FIJI Airways has recently announced the commissioning of two new state-of-the-art CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two new CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) designed for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8. This development at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy (FJAA) is aimed at enhancing the training of pilots and engineers.
The new simulators have been successfully installed and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). Fiji Airways emphasized this addition as a significant milestone in their commitment to providing high-quality training.
Andre Viljoen, chief executive officer and managing director of Fiji Airways, described the incorporation of the new simulators as a major advancement for the aviation academy. He expressed that it demonstrates their commitment to the highest training standards and to establishing Fiji as a leader in aviation excellence within the region.
During the commissioning event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka underscored the importance of such technological advancements in Fiji’s pursuit of a resilient economy. He noted that these capabilities will help Fiji maintain competitiveness internationally and adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
The new training facilities contribute to strengthening Fiji’s tourism sector by ensuring top-notch safety and service standards, which are vital for enhancing visitors’ travel experiences.
This initiative is part of a broader investment strategy by Fiji Airways, which has allocated approximately $160 million for the aviation academy’s development. The recent installation of the simulators expands the academy’s capacity, which now features four full flight simulators for all types of aircraft in Fiji Airways’ fleet.
Since its establishment in December 2019, the FJAA has achieved numerous milestones, including the ongoing training of the national technical crew during the pandemic, facilitating the career progression of local pilots, and offering comprehensive training solutions for over 600 cabin crew members. This initiative not only saves the airline substantial training costs but also acts as a local talent incubator for the aviation sector.
Looking ahead, Fiji Airways plans to further develop FJAA into a premier destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific region. The airline aims to attract international clients while ensuring it meets its own training needs, thereby creating additional revenue streams.
Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted that the academy’s enhanced capabilities will benefit not only Fiji but also neighboring Pacific nations, as it seeks to improve regional connectivity and cooperation in aviation training.
Overall, the advancements at Fiji Airways’ aviation academy are designed to elevate Fiji’s status as a training hub in the region and contribute positively to the wider Pacific community.