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Simtech Aviation Expands Dublin Training Centre Through Partnership with Aer Lingus, Part of International Airlines Group

Dublin, Ireland – Simtech Aviation has announced the expansion of its Dublin-based pilot training facilities through a long-term partnership with Aer Lingus, part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups, supporting the delivery of advanced full-flight simulator training for Airbus aircraft.

The programme will see the introduction of new CAE full-flight simulators for the Airbus A320, A330 and A321XLR at Simtech’s Dublin training centre.

The A320 CEO/NEO and A330 CEO/NEO Full-Flight Simulators are scheduled to enter service in early 2026, with the A321XLR simulator to follow in early 2027.

The partnership is designed to support growing airline pilot training demand and further strengthens Dublin’s position as a key European Aviation training hub.

Founded in 2001, Simtech Aviation is approved by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and EASA as a leading European Approved Training Organisation (ATO). The company has trained more than 5,500 student pilots and works with airlines and flight schools across Ireland, the UK and Europe, delivering training across Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft.

In addition to the newly announced simulators, Simtech currently operates a broad range of training assets at its Dublin facility, including:

  • ATR 500 and ATR 600 full-flight simulators supporting EASA type rating and recurrent pilot training
  • A fixed-base Boeing 737-800NG simulator used for APS MCC training for both EASA and UK CAA cadets along with stand-alone EASA MCC course
  • An Airbus A320 full-flight simulator, with increased availability anticipated from mid-2026, enabling expanded pilot assessment activity and future training programmes

Together, this capability positions Simtech Aviation as Ireland’s largest full-flight simulator training centre, supporting airline and cadet pilot training across multiple aircraft types.

Alongside its airline training operations, Simtech has become a recognised centre of excellence for student pilot training, working closely with Irish, UK and European flight schools to deliver airline-aligned advanced simulator programmes. Its focus on instructor expertise, modern infrastructure and operational reliability has positioned Simtech as a trusted partner in preparing pilots for airline operations.

This partnership represents an important milestone in Simtech Aviation’s long-term development and reinforces its commitment to supporting airline and pilot training requirements well into the future.

About Simtech Aviation 
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Dublin, Simtech Aviation is a leading European aviation training organisation approved by the IAA and EASA. The company provides airline pilot training, type ratings, APS MCC programmes and recurrent training across Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft, serving airlines and flight schools throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe. 

About International Airlines Group (IAG) 
International Airlines Group is one of the world’s largest airline groups, comprising Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL. IAG operates a fleet of modern aircraft across short-haul and long-haul networks and continues to invest in training, sustainability and fleet development to support long-term growth.

Source: Simtech Aviation
Photo Credit: Simtech Aviation

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US Aviation and Flight Training Group Epic Flight Academy to Open First Connecticut Flight Training Campus at Danbury Airport

Connecticut, USA – Epic Flight Academy, one of the largest FAA Part 141 flight training organisations in the United States, has confirmed plans to open a new flight training campus at Danbury Municipal Airport, marking its first training location in Connecticut and further expanding its national footprint.

  • The new campus is scheduled to open in June or July and will operate from the Business Aircraft Center at Danbury Municipal Airport.

  • Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the US and operates 10 flight training schools and two FAA Part 147 aircraft maintenance technician schools nationwide.

  • The Danbury facility will include approximately 2,000 square feet of instructional and office space and is expected to initially employ around 10 staff members.

  • The first intake is planned for approximately 30 student pilots, with training focused primarily on professional pilot pathways, including airline careers.

  • The airport’s controlled airspace and proximity to major Northeast corridors, including Hartford, New Haven, and New York, were cited as key operational advantages for pilot training.

  • Epic maintains airline partnerships, college and university credit transfer agreements with five institutions, and scholarship programmes supporting pilot and aircraft mechanic career pathways.

  • All training aircraft to be used at the new location by Epic Flight Academy are factory-new, supporting standardised training delivery and safety-focused operations.

Statements

  • “Epic Flight Academy coming to the Danbury Municipal Airport is a great fit for this aviation community because they bring a strong training program, experienced instructors, and a clear commitment to developing skilled local aviators,” said Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator.

  • “It’s an excellent facility for pilot training because it offers air traffic control and close proximity to all types of airspace,” said Danny Perna, Founder and CEO of Epic Flight Academy.

  • “This is exactly the type of investment that builds the future of Danbury’s workforce,” said Roberto Alves, Mayor of Danbury.

  • “The first class will be comprised primarily of students from the area or those who move there to train at Epic,” said Cindy Lovell, Director of Education at Epic Flight Academy.

Epic Flight Academy continues a period of rapid expansion, having opened five new pilot training campuses in 2025 across Addison (TX), Englewood (CO), St. George (UT), Tuscaloosa (AL), Provo (UT) and plans to open in Connecticut in 2026. The organization also operates pilot schools in New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Tucson, as well as aircraft mechanic schools in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Erlanger, KY.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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