Market Intelligence: Middle East

Riyadh Air Purchases 2 A321neo Full Flight Simulators from CAE and Expands Scope of Partnership

Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air has expanded its partnership with CAE through the purchase of two Airbus A321neo 7000XR full-flight simulators, strengthening the airline’s in-house pilot-training capability as it continues its operational ramp-up. The new devices will be installed at Riyadh Air’s training facility in Saudi Arabia and complement the airline’s existing Boeing 787-9 training suite procured from CAE in 2023.

  • The agreement includes full operations, maintenance, and qualification services provided by CAE, expands on the existing Training Centre Operations (TCOPs) agreement signed in 2023 for the operation of two Boeing 787 FFS.

  • The A321neo simulators will join two CAE-supplied Boeing 787-9 full-flight simulators and a flight training device (FTD), establishing a comprehensive simulation environment for Riyadh Air’s mixed-fleet pilot training requirements.

Statements

  • “We are proud to support Riyadh Air with advanced simulation technology and operational expertise to ensure they receive world-class pilot training while ramping up operations.” Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE.

  • “These state-of-the-art CAE simulators will form a core pillar of our pilot-training ecosystem, ensuring our pilots are trained to the highest levels of proficiency.” Martin Eiba, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Riyadh Air.

Source: CAE

Related Posts

Fujairah Aviation Academy to Open Integrated Unmanned Aircraft Training Center in UAE

United Arab Emirates – Fujairah Aviation Academy is advancing its capabilities with the launch of a new integrated training center dedicated to unmanned aircraft operations and maintenance engineering. The initiative aligns with international training standards and marks a significant expansion for one of the UAE’s longest-established aviation training institutions.

  • The new center will deliver accredited training programs supported by advanced simulation technologies and supervised by highly qualified instructional staff.

  • The facility will focus on unmanned aircraft control and maintenance engineering, expanding the Academy’s long-standing training portfolio developed over more than three decades in the UAE and greater region.

Source: Fujairah Aviation Academy

Related Posts

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways to Receive Acron Aviation A320neo Full Flight Simulator in Early 2026

Kuwait – Acron Aviation has confirmed that Jazeera Airways’ ordered A320neo Reality7e (R7e) Full Flight Simulator will arrive in Kuwait in early 2026, with the device expected to enter training service in the second quarter of the year. The installation will introduce the first R7e simulator to the country, strengthening Jazeera Airways’ in-house pilot-training capabilities as the airline continues to expand its operations.

Source: Acron Aviation

Related Posts

Dubai’s Emirates Expands 777X Commitment to 270 Aircraft with New Boeing Order

United Arab Emirates – Emirates has placed an additional order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, marking the airline’s third and largest follow-on commitment to the 777X programme. The agreement increases Emirates’ total 777X orderbook to 270 aircraft, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest customer of the next-generation twin-engine widebody.

  • Emirates’ previous two 777X orders totalled 205 aircraft across the 777-9 and 777-8 variants; the latest commitment expands the airline’s long-term fleet renewal and growth strategy.

  • The 777-9, set to become the world’s largest twin-engine jet, is designed to deliver a 20% reduction in fuel burn and emissions relative to earlier widebody aircraft, while offering improved cabin space, ride quality and onboard environment.

  • The signing ceremony included HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

  • Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts demand for nearly 3,000 new widebody aircraft in the Middle East over the next 20 years—a market segment where the 777X is positioned as a long-range, high-capacity solution.

Statements

  • “Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to U.S. aerospace.” HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

  • “We are deeply honored that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network.” Stephanie Pope, President & CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source: Emirates

Related Posts

Dynamic Advanced Training Achieves Record Training Month in October 2025

United Arab Emirates – Dynamic Advanced Training, Dubai’s SEP and emergency training centre part of the Khansaheb Group, has reported its strongest training month on record in October 2025. The centre delivered programs for 55 operators across wet and dry-lease arrangements, underscoring its growing role as a regional hub for specialised aircrew safety training.

  • A total of 607 aircrew trained at the facility during the month, including 347 under dry-lease usage and 260 aircrew directly trained by Dynamic across 537 training days.

  • Trainee feedback ratings reached 98.4% “excellent” for dry-lease users and 99.2% for wet-lease customers, reflecting consistently high satisfaction with course delivery and training standards.

Key Features of Dynamic Advanced Training:

  • Advanced Simulation Facilities: The training center boasts Full Flight Cabin Simulators for Business Jets as well as narrow and wide-body aircraft.
  • Real Fire Fighting Simulator (RFFS): Designed for hands-on fire safety training.
  • Survival Rooms: Equipped for Jungle and Polar survival scenarios, providing realistic emergency training.
  • Hypoxia Simulator and EVAS Trainer: Offering specialized training for in-flight oxygen deprivation and smoke emergencies.
  • Water Survival Pool: Ensuring crew members are fully prepared for water-based emergencies.

Source: Mark Kammer (Dynamic Advanced Training)

Related Posts

FTD.aero Awarded Contract for A320 and B737 FNPT II Devices for Turkish Airlines Flight Academy

Türkiye – flight simulator manufacturer FTD.aero has signed a contract with Turkish Airlines Flight Academy for the delivery of two state-of-the-art EASA FNPT II MCC (APS) flight simulators. Both devices will be built to airline-grade (FTD-2) fidelity and standards.

This new contract follows months of detailed evaluation, rigorous testing (conducted by A320 and B737 experts), on-site visits to FTD.aero’s facility and the customer’s location, and extensive technical discussions.

“We are extremely proud of this milestone, which confirms that FTD.aero simulators meet the highest standards set by the world’s leading airlines. Our commitment to quality, realism, and reliability continues to position FTD.aero among the top manufacturers of flight training devices worldwide. The feedback received from the evaluation teams of Turkish Airlines Flight Academy and their trust help us make our products better and better.” – commented Filip Witczak, FTD.aero Commercial Director

Source: FTD.aero
Photo Credits: FTD.aero

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Propair Flight – Digital Model Developer for Flight Simulators

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Balázs Bojkó, Chief Technology Officer at Propair Flight – which revolutionize the way new generations of pilots, whether future professionals or passionate enthusiasts learn and train. Believing that the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies, such as gaming engines, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, opens unprecedented opportunities to deliver educational experiences that are not only highly effective but also genuinely engaging and fun.

The conversation covers:

  • Propair Flight is a technology company specializing in developing high-fidelity virtual training environments for the aviation industry. Their work includes creating 3D aircraft and airport models, flight simulation systems, and immersive learning tools that make traditional pilot training more engaging and effective. The company has grown into a 42-member team driven by the vision of transforming how pilots learn and practice across all stages of their training journey.
  • From Simulation Design to Real-World Application: Propair Flight’s solutions go beyond visual realism — they focus on functionality, system accuracy, and scenario-based learning. Their technology allows pilots to train in highly detailed virtual environments that replicate real-world flight conditions, procedures, and decision-making situations. By combining technical precision with engaging user experiences, the company provides tools that enhance pilot readiness and confidence long before they enter a full-flight simulator.
  • Bridging the Gap Between Academy and Airline Training: The company’s Airbus A320 Guidance Management Trainer helps bridge the gap between type rating and real-world airline operations. Designed as a compact, single-pilot device, it allows pilots to practice normal procedures and automation management independently. Guided by built-in software and training programs, the device enables cadets to gain hands-on experience before entering full-flight simulators or line training.
  • Strategic Partnerships and Data-Driven Innovation: Propair Flight collaborates closely with AXIS Aviation to integrate VR and mixed-reality solutions into training ecosystems. Their joint work aims to offer full-scope training packages — from system familiarization to procedure trainers — while collecting performance data to validate training effectiveness. Balázs emphasizes that data-driven insights and certification are key to making AI and VR tools part of approved pilot training programs.
  • The Future of Pilot Training and Propair Flight’s Vision: Balázs predicts that simulators will evolve into intelligent training devices combining realism with interactive learning layers. He highlights the importance of developing not just technical, but also non-technical competencies like decision-making and teamwork. Looking ahead to 2026, Propair Flight plans to launch an integrated training suite combining flashcards, questionnaires, and VR tools — part of their mission to modernize training while preserving the core values of aviation instruction.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

CAE to Implement New Business Aviation SOPs Across Global Training Network in 2026

Global – CAE has announced the publication of the Airplane Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual, a new industry-wide framework created in partnership with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), aircraft manufacturers, operators, and training specialists. The initiative is designed to bring greater standardisation, safety, and operational consistency to business and general aviation—particularly for smaller operators with limited in-house training resources.

  • The new SOPs will support both single-pilot and multi-pilot operations across diverse business aviation fleets, addressing long-standing gaps in standardisation for operators managing only one or two aircraft.

  • CAE will embed the SOPs across its global business aviation training programmes from summer 2026, with instructor preparation beginning in early 2026 to enable a smooth and consistent rollout.

  • The publication provides a unified framework intended to reduce procedural variability, improve pilot resilience, and reinforce decision-making standards across day-to-day operations—not just within simulator sessions.

  • The initiative reflects increasing industry alignment around competency-based training, harmonised procedures, and standardised operational practices, areas where CAE has been expanding its global training leadership.

Statements

  • “The industry-wide collaboration to establish these SOPs shows that safety transcends everything, as everyone wins with safer skies… By embedding these standards across our worldwide training programs, we are encouraging the industry to adopt a unified approach that extends beyond the classroom and into daily operations,” said Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE.

Source: CAE

Related Posts