FIJI Airways has launched two new cutting-edge CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, as well as two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) intended for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8, at its aviation academy. The advanced simulators have been successfully installed, commissioned, and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). This development represents a significant milestone in the academy’s commitment to providing world-class training for pilots and engineers.
Fiji Airways’ CEO and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, emphasized that the new simulators will greatly enhance the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy’s capabilities. “This highlights our dedication to offering the highest standards of training and safety for our pilots and engineers and strengthens our promise to make Fiji a regional leader in aviation excellence,” Viljoen remarked during the commissioning ceremony.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka noted that technological innovations like these simulators are pivotal for Fiji’s economic diversification and resilience. He stated, “They help ensure that Fiji remains competitive on the global stage by providing advanced training solutions that adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization standards.” He added that these enhancements are critical for maintaining high safety and service standards, which in turn benefit Fiji’s tourism industry.
This initiative is part of a larger investment strategy by Fiji Airways, which recently approved an investment of nearly $160 million to expand its training capabilities. The funds are part of a phased plan, consisting of an initial investment of $85 million and an additional $75 million for further development.
With these additions, the academy now features four full flight simulators that cover all types of aircraft in Fiji Airways’ fleet, along with four fixed training devices, all of which are ready for use. Viljoen remarked that this achievement underscores their commitment to cultivating local talent and ensuring Fiji remains a front-runner in global aviation.
Since opening in December 2019, the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has successfully supported numerous milestones, including the training of local pilots, engineering staff, and cabin crew, significantly reducing training costs for the airline while nurturing talent within the country. The academy is tailored to meet a diverse range of aviation training needs, including pilot, cabin crew, engineering, and safety training.
Fiji Airways aims to continue its investment in the academy to transform it into the Pacific’s top destination for commercial aviation training. The new training capabilities are expected to not only serve the airline’s needs but also attract foreign airlines, providing an additional revenue source that will help sustain operational costs.
The expansion plans underline Fiji’s role as a leader in regional aviation, as Rabuka highlighted the importance of these developments for enhancing regional connectivity and training opportunities for Pacific Island nations. He noted that the academy’s enhanced capabilities will enable it to train pilots and engineers from across the region, positioning Fiji as a hub for world-class aviation training in the Pacific.