FIJI Airways has unveiled the latest advancements in its aviation academy with the official launch of two new CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices (FTDs) for the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8. This development came after the successful installation, commissioning, and certification of the new simulators by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF).
Andre Viljoen, CEO and Managing Director of Fiji Airways, highlighted the importance of these full flight simulators, stating that they represent a significant advancement for the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy (FJAA). He emphasized the airline’s commitment to high training and safety standards, aiming to establish Fiji as a regional leader in aviation excellence.
During the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the significance of such technological advancements in boosting Fiji’s economy. He noted that these new simulators will help keep Fiji competitive globally by providing state-of-the-art training solutions that align with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Furthermore, he stated that the enhanced training capabilities at the academy will elevate safety and service standards, ultimately benefiting Fiji’s tourism sector.
The acquisition of the new simulators is part of Fiji Airways’ broader investment strategy in the academy, which includes a total investment of around $160 million. Plans were approved in early 2023 for four additional pilot training devices, effectively doubling the academy’s existing training capacity. With the latest installations, FJAA now boasts four full flight simulators, catering to the entire fleet of Fiji Airways, alongside four fixed training devices, all ready to deliver training.
Since its inception in December 2019, FJAA has achieved significant milestones, including facilitating the progression of 34 national pilots and training over 600 local cabin crew members. The academy has become a vital training hub in Fiji, providing comprehensive training solutions in various aviation fields while significantly reducing training costs for the airline.
Fiji Airways intends to continue its investment in FJAA beyond the current phase, aiming to establish it as the preferred destination for commercial aviation training in the Pacific. The airline plans to leverage its training needs to compete for a share of the global airline training market, enabling additional revenue streams. The academy’s enhanced capabilities will also attract trainees from other Pacific island nations, reinforcing Fiji’s position as a regional aviation training hub, which Prime Minister Rabuka noted would uplift the region as a whole.