Market Intelligence: Asia Pacific

Flight Options Introduces Its New Airbus A320 Simulator Elevating Aviation Training in the Pacific Region

Australia – Flight Options, a leading Flight Simulator and Advanced Training Centre based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, has reached a major milestone in aviation training with the launch of its Mechtronix Ascent Airbus A320 Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD).

Now fully operational and available for bookings, this state-of-the-art simulator enhances Flight Options’ advanced pilot and flight instructor training programs. It plays a vital role in supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to address ongoing workforce deficiencies in training aircrew.

The introduction of refreshed, future-ready Professional Pilot Training Programs, including the region’s best Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course available, further strengthens Flight Options’ commitment to training excellence.

In aviation for over half a century and with over 15 years of delivering high-quality, industry-recognised training, Flight Options has built a strong reputation for launching graduates into successful airline careers.

Originally established through a relationship with Singapore Flying College (a division of Singapore Airlines), the Flight Options Training Centre has grown into one of the largest privately-owned advanced simulation facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

The centre offers comprehensive training across multiple aircraft types including the Beechcraft King Air and serves a diverse clientele throughout Australasia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Steve Padgett OAM, Founder and Managing Director of Flight Options, commented on the expansion: “This launch marks an exciting new chapter for Flight Options. By investing in additional simulators and expanding our training complex, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional pilot training that meets the highest standards.”

The new simulator will allow Flight Options to continue to meet the demand for specialised training and with this expansion is positioned to set a new benchmark, delivering unparalleled expertise and standards to pilots and airlines throughout the regions.

Source: Flight Options

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University of Southern Australia Study Urges Enhanced Training and Simulator Adoption to Strengthen General Aviation Pilot Training

Australia – A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) is calling for stronger pilot training measures to address persistent safety challenges in general aviation (GA), which accounts for more than 90% of aviation-related fatalities. The findings, published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, highlight the urgent need for recurrent training, simulator use, and innovative learning tools to improve safety standards.

  • Review of 46 studies showed human factors and training deficiencies are the leading contributors to fatal GA accidents.

  • Human factors cited include pilot error, poor decision-making, reduced situational awareness, and spatial disorientation, particularly in poor weather and at night.

  • GA flights in poor visibility are seven times more likely to result in fatal crashes, while night operations have accident rates up to eight times higher than daytime.

  • Critical flight phases such as takeoff, landing, and low-altitude manoeuvring were identified as the most hazardous.

  • Researchers warn that many GA pilots maintain only minimum legal currency rather than true proficiency, with long gaps between flights causing sharp skill declines.

  • The study calls for:

    • More recurrent and emergency training

    • Greater use of simulators, VR, and AI-driven tools for cost-effective skill building

    • Proactive use of real-time flight data to identify risks before accidents occur

    • Expanded focus on mental health, following evidence that fatigue, financial stress, and workplace culture may contribute to safety risks.

Statements

  • “It is not just a recreational sector, but an integral part of Australia’s aviation system, yet the data consistently shows a poor safety record when compared with commercial airline operations,” said lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Emma Sheffield.
  • “We need to normalise ongoing, hands-on training, whether in the air, in simulators, or through the use of emerging technologies,” added UniSA Associate Professor Paul Lee.
  • “General aviation doesn’t have to accept its poor safety record. We know where the risks are and it’s time to act on that knowledge,” concluded UniSA Aviation Professor Shane Zhang.

Source: University of South Australia

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Fiji Airways Invests in Next-Generation Fire Trainer from Flame Aviation in 2025

Fiji – Fiji Airways has selected Flame Aviation’s V9000 Commander™ Fire Trainer to enhance cabin crew safety training at its new training centre in Nadi, marking a significant upgrade in the airline’s emergency preparedness capabilities.

  • The V9000 Commander™ is Flame Aviation’s flagship fire trainer, designed to deliver realistic fire and smoke simulations, including lithium-ion battery fire scenarios.

  • The system also features advanced instructor controls, allowing training staff to tailor scenarios for high-fidelity, hands-on exercises.

  • The trainer has already been delivered to Fiji and will be commissioned this month at the airline’s new facility.

  • Fiji Airways’ investment underscores its commitment to ensuring cabin crew are thoroughly prepared to handle inflight fire emergencies, strengthening both passenger and crew safety.

About Flame Aviation
Flame Aviation, based in the Netherlands, is a global specialist in cabin crew fire training equipment. Its flagship product, the V9000 Commander™, is used by airlines and training organisations worldwide to provide high-fidelity, safe, and repeatable fire training scenarios, including modern lithium-ion battery incidents.

Source: Flame Aviation

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