Fiji Airways has unveiled significant enhancements at its Aviation Academy with the commissioning of two new CAE 7000XR full flight simulators. These simulators cater to the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft models, alongside two new CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8.
The state-of-the-art simulators have been installed, commissioned, and certified by both EASA and CAAF, marking a crucial milestone in the Academy’s mission to provide top-tier training for pilots and engineers. Since its opening in December 2019, the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has focused on developing local talent and delivering comprehensive training solutions.
The Academy is well-equipped to address a variety of aviation training needs, including those of pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and safety personnel. By incorporating advanced training technology directly within Fiji, the Academy enhances its capacity to support local professionals, minimizing the necessity for extensive overseas travel. This approach allows pilots and engineers to remain closer to their families as they further their careers, emphasizing the Academy’s commitment to their welfare and professional growth.
The introduction of these full-flight simulators and fixed training devices strengthens Fiji Airways’ stature as a premier aviation training hub in the Pacific. The A350 and ATR full flight simulators are designed to deliver the most advanced, realistic, and comprehensive training experience, utilizing cutting-edge technology to mimic real-world flying conditions.
Fiji Airways’ Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, remarked that the addition of these simulators marks a significant advancement for the Aviation Academy. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to maintaining high training and safety standards for pilots and engineers, establishing Fiji as a regional leader in aviation excellence. By bringing advanced technology to Fiji, the airline ensures that its professionals have access to tools necessary for career success.
Since its inception, the Academy has achieved notable milestones, including keeping the national technical crew up-to-date during the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing 34 national pilots into seat positions, facilitating 45 type ratings for new national pilots, supporting 74 foreign license conversions, reintegrating 13 Fijian pilots returning from overseas, and training over 600 local cabin crew members.
Earlier in 2023, the Board approved an investment for four additional pilot training devices that will double the existing synthetic training capabilities. This investment totals approximately FJ$160 million, which includes FJ$85 million in Phase 1 and an additional FJ$75 million in Phase 2a.
With the recent inauguration, the Academy now features four full flight simulators that encompass all of Fiji Airways’ fleet types, along with four FTDs, all set for training. This development underscores the commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring Fiji’s position at the forefront of global aviation.
The Academy’s growth will continue beyond the current Phase 2a, with plans to establish it as the preferred destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific. The aim is to expand the Academy based on Fiji Airways’ own training needs while competing for a share of the global airline training market, thereby generating new revenue streams for the airline.
Furthermore, in addition to fulfilling Fiji Airways’ training requirements, the Academy is equipped to accommodate training needs for foreign third-party airlines. This revenue generation will help sustainably lower the Academy’s operational costs.