Simaero inaugurates its first pilot training centre in China

Simaero is expanding its operations in China to meet the increasing air traffic and growing demand for pilot training. The company inaugurated its first training center in China on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. This initiative represents a major step in Simaero's strategy development in China, with an investment of over US$ 70 million and the planned opening of two additional centers by 2025. This project is the result of a collaboration between Simaero and Hunan Hongyi Flight Training Co., Ltd. It also marks the first training center of its kind in the Hunan province, one of the most densely populated regions in China with approximately 67 million residents.

Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero, commented: "The inauguration of our training center in Changsha marks a crucial milestone in our expansion in China.It demonstrates our dedication to investing in aviation training in the country, and more specifically in the Hunan region. We reaffirm our commitment to working in synergy with local partners, in a spirit of knowledge exchange."

Lei Jiang, General Manager of Simaero China, said: "This inauguration marks a new chapter in Simaero China, highlighting the vast potential we perceive in this country. With its strategic location, cutting-edge equipment, and the expertise of our local team, I am confident that this center will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pilot training in the region."

New Simaero Training Center, strategically located near Changsha Huanghua International Airport, one of the major air hubs in China, offers easy access and is perfectly suited to a dynamic Chinese market, which has seen an annual increase of 10% in the number of pilots since 2018. The center inaugurates its fleet with an Airbus 320 neo/ceo flight simulator, the first of six planned, providing pilots with a realistic and immersive training experience. This innovative device, recently certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, is awaiting certification from EASA.

Upon its opening, the center will welcome both local and international airlines for simulator training of their crews. Eventually, an extensive range of training programs will be offered, facilitated by Simaero establishing its own Approved Training Organization, certified by the CAAC.