero and HNCA launched China’s first cross-border simulator operating lease business, designed to accelerate the relocation and acquisition of training devices. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between training demand and available simulator capacity, ensuring airlines worldwide have agile and cost-effective access to the latest training technologies.

“By working closely with HNCA, we are setting new industry standards for the rapid deployment of simulators. This project highlights our commitment to supporting the aviation sector’s growth in Africa and beyond,” said Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero.

The Embraer E190 full-flight simulator will be relocated from China to Simaero’s Johannesburg training center in the coming weeks by Simaero Engineering’s expert teams. It is planned to be certified by SACAA and ready for training in the second half of 2025.

About SIMAERO
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centers strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero