French pilot training company Simaero, in partnership with Turkish technology firm HAVELSAN, has announced plans to establish a flight simulator training center near Delhi International Airport. The facility, scheduled to open by the end of the first quarter of 2024, will house HAVELSAN's A320NEO flight simulator, marking the company's first export of its simulator technology.
This initiative is part of Simaero’s $100 million investment in India's aviation sector, aimed at addressing the growing demand for pilot training. Initially featuring the A320NEO simulator, the center plans to include additional simulators for aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 and Boeing 737 to cater to the diverse training requirements of the Indian aviation industry.
The Indian aviation market is witnessing significant growth, with major airlines placing orders for over 1,000 aircraft. This expansion has led to a rising demand for skilled pilots and advanced training facilities. The new center is expected to contribute to addressing this need, particularly for narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 family, which is widely used by Indian carriers.
Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, noted the importance of the partnership with HAVELSAN in meeting the country's pilot training needs. Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO of HAVELSAN, highlighted the deal as a milestone for the Turkish company, which has previously served domestic clients but is now entering the international market.
Looking ahead, Simaero has outlined plans for an additional $100 million investment to establish smaller satellite training centers in cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata by 2026. These centers are expected to support training for wide-body aircraft as Indian airlines expand their fleets.
The collaboration between HAVELSAN and Simaero is positioned to play a key role in enhancing pilot training infrastructure in India, aligning with the rapid growth of the country's aviation sector.
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