Market Intelligence: -Simulator Training Center

Global Pilot Training Group Simaero Introduces Full A350 Training Portfolio at Paris Facility

France – Global operator of full flight simulator training centers Simaero has introduced an expanded portfolio of Airbus A350 pilot training programs at its Paris CDG Training Center, addressing increasing global demand for A350-qualified flight crew and instructors.

  • The A350 program includes:

    • A350 Initial Type Rating, Refresher, and Renewal courses

    • A330 to A350 Common Type Rating (CTR)

    • TRI (Type Rating Instructor) and TRE (Type Rating Examiner) training programs

  • All courses are EASA-compliant and designed to align with current regulatory standards.

  • The A350 type rating course spans approximately 45 days, combining theoretical instruction and full-flight simulator (FFS) sessions.

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. 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.

Source: Simaero

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Simaero India Brings Pilot Training Perspective to Regional Air Connectivity Panel

India – At the ET Infra Air Summit 2025, industry leaders convened to discuss the future of India’s regional air connectivity. Among the panelists was Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, who shared insights from the perspective of a global simulator training provider.

The panel, titled “Airline Perspective for Regional Hub Development”, brought together senior figures from across India’s aviation ecosystem, including IndiGo, Federation of Indian Pilots, Vman Aero, and Simaero India.

Jattana emphasized the critical role of pilot training infrastructure in enabling sustainable growth of regional hubs, noting that without expanded simulator and training capacity, the sector will struggle to meet rising demand.

Source: Simaero India

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Global Pilot Training Group and Simulator Engineering Service Provider Simaero Strengthens North Africa Ties with Tunisia

Tunisia – Simaero, a leading global independent provider of full-flight simulator training and simulator engineering services, has conducted a strategic business mission in Tunis, Tunisia, aiming to deepen its footprint in North Africa’s growing aviation training market. Amir Mekhaeil, Business Development Director at Simaero, conducted the two-day visit.

“Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our clients here — engaging discussions, valuable insights, and exciting opportunities for collaboration ahead. It’s always rewarding to see how strong partnerships are built on trust and shared ambitions. Looking forward to continuing these fruitful exchanges tomorrow and strengthening Simaero’s presence in this dynamic region.” stated Mr Mekhaeil.

Source: Amir Mekhaeil (Simaero)

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Canada’s WestJet and CAE Sign 15 Year Training Agreement for 8 Bay FFS Training Center

Canada – WestJet and CAE announced the signing of a 15-year training agreement under which CAE will establish the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence (the Centre) for Aviation and Aerospace—a cutting-edge aviation training facility in Calgary, subject to customary contingencies. Slated to open in 2028, the 126,000 square foot facility will house eight full-flight simulators, with capacity for expansion, alongside cabin trainers and state of the art digital learning tools. WestJet will be the Centre’s primary commercial airline customer and be the first to schedule initial and recurrent training for pilots and cabin crew on Boeing 737MAX, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft. In partnership with Mount Royal University (MRU), the facility will be the first of its kind in Canada to combine state-of-the-art training equipment with collaborative research and development initiatives.

“WestJet’s commitment to being the first commercial airline customer at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is testament to our investment in our current and future WestJetters and in Calgary as an aviation hub,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. “This 15-year contract is a significant commitment that will ensure our people receive the highest standard of training for years to come, and we’re very pleased to join forces with CAE, a global leader in aviation training and fellow Canadian company, to bring this project to life.”

“Today marks a proud moment for CAE and for Canadian aviation,” said Matthew Bromberg, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence represents what’s possible when industry, academia, and government come together with a shared vision for innovation, safety, and workforce development. As global demand for aviation professionals accelerates, this centre positions Canada to remain at the forefront of training excellence. I am grateful to our partners for their trust and collaboration in shaping the future of aviation.”

“We’re honoured to take our longstanding partnership with WestJet to new heights and thank them for their continued trust and confidence,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation. “The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence marks a major milestone in CAE’s growth in Western Canada and underscores our commitment to being where our customers need us most. This achievement is also a testament to the collaboration and support of our government and industry partners, whose contributions helped bring this vision to life. We look forward to welcoming pilots and cabin crew to this state-of-the-art facility, proudly supporting these professionals for the moments that matter.”

A centerpiece of Calgary’s aviation hub

This initiative marks CAE’s expansion into Western Canada and anchors Calgary as a strategic hub for aviation workforce development. The high-quality training environment will support WestJet’s growing workforce, as well as personnel from other carriers, and will also serve the next generation of commercial aviators from Mount Royal University (MRU).

The facility is also expected to generate new jobs in construction, education and training, and will support both WestJet and CAE’s commitment to safety and operational excellence while driving economic opportunity and global connectivity for travel, trade and commerce.

Construction will begin later this year, with training operations and ongoing research and development initiatives launching upon completion in 2028.

Meeting the demand for aviation talent

WestJet’s long-term expansion strategy depends on a robust talent pipeline, and MRU’s collaboration with WestJet at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence will expose prospective professionals to commercial aviation through an Airline Transition Program (ATP) to be launched soon. The program will combine specialty training for MRU aviation students from WestJet with allocated simulator training time at the facility.

CAE will lead the design, development, and ongoing operation of the Centre, with MRU taking a leading role as the primary post-secondary collaborator by contributing academic research expertise and supporting mentorship and career-integrated student learning opportunities in partnership with both CAE and WestJet.

The agreement to develop the Centre of Excellence builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WestJet and the Government of Alberta, signed in 2022, to drive economic recovery and growth through the aerospace, aviation and logistics sectors in the province.

Government of Alberta – “The Training Centre of Excellence is about more than supporting one project. It is about securing Alberta’s place as a leader in aviation for decades to come. From training pilots to advancing aerospace technology, Alberta is stepping up to ensure our province is not only keeping pace with global demand but setting the standard for excellence. Calgary will be recognized worldwide as a hub of aviation expertise, and Alberta will be known as the place where talent, innovation and opportunity come together to power the future of flight,” said Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta.

“Our government is excited to help make the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence in aviation and aerospace a reality here in Calgary. This investment is a result of our focus on making Alberta the best place to do business. Low corporate taxes, reduced red tape, and competitive incentive programs like the Investment and Growth Fund continue to attract world-class investments, support workforce development, create jobs, and grow the economy,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.

Mount Royal University –“Mount Royal University is excited to partner with CAE and WestJet in shaping the future of aviation training, accelerating the path from first flight to a career in the industry. Through this collaboration, students will experience transformative opportunities—including advanced training programs, access to advanced simulators, CAE scholarships, and networking and mentorship from industry leaders.

Combining cutting-edge simulation technologies with integrated teaching and research initiatives will elevate our Aviation programs and empower the next generation of aviation professionals to lead with safety, innovation, and excellence,” said Mount Royal University president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Tim Rahilly.

The City of Calgary – “Calgary is positioning itself as a national leader in aerospace innovation, and this $6.9 million investment marks a pivotal step forward,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By developing local talent, advancing research and supporting industry collaboration, we’re helping solve national challenges while building a more resilient and future-focused economy as Canada’s inland port.”

Calgary Airports – “The development and construction of the Alberta Centre for Excellence is a major step forward in establishing Calgary and Alberta as a leader in critical aviation infrastructure,” says Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. “Envisioned at Calgary Airports, it will be a cornerstone in YYC AeroNex, a future-focused network of facilities that connects technology, innovation, infrastructure and education to transform our local economy and build the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund –“Today marks another important step in making our city and our region an aviation hub. The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), along with our partners at the Government of Alberta, CAE, WestJet, and Mount Royal University, is committed to help build the aviation workforce of tomorrow. Through OCIF, we’re helping do what Calgary does best: connecting bold ideas with the right people together to make amazing things happen and to build a strong, resilient economic future for our city,” said Brad Parry, CEO and President, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.

About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

About CAE
At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness—today and tomorrow.

About Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University is one of Canada’s top destinations for undergraduate studies. It offers small class sizes and personalized student services within a scholarly community renowned for academic excellence and a focus on teaching and learning. Founded in 1910, Mount Royal remains dedicated to the success of its students. Today, more than 15,000 students choose from 13 bachelor’s degrees and 38 majors. More than 110,000 Mount Royal alumni are contributing to their communities worldwide.

Source: CAE

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Proflight Training Selects Heading365 as FMS Solution Provider

Australia – Proflight Training, an advanced flight training organisation delivering DHC8 and A320 type rating training. ATPL licence training and testing, has partnered with FMS solutions provider Heading365 to enhance its MCC and Type Rating training across the Asia–Pacific region.

  • Heading365 will deploy its customised Flight Management System (FMS) training software across Proflight Training’s locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, Bangkok, and Tokyo.

  • The digital suite covers major aircraft types including the A320, A330, B737, and E-Jet families.

  • The integration standardises theoretical learning and enhances the transfer of knowledge to simulator sessions and aircraft operations.

  • Instructors benefit from consistent content delivery, improving scalability while reducing sim repetition and overall training time.

Source: Heading365

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Emirates Opens New 6 Bay Full Flight Simulator Training Center in Dubai

United Arab Emirates – Emirates announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art flight crew training centre, which aligns with the airline’s strategic growth. The facility will provide current and future pilots training on its fleet of Airbus A350s and its upcoming Boeing 777Xs.

The purpose-built and high-tech facility, spanning 63,318 sq. ft., houses six full flight simulator bays. Strategically located near other Emirates training facilities in Dubai, the centre is part of a strong, vibrant aviation hub for employees’ personal and professional growth and development.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, said:“Our new Emirates Crew Training Centre is a gamechanger and has a significant role to play, both in the industry’s ecosystem and Dubai’s emergence as a global aviation hub. Every dirham of our AED 500 million investment is already delivering value. The centre sets new firsts and serves as best-in-class in aviation training, shaping our programmes and preparation for our future fleet. Above all, our pilots and instructors have shared stellar feedback on the new facility and that is immensely rewarding.”

Emirates’ pilots have every reason to be thrilled with the new centre. The simulators are integrated with the innovative Pilot Support Station (PSS), an industry first entirely conceptualised inhouse, to optimise the training experience. Prior to their training session, pilots can configure their flight deck, even build a flight plan, in a fully immersive environment using bespoke devices. By streamlining preparation, pilots can maximise learning outcomes. Training sessions are fully recorded, enabling instructors to replay any moment to enhance performance review and learning.

The centre also boasts of sophisticated 3D printing capabilities to create complex components and structures that support Emirates’ training equipment across the campus. This capability generates an impressive annual saving of up to AED 1 million.

The centre has commenced training pilots with two A350 full flight simulators. Four more, including Boeing 777Xs simulators, are scheduled to be welcomed in the next couple of years.

Each simulator has the capacity to deliver 7,500 hours of training for up to 1,000 pilots every year. Once fully operational, Emirates’ pilots will have access to 17 simulators, including 11 for training on A380s and Boeing 777s. Across all its facilities, Emirates’ capacity will expand by 54%, offering a solid 130,000 training hours to its pilot community every year.

Emirates’ first A350 full flight simulator received a level D qualification, the highest rating for this type of simulator, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). What’s more, it is the first globally at the latest Airbus A350 Standard 1.3, achieving qualification with zero findings, another rare feat.

Pilots at Emirates complete robust, evidence-based and competency-based training programmes with highly skilled instructors. The new Emirates Crew Training Centre also houses four spacious classrooms for facilitating courses in pilot recurrent, conversion and command training.

Besides the Emirates Crew Training Centre, the airline offers a range of world-class training and development programmes for its employees and for other aviation professionals. Other facilities in Dubai include the Emirates Flight Training Academy for cadets, Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre, and the Emirates Aviation College that offer hundreds of specialists, technical and soft skills courses for its employees and the broader aviation community.

Emirates is on a massive growth trajectory and on the lookout for pilots for its three programmes – Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command and First Officers non-type rated. Those aspiring to join the world’s largest international and most profitable airline with the biggest fleets of A380s and Boeing 777s, are invited to apply.

Source: Emirates

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