Bombardier CRJ 200/700 FFS arrives at Simaero training center in Johannesburg to meet regional training needs

Simaero, a major player in simulator-based pilot training, announces the relocation of a Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator from France to its training center in Johannesburg, South Africa. This strategic initiative, in cooperation with ICARE, is designed to meet the growing demand for pilot training from airlines in Africa and Southeast Asia. The simulator will be certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and should be ready for training in early 2025.

Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero commented: “This project represents a significant step forward for Simaero, as we continue to expand our high-quality training solutions for airlines worldwide. With simulators strategically located in France, South Africa, China and soon India, we guarantee airlines access to the training they need wherever they operate. It also underlines Simaero Engineering's expertise in managing complex simulator relocations.”

Philippe Goetz, Managing Director of ICARE said: “We have a long history of serving many African airlines with training, and were keen to enter into this agreement with Simaero to relocate our CRJ simulator to South Africa and establish commercial cooperation in the global CRJ training market.” 

Widening accessibility and reducing training costs for local CRJ pilots
 
CRJ series regional jets are used extensively in Africa and Southeast Asia. As a result, many pilots need to be trained every year to keep their license.
By relocating the CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator closer to demand, Simaero and ICARE are making training more accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel and cutting associated costs for airlines.
By offering complete training solutions locally, Simaero positions itself as a key partner for operators looking to expand or modernize their fleet with the CRJ, guaranteeing them access to first-rate training facilities.

Leveraging in-house expertise to accelerate simulator certification
 
The CRJ 200/700 flight simulator is currently being reassembled at Simaero's Johannesburg training center. This relocation project is the fruit of close collaboration with ICARE, the French training center that owns the aircraft. The project was carried out under the supervision of Simaero Engineering, a division with over ten years' experience in managing complex simulator relocations worldwide. The team will ensure full compliance with SACAA regulations to obtain certification of the aircraft in the coming months.
 
The CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator will be operational and ready for training in early 2025. The associated pilot training programs will be added to Simaero's SACAA-approved training organization (ATO) program. This simulator will join the five full-flight simulators already in operation at the Johannesburg center, which train pilots on the ATR 42/72-500, Beechcraft 1900, Dash 8-100/300, Embraer ERJ 145 and MD 82.