Market Intelligence: Far East & China

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – True Course Simulation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Brett Watts  – CEO of True Course Simulations, a simulator manufacturer that specializes in virtual reality flight training.

True Course Simulation offers a simple 3-step learning process that includes a pre-flight briefing, interactive simulations, and visual demonstrations of maneuvers.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Offerings: True Course Simulations (TCS) provides comprehensive VR-based flight training solutions that include hardware (immersive training devices), software (courseware), and data management tools. Originally focused on military contracts, the company has expanded to serve civilian flight schools globally, prioritizing innovation and efficiency in pilot training.
  • Global Expansion and Partnerships: TCS has established partnerships with flight training organizations worldwide, including recent device deployments to Nelson Aviation College (New Zealand), Embry-Riddle Asia (Singapore), and Sydney Flight College (Australia).
  • Key Trends in Pilot Training: Brett highlighted the increasing demand for efficiency due to rising costs and instructor shortages. Another trend is the growing adoption of automation and VR to supplement traditional training, reducing stress on students and instructors.
  • Impact on Training and Safety: TCS tools improve safety and efficiency by enabling students to master core skills in simulations before real-world training. This approach reduces cognitive overload and better prepares students for complex multitasking in the cockpit.
  • Mission: TCS stands out by offering an integrated system of VR labs, self-guided learning, and performance analytics. The company aims to empower students with confidence and proficiency while supporting partners in modernizing their training systems.

For more information:

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Simaero Highlights Engineer Services for Flight Simulator Upgrades

Simaero, a global leader in aviation training and simulator services, announced its comprehensive suite of flight simulator upgrade solutions. The Simaero Engineering team leverages years of expertise to deliver cost-effective and reliable enhancements to flight simulation systems worldwide. Simaero’s simulator upgrade services include:

  • Regulatory Upgrades
  • Avionics Upgrades
  • Performance Upgrades

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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Airbus Strengthens Aftermarket Services in China with New Agreements at Zhuhai Airshow 2024

Airbus has signed a bundle of cooperation agreements and MoUs on aftermarket services with its partners at the Zhuhai Airshow. The cooperation covers a wide range of aftermarket services including flight training, Non Destructive Testing (NDT) training and assessment, cabin seat solutions and material services.

With over 2,200 Airbus aircraft in service in China, Airbus and its affiliates have continuously expanded local services to provide best-in-class support for operational safety and efficiency. After more than three decades in China, Airbus has provided services covering the entire aircraft lifecycle from pre-delivery technical support, in-flight operation solutions till the end of life recycling. The cooperation signed during the airshow includes:

  • Flight training: Airbus and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) have signed a cooperation agreement on developing the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Air Transport Pilot integrated training programme and a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the support of subsequent programme implementation and commercial cooperation. This cooperation is in response to new flight training requirements by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). It will combine Airbus’ international experience in CBTA development with CAFUC’s local training experience to jointly develop the first CBTA integrated pilot training programme that meets both ICAO standards and CAAC regulations. The cooperation aims to promote CBTA in China’s ab-initio flight training sector. Compared to traditional flight training methods, CBTA can further enhance the fight training efficiency and quality as it places a greater emphasis on the pilots’ performances and competencies. The course development will be completed within the next two years, followed by a trial at CAFUC supervised by CAAC before a wide application. The cooperation will pave the way for the introduction of CBTA training in China and contribute to improve civil aviation safety in China.
  • Airbus, through its subsidiary Testia,  also expands its Non Destructive Testing (NDT) training and assessment in China, both certified by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) and the UK National Aerospace NDT Board.

Testia is expanding its worldwide presence with the Airbus’ joint venture with China Hua-Ou Training Co,.Ltd. It will provide  NDT competences  in China, to and through the Hua-Ou’s training facility, contributing  to elevate the industrial standards and support the growing demand for skilled professionals in this crucial field. Testia has been performing  training and assessment in this field for over 30 years, supporting  industrial players  in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul worldwide. With this milestone, Hua-Ou will be the first training hub for Testia in the Greater China region outside the home base in Toulouse, France.

  • Cabin seat power supply retrofit: Airbus subsidiary Eltra signed a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) engineering service agreement with Colorful Guizhou Airlines. Eltra will provide a customized retrofit solution of cabin seat power supply for the airline’s A320 fleet, including engineering design solutions, retrofit solution implementation and technical support and training. The STC retrofit solution approved by CAAC will enhance the comfort and functionality of the aircraft to better meet the market demand.
  • Material services: Satair, an Airbus Services company, signed agreements on Integrated Material Service (IMS) solutions with HNA Aviation Technic, Xiamen Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Satair’s IMS solution will not only maximise spare parts availability but also optimise stock levels, helping Chinese customers to boost cash flow and improve overall operational performance. Satair also signed a customised spare purchasing program with Juneyao Airlines, offering the customer greater predictability and a heightened service level on a comprehensive scope of part numbers and budget control.

As a key stakeholder in China’s aviation industry, Airbus continues to build its presence and partnerships in this important and growing aviation market to continue supporting its customers.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Simaero, Thales, and China Henan Aviation Group Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Develop Civil Aviation Training in China

Zhuhai, China – On the occasion of the Zhuhai Airshow in China, Thales, Simaero and China Henan Aviation Group announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering collaboration in the civil aviation training sector in China.

The partnership aims to provide state-of-the-art civil aviation training solutions, addressing the evolving needs of the aviation sector in China.

The parties involved recognize the importance of this initiative in enhancing the skill set of aviation professionals and supporting the industry’s growth.

By combining resources and expertise, Thales, Simaero, and HNCA are committed to establishing a robust cooperation that will benefit the industry and the future of aviation professionals in the region.

“This new partnership builds upon our established track record of successful collaboration with Simaero, exemplified by the installation of the H225 Reality H® Level D Full Flight Simulator to the China Sky-Wings training center in Shanghai. Through this memorandum of understanding, Thales reaffirms its steadfast commitment to delivering cutting-edge civil training and simulation solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers. We are honored to partner with Simaero and HNCA, and we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to further advance civil aviation training in China,” Benoit Broudy, Thales VP Training & Simulation.

“Simaero is proud to be part of this tri-party MoU with Thales and China Henan Aviation Group, both long-lasting partners of Simaero. This collaboration will enhance our capabilities across China and the Asia-Pacific region, providing pilots and airlines with the most advanced training technology, modern facilities, and high-quality services in the industry,” affirms Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero.

“In recent years, the Henan Provincial Committee and Government have placed great importance on the aviation economy, maintaining a strong cooperative relationship with French companies like Simaero. Thales Group, a global leader in aerospace technology, brings advanced technical expertise and a solid market foundation. It is anticipated that this three-party collaboration will drive innovation and progress in the field of flight simulation technology”, emphasizes Mingchao Zhang, secretary of the party committee and Chairman of China Henan Aviation Group.

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 centres 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 THALES
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive. The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G. Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

About CHINA HENAN AVIATION GROUP
Since its establishment in 2011, China Henan Aviation Group Co., Ltd. (HNCA) has been committed to advancing the development of industries such as air transportation, air logistics, and aviation manufacturing. The group actively integrates into the national “Belt and Road” initiative, participates in international aviation cooperation, and promotes the development of the Zhengzhou Aviation Hub. With the aim of building a diversified and distinctive aviation industry cluster, HNCA strives to foster comprehensive local economic growth while enhancing the overall competitiveness of Henan’s civil aviation industry.

Source: SIMAERO
Photo Credit: SIMAERO

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Airbus Announces Agreement with China’s Leading Flight Training Provider to Develop CBTA Pilot Training Program

Zhuhai, China – Airbus and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) have signed a cooperation agreement on developing the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Air Transport Pilot integrated training programme and a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the support of subsequent programme implementation and commercial cooperation.

This cooperation is in response to new flight training requirements by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). It will combine Airbus’ international experience in CBTA development with CAFUC’s local training experience to jointly develop the first CBTA integrated pilot training programme that meets both ICAO standards and CAAC regulations.

The cooperation aims to promote CBTA in China’s ab-initio flight training sector. Compared to traditional flight training methods, CBTA can further enhance the fight training efficiency and quality as it places a greater emphasis on the pilots’ performances and competencies.

The course development will be completed within the next two years, followed by a trial at CAFUC supervised by CAAC before a wide application. The cooperation will pave the way for the introduction of CBTA training in China and contribute to improve civil aviation safety in China.

Source: Airbus

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Flight School Management Software Provider FlightLogger Announces Update for Partner Flight Schools – Automated Scheduling V2

FlightLogger, a leading digital flight training management software provider, has announced the release of Automated Scheduling V2, a new feature aimed at streamlining scheduling processes for flight schools and training centers. The update, which will be available for free to all users, reflects FlightLogger’s commitment to continually enhancing its platform to meet the evolving needs of aviation training providers.

“On Monday, our development team will release yet another free update, this time being Automated Scheduling V2,” shared Kenneth Jeppesen from FlightLogger.

Source: Kenneth Jeppesen (FlightLogger)

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