Fiji Airways has unveiled significant upgrades at its Aviation Academy with the official launch of two new CAE 7000XR full flight simulators tailored for Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) for Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8. These advanced simulators, which have been successfully installed, commissioned, and certified by EASA and CAAF, represent an important advancement in the Academy’s mission to provide exceptional training for pilots and engineers.
Since opening its doors in December 2019, the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has focused on cultivating local talent and delivering extensive training programs. The Academy is designed to meet various aviation training requirements, encompassing pilot, cabin crew, engineering, and safety education. By introducing advanced training technologies in Fiji, the Academy enhances its capability to support local professionals, enabling them to receive high-quality training while remaining close to their families.
The launch of the full-flight simulators and FTDs reinforces Fiji Airways’ status as a premier aviation training center in the Pacific. The new simulators will offer trainees a sophisticated and realistic training experience, utilizing the latest technology to replicate actual flight conditions.
Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, remarked that the new full flight simulators for A350 and ATR aircraft mark a significant milestone for the Aviation Academy. He emphasized the company’s commitment to upholding the highest training and safety standards for its pilots and engineers and to establishing Fiji as a regional aviation excellence hub. The integration of advanced training technology in Fiji ensures that professionals have the necessary tools to thrive in their careers.
Since its inception, the Academy has achieved several notable accomplishments, such as maintaining the skills of the national technical crew during the COVID period, enabling 34 national pilots to progress to seat positions, conducting 45 Type Ratings for local pilots, supporting 74 foreign license conversions, re-integrating 13 Fijian pilots returning from abroad, and training over 600 local cabin crew.
Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board greenlit an investment in four additional pilot training devices, which will double its synthetic training device capacity. The total investment is approximately FJ$160 million, including FJ$85 million from Phase 1 and an additional FJ$75 million from Phase 2a.
With the inauguration of these facilities, the Academy now operates four full flight simulators for Fiji Airways’ fleet and four FTDs, all prepared for training. This development showcases the commitment to nurturing local talent and positioning Fiji at the forefront of the global aviation sector. The Academy plans to continue its investment beyond Phase 2a to become the leading destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific.
The Academy also has the capacity to provide training to foreign airlines, creating additional revenue that will sustainably reduce its operational costs.