FIJI Airways has introduced advanced technology to its aviation academy with the commissioning of two new CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8. The state-of-the-art simulators have been installed and certified by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), which is a significant achievement for the academy’s mission to provide top-tier training for pilots and engineers.
Andre Viljoen, the chief executive officer and managing director of Fiji Airways, emphasized that the addition of these simulators is a major advancement for the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy (FJAA). He stated that it underscores their commitment to delivering high standards of safety and training for pilots and engineers while aiming to position Fiji as a regional hub of aviation excellence.
During the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that such technological advancements are vital to Fiji’s efforts in building a more diverse and resilient economy. He noted that these simulators ensure Fiji’s competitiveness on the global stage by offering training solutions that adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Rabuka added that the enhanced training capabilities of the Aviation Academy will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of safety, thereby improving the travel experiences of visitors and positively impacting the tourism sector.
The new simulators represent part of Fiji Airways’ ongoing investment in the academy. Earlier in 2023, the board approved funding for four additional pilot training devices, doubling the academy’s existing training footprint, with a total investment of approximately $160 million split between two phases.
With this latest addition, the academy now hosts four full flight simulators representing all of Fiji Airways’ fleet types, in addition to four fixed training devices, all set for training activities. Viljoen remarked that this growing infrastructure reflects the organization’s commitment to developing local talent and maintaining Fiji’s prominence in global aviation.
Since its inception in December 2019, FJAA has reached several milestones, including ensuring the proficiency of national technical crew during the pandemic, facilitating the progression of 34 national pilots, supporting the conversion of 74 foreign licenses, and providing training for over 600 local cabin crew members. The academy has significantly reduced training costs for the airline and has emerged as a key center for aviation training, focusing on nurturing local talent and providing comprehensive training solutions.
The newly acquired simulators will offer trainees the most advanced and realistic training experience possible by simulating authentic flying conditions. Fiji Airways plans to continue its investments beyond the current phase to make FJAA the preferred destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific. The airline aims to use its own needs as the foundation for the academy while also competing in the global airline training market and generating additional revenue through services offered to foreign airlines.
The plans align with Fiji’s leadership role in the Pacific, enhancing regional connectivity and allowing for better support of neighboring island economies. The academy’s expanded capabilities will enable training for pilots and engineers from across the Pacific, solidifying Fiji’s status as a central hub for aviation training and providing world-class training right in the Pacific.