Market Intelligence: Africa

Bombardier CRJ 200-700 Full-Flight Simulator Arrives at Simaero Johannesburg Training Center to Meet Regional Training Demand

  • The CRJ Series regional jets are widely operated in Africa and Southeast Asia because of their efficiency in serving regional networks. However, these regions have historically had fewer full-flight simulators readily accessible for training compared to North America and Europe.
  • Simaero and ICARE are partnering to offer high quality CRJ pilot training capacity in Africa.
  • ICARE’s CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator has arrived at the Simaero training center in Johannesburg and will be certified and ready for training in early 2025.
  • Simaero has been established in South Africa since 2009, with its Johannesburg training center providing high-quality pilot training solutions to airlines across Africa and beyond.

Johannesburg, South Africa – Simaero, a major player in pilot training with full-flight simulators, announces the relocation of a Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator from France to its Johannesburg training center in South Africa. This strategic initiative, in cooperation with ICARE, aims to meet the increasing demand for pilot training from airlines across Africa and Southeast Asia. The simulator will be certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is expected to be ready for training in 2025.

Expanding Accessibility and Reducing Training Costs for Local CRJ Pilots

The CRJ Series regional jets are a popular choice across Africa and Southeast Asia, with many pilots requiring recurrent training each year to maintain their licenses. By relocating the CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator closer to where demand is highest, Simaero and ICARE are making training more accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel and lowering associated costs for airlines. By offering advanced training solutions locally, Simaero is positioning itself as a key partner for operators looking to expand or modernize their fleets with the CRJ, ensuring they have access to top-tier training facilities.

Leveraging In-House Expertise to Accelerate Simulator Certification

The full-flight simulator is currently being reassembled and upgraded at Simaero’s Johannesburg training center. This relocation project is a result of close collaboration with ICARE, a French training center and owner of the device. The project has been executed under the supervision of Simaero Engineering, a division with over a decade of experience in managing complex simulator relocations worldwide. The team will also carry out a series of upgrades to ensure full compliance with SACAA regulations, with certification expected in the coming months.

The CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator will be operational and ready for training by early 2025. At that time, associated pilot training programs will be added to the curriculum of Simaero’s SACAA-approved training organization. This simulator will join the five full-flight simulators already in operation at the Johannesburg center representing the ATR 42/72-500, Beechcraft 1900, Dash 8-100/300, Embraer ERJ 145, and MD 82 aircraft types.

“This project represents a significant step forward for Simaero as we continue to expand our high-quality training solutions for airlines globally,” said Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero. “With simulators strategically located in France, South Africa, China, and soon India, we ensure that airlines can access the training they need, wherever they operate. This also underscores Simaero Engineering’s expertise in managing complex simulator relocations and upgrades.”

“We have a longlasting experience of supporting many African airlines with training services , and we were eager to seal this agreement with Simaero for the relocation of our CRJ simulator in South Africa, along with a joint commercial cooperation on the CRJ Training market worldwide,” said Philippe Goetz, CEO of ICARE.

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.

About ICARE
ICARE is an EASA approved ATO (Approved Training Organization) and MTO (Maintenance Training Organization), providing training to Cockpit Crews, Cabin Crews, Maintenance and other Ground Personnel for airline and individual customers. The company operates full flight simulators and other training devices in its Morlaix, Brittany, (France) facility, and cooperates with Simaero for the operation of a CRJ-200/700 full flight simulator in Johannesburg (South Africa). ICARE also provides engineering services, simulator housing and maintenance, and VR based aviation learning solutions design and development services.

Leveraging on its longstanding reputation of quality and customer service, ICARE provides a full range of training for the Airbus A318/319/320/321 family and for the Bombardier-Mitsubishi CRJ-200/700/900/1000 aircraft types.

Note: Created in 1991 as the ATO of BritAir, a French regional airline based in Morlaix, Brittany, France, ICARE operates since October 2022 as a stand-alone, customer-driven, management-owned company and is no longer affiliated with Hop! Airline nor the Air France-KLM Group.

Source: SIMAERO
Photo Credit: SIMAERO

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Global Flight Training Group Airways Aviation to Participate in Marrakech Airshow 2024

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has shared that Airways Aviation ESMA, its France base, is set to attend the Marrakech Airshow 2024, scheduled for October 30 to November 2 at Marrakech-Menara International Airport in Morocco.

During the airshow, Airways Aviation ESMA will showcase its diverse training programs designed for both civil and military pilots. This major aerospace event presents an excellent opportunity for companies and stakeholders in the aviation sector to explore partnership possibilities and discover how Airways Aviation can enhance their aviation projects.

In June 2024 Airways Aviation announced the opening of Airways Aviation Maroc. Its France base ESMA Airways Aviation, which boasts a 45-year history in pilot training, launched a Pilot Foundation Program in Casablanca, Morocco.

ESMA Airways Aviation – France is one of only three European pilot training academies approved by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), having trained hundreds of Moroccan pilots over the years.

Source: Airways Aviation ESMA
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation ESMA

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Garmin Introduces its Newest and the Most Advanced Integrated Flight Deck Yet – G3000 PRIME

Olathe, Kansas, USA – Garmin introduced G3000® PRIME, its most advanced integrated flight deck yet. Setting a new standard in integrated avionics, Garmin’s G3000 PRIME redefines the flight deck experience with sleek, intuitive, all-touchscreen displays and a highly flexible open system architecture that seamlessly adapts to serve a broad and dynamic market. With a state-of-the-art user interface design and advanced connectivity, G3000 PRIME leverages cutting-edge technologies that can enhance safety potential and efficiency while minimizing pilot workload in every phase of flight. Now FAA TSO certified, G3000 PRIME is ready to elevate and serve Part 23 turbine, military and advanced air mobility (AAM) markets.

“Twenty years ago, Garmin redefined the general aviation cockpit with the G1000, our first integrated flight deck. Ten years later, we introduced the G3000, bringing the first touch screens to the light turbine cockpit, and revolutionary technologies like the award-winning Garmin Autoland. With over 30,000 Garmin integrated flight decks now in service, we are proud to introduce G3000 PRIME, the industry’s most intuitive and advanced flight deck to date.” –Phil Straub, Garmin Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Aviation.

Stunning edge-to-edge glass flight displays

G3000 PRIME features expansive 14-inch touchscreen primary display units (PDU) with edge-to-edge, sunlight-readable, fingerprint-resistant glass, redefining expectations in cockpit aesthetics and functionality. The vibrant displays include multiple performance enhancements such as quadruple the memory and gigabit system connectivity that is up to 100 times faster. New, faster multi-core processors more than double the processing power – leveraging Garmin’s experience certifying multi-core technology for civil and military aviation markets as early as 2017. Additionally, higher display refresh rates provide crisp, smooth animations and an impressively responsive and fluid experience.

Complementary secondary display units (SDU) provide data entry and system control, with the added capability to display multi-function applications. The high-resolution, 7-inch SDUs boast a 40% increase in screen area over prior Garmin touch controllers. Additionally, in certain aircraft applications, the SDUs can double as an integrated standby flight instrument display, removing the need for a dedicated standby flight instrument in the panel.

G3000 PRIME’s new advanced multi-touch touchscreen interface, capable of recognizing up to 10 touchscreen inputs at once, allows both pilot and copilot to interact with the same display simultaneously. The enhanced multi-touch technology also enables on-screen hand stabilization, allowing pilots to give precise touchscreen inputs while simultaneously resting their fingers on the display. Support for dedicated control devices allow for intuitive physical control of commonly used functions through Garmin-designed products and third-party devices, as well as hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controller designs for the military and defense markets.

Modern & intuitive new user interface

G3000 PRIME boasts a modern, yet familiar user interface, blending Garmin’s rich experience in avionics design with a sleek, contemporary look and feel. Enhanced fonts and iconography ensure clarity and familiarity, while smartly organized and shallow application menus provide quick access to critical functions.

Primary Flight Windows (PFW) and Multi-Function Windows (MFW) maximize situational awareness with full-screen or split-screen options. New quick access bars allow pilots to open common apps such as maps, traffic, weather and charts with one touch. While viewing maps, pilots can touch anywhere to open a radial menu with options for accessing additional airport, weather, or airspace information, or quickly adjusting a flight plan via graphical editing. Interactive engine and electrical indications allow pilots to quickly open systems controls and information such as cabin environmental controls, synoptics and more.

To further ease information management, the Window Manager feature allows pilots to configure app display, window sizing, and more across the entire flight deck from one SDU. The Window Manager also provides multiple preset options that can configure all displays with one command, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure each window for various phases of flight.

Advanced flight tools

G3000 PRIME provides enhanced flight management system (FMS) tools like the Modified Flight Plan, which allows pilots to use both the PDU and SDUs to provide a side-by-side graphical preview of flight plan changes, including performance calculation comparisons or what-if scenarios. During initialization, pilots can also elect to set up an Emergency Return function, which simplifies pilot responses to in-flight emergencies shortly after takeoff. Recently introduced to Garmin integrated flight decks,

Taxiway Routing has been further improved to provide automated route guidance on the 2D navigational maps and 3D Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) depictions.

G3000 PRIME provides advanced automation with smart checklists that are linked to crew alerting system (CAS) messages. When pilots receive a CAS message that is associated with a checklist, pilots may simply tap the message to open the appropriate checklist with a single touch. The checklists can also now sense indications and show within the checklist that the item is in the correct position, value or configuration – or provide pilots the option to quickly view detailed synoptics. Integration with Garmin-designed Electronic Power Distribution Systems replaces traditional switches with intuitive electronic circuit breakers, providing enhanced automation and ensuring a streamlined and modern cockpit experience.

Unmatched safety-enhancing innovations

G3000 PRIME features a wide array of industry-leading advanced safety-enhancing technologies available only from Garmin, including Autonomí, Garmin’s family of autonomous safety-enhancing technologies. Collier Trophy recipient, Garmin Autoland, can take complete control of the flight to land the aircraft in an emergency situation where the pilot is unable to do so1. Additional safety tools such as Smart Glide™, Smart Rudder Bias, Electronic Stability Protection (ESP™), Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Garmin Autothrottle further ensure confidence in every flight.

Garmin’s terminal safety solutions add even more capabilities to G3000 PRIME-equipped aircraft. Recently announced Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) technology analyzes GPS and ADS-B traffic information relevant to the airport’s runways and taxiways to assess and alert the flight crew of a possible runway incursion or collision. ROA builds upon Garmin’s other terminal safety solutions including Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), 3D SafeTaxi® and Garmin SurfaceWatch™.

Seamless connectivity and integration

Stay fully connected while flying behind G3000 PRIME using a variety of supported connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM, Connext Satellite Services and more. Garmin’s PlaneSync™ connected aircraft management system automatically updates databases2, logs flight and engine data and allows aircraft owners and operators to remotely check fuel and systems status via the Garmin Pilot™ app3. Automated cockpit functions such as flight plan uploads over PlaneSync ensure pilots have access to real-time data, enhancing their operational efficiency and decision-making. G3000 PRIME also supports Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC), including the FAA Data Comm and Eurocontrol Link 2000+ programs, for faster departure clearance (DCL) — as well as enroute exchange of data link messages with air route traffic control centers.

G3000 PRIME has received FAA TSO certification. Initial aircraft delivering with G3000 PRIME will be announced by aircraft manufacturers.

About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, G3000 and SafeTaxi are registered trademarks and SVT, Smart Glide, ESP, SurfaceWatch, PlaneSync and Garmin Pilot are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Source: Garmin
Photo Credit: Garmin

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Global Pilot Training Group Highlights E-Learning Platform and Announces New Feature

Global operator of full flight simulator training centers, Simaero, has highlighted Wisdom, a cutting-edge e-learning platform developed by experienced pilots, and launched in 2022. The online Learning Management System (LMS) is designed to deliver remote training for commercial pilots across multiple aircraft platforms. This innovative system supports type rating and recurrent training for a wide range of aircraft, including Airbus A320, A330, A340, A350; Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, 787; and ATR 500, 600.

Key Features of WISDOM:

  • Remote Learning: WISDOM allows pilots to complete ground course training online, eliminating the need to travel for classroom instruction. Students can access content anytime and from anywhere, significantly reducing travel costs and time.
  • Comprehensive Training Content: The LMS covers essential theoretical modules such as Mass and Balance, Limitations, Performance, Standard Operating Procedures, as well as specialized training for Low Visibility, Upset Recovery, and Performance Based Navigation.
  • Interactive Lessons: The platform offers fully interactive, self-paced courses with the ability to contact instructors remotely for additional support.
  • EASA-Approved: The platform aligns with EASA’s latest regulations, reducing classroom time by approximately 80% while maintaining high standards of training quality.
  • Advanced Features: WISDOM integrates a space for managing trainee files, syllabuses, manuals, and training records, and provides real-time progress tracking, ensuring training completion updates are delivered to both managers and trainees automatically.

The Wisdom platform has newly integrated Cockpit Procedure Trainers to complement the Ground School experience.

Source: SIMAERO
Photo Credit: SIMAERO

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CAE First to Showcase Immersive Pilot Training Solution Built for Apple Vision Pro

Global aviation training leader CAE has become the first to develop an immersive pilot training app for Apple Vision Pro. CAE’s Apple Vision Pro app, currently showcased at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, Nevada, could be a game-changer for pilot training. By using spatial computing to bring true-to-life precision to flight deck interactions, the app will allow pilots to remotely complete training activities that are currently only available in training centres. As part of CAE’s training ecosystem, the app will not only further increase the effectiveness and speed of training pilots safely but will also enable pilots to train anytime from anywhere.

“This Apple Vision Pro app developed by CAE will allow pilots to familiarize themselves with the flight deck, practice critical procedures, and develop muscle memory for key functions from anywhere,” said Emmanuel Levitte, CAE’s Chief Technology and Product Officer. “It will allow pilots to engage with realistic flight deck environments to further ensure they are ready for their full-flight simulator sessions and become even better prepared for any situation.”

“The power and unique capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, combined with CAE’s training environment, will give pilots more flexibility and better prepare them for the transition from ground school to the simulator,” said Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President, Business Aviation Training. “With CAE’s Apple Vision Pro app, we are not only providing our customers more convenience, but are also enhancing training efficiency at a time when the aviation industry faces an increased need to train new pilots.”

In “Exploration Mode”, a pilot can touch a specific control and view a description of that control in context. In “Guided Mode”, the user is led to learn the various procedures of the aircraft, guiding the pilot to the next action required to learn the sequences. In “Flight Deck Interaction Mode”, pilots can use the virtual flight deck to simulate any kind of interaction in a natural way and begin to train their muscle memory. In the real aircraft, for example, the main battery switch needs to be pulled before being flipped. The same can be done in this spatial computing experience.

With the ability to be programmed for any aircraft type, CAE’s training app for Apple Vision Pro will be a great complement to existing CAE solutions for both business and commercial pilot training. The app is currently being tested on the Bombardier Global 7500 program and is scheduled to be rolled out in Spring 2025.

About CAE Civil Aviation Training
CAE – Civil Aviation elevates and advances human performance by providing holistic and immersive training solutions for professionals in business and commercial aviation. Whether for pilots, maintenance technicians, cabin crew or air traffic controllers, we help keep aircraft in the skies with exceptionally trained professionals ready to take on any challenge safely. We operate 70+ facilities on five continents, training over 135,000 business and commercial professionals annually.

About CAE
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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