Fiji Airways has introduced advanced simulators at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy. The new equipment includes the CAE 7000XR full flight simulator designed for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two additional CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTD) for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8.
These simulators, approved by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), enhance the Academy’s ability to provide top-tier training for pilots and engineers. Fiji Airways’ CEO and managing director, Andre Viljoen, emphasized that the introduction of these full flight simulators marks a significant advancement for the Academy. He stated it underscores the airline’s commitment to upholding high training and safety standards for their personnel, while also positioning Fiji as a regional hub for aviation excellence.
The Academy, which opened in December 2019, has been pivotal in developing local talent and minimizing the need for training abroad. The total investment in the Academy, including the latest simulators, amounts to approximately $160 million. This development enables the Academy to meet not only Fiji Airways’ training requirements but also to accommodate third-party airlines, thus creating new revenue opportunities.