FIJI Airways has made a significant upgrade to its aviation academy by officially commissioning two new CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72, along with two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8. This unveiling, which took place this week, represents a major advancement in the academy’s mission to provide top-tier training for pilots and engineers, as confirmed by Fiji Airways in a recent statement.
André Viljoen, the CEO and Managing Director of Fiji Airways, emphasized that these new full flight simulators mark a considerable leap forward for the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy (FJAA). He remarked that this addition demonstrates the airline’s commitment to upholding high training and safety standards for both pilots and engineers, and underscores Fiji’s ambition to be a regional leader in aviation.
During the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the importance of such technological advancements in Fiji’s economic diversification efforts. He noted that these advanced simulators keep Fiji competitive globally by providing training solutions that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. He also pointed out that the enhanced training capabilities of the Aviation Academy would maintain safety and service excellence, ultimately benefiting the tourism sector and local economy.
This addition is part of a broader investment strategy at Fiji Airways. Earlier this year, the board approved funding for four additional pilot training devices, effectively doubling the previous training resources. The total investment stands at approximately $160 million, comprising an initial $85 million in Phase 1 and an additional $75 million in Phase 2a.
With the recent inauguration, the academy now features four full flight simulators representing all aircraft types in the Fiji Airways fleet, as well as four fixed training devices, fully operational for training use. Viljoen remarked that this development accentuates their dedication to developing local talent and securing Fiji’s place in global aviation.
Since its inauguration in December 2019, FJAA has accomplished several milestones, including maintaining the airline’s national technical crew during the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing 34 national pilots into operational roles, facilitating over 45 Type Ratings, and providing training for more than 600 local cabin crew members. The academy has notably saved the airline millions in pilot training costs and serves as Fiji’s own training hub for aviation professionals.
Viljoen explained that the academy is now adequately equipped to meet diverse training needs, encompassing pilot, cabin crew, engineering, and safety training, while allowing local professionals to develop their careers without the necessity for international travel. This approach also ensures that these individuals remain closer to their families.
The newly introduced simulators are designed to offer trainees the most advanced and realistic training experience, using state-of-the-art technology to replicate actual flying conditions.
Fiji Airways has plans to extend its investments beyond the current Phase 2a and aims to position FJAA as the premier destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific. The airline aspires to base the academy’s growth on its own training needs and leverage additional capacity by offering training services to foreign airlines, thereby generating revenue to reduce the academy’s operating costs.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged that Fiji Airways’ progress benefits not only the nation but also neighboring Pacific countries, enhancing regional connectivity and enabling better support for their economies. He stressed that the academy’s expanded capabilities would establish Fiji as an aviation training hub, providing first-class training opportunities within the Pacific region.