Simaero and Havelsan Forge a Strategic Partnership: A Landmark in Flight Simulator Training
In a significant development for the aviation sector, Simaero and Havelsan have announced the signing of its first A320 NEO full-flight simulator for its state-of-the-art training facility. This partnership signals a major stride in aviation training infrastructure, meeting the surging demand for skilled pilots in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
India’s Aviation Growth and Simaero’s Role
India is experiencing exponential growth in its aviation sector, with over 1,700 aircraft currently on order, most of which are narrow-body. The country is projected to retain its position as the third-largest aviation market globally by 2037, handling an estimated 570 million passengers. This expansion has necessitated advanced pilot training facilities to cater to the rising demand.
Simaero, a French-based simulator training company with over 20 years of expertise, trains more than 2,000 pilots annually, serving 220 airlines in 80 countries. Certified by 50 civil aviation authorities, Simaero’s global portfolio includes advanced training facilities in Europe, South Africa, and China. Its entry into India involves a $100 million investment to develop an eight-bay full-flight simulator centre near Gurgaon by March 2025, with plans to expand to two additional satellite centres within the next five years.
Commitment to Local Development in India
Simaero’s India operations, established in mid-2023, are driven by a localised team under Indian leadership. The Gurgaon facility will feature advanced A320neo simulators from Havelsan and cater to neighbouring countries preferring EASA-certified training. Simaero is also launching simulator engineering programs in India, training engineers to work in global facilities across France and South Africa, fostering local job creation and skill development.
Simaero’s Global Footprint and Expansion Plans
Simaero operates 41 simulators worldwide, including collaborations with Air France in Europe and state-of-the-art facilities in South Africa and China. The company plans to establish an eight-simulator training facility near IGI Airport, Gurgaon, by March 2025. This will include narrow-body simulators such as A320, 737-NG/MAX, ATR72-600, and potentially wide-body simulators, depending on market demand.
“India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increased regional connectivity and record orders for single-aisle aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 aircraft family. Partnering with HAVELSAN to introduce the first A320 NEO full-flight simulator at our Delhi facility marks the initial step in our commitment to addressing the rapidly growing demand for pilot training in the country. Our new facility in Delhi will provide high-quality, cost-effective training solutions, reducing the need for airlines to send pilots abroad for training—an expensive proposition,” said Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India.
Simaero and Havelsan are eyeing additional markets, including Saudi Arabia, with plans for an eight-simulator training centre in Riyadh by 2026. The Paris facility will debut an A350 simulator in 2025, highlighting Simaero’s focus on diversifying its simulator fleet, which already includes helicopter and turboprop models.
HAVELSAN’s Technological Leadership
HAVELSAN, a global leader in simulator manufacturing and ranked among the top five manufacturers worldwide, brings state-of-the-art technology to this partnership. The company’s simulators, including A320neo and 737 MAX, are recognised for their robustness and efficiency. Havelsan integrates cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality into its simulation solutions, ensuring they meet evolving industry needs.
“As HAVELSAN, we are incredibly excited about the deployment of our Airbus A320 neo full flight simulator to Simaero. This milestone is not only a proud moment for us but also a reflection of the trust we’ve earned from global training centres like Simaero. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop cutting-edge simulators that meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and this delivery proves that our commitment is being recognised internationally. We are thrilled to support Simaero’s world-class pilot training programs and look forward to continuing to strengthen our global partnerships in aviation.” stated Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D CEO of HAVELSAN.
The partnership with Simaero also marks Havelsan’s first international simulator export to India, reflecting its strategic focus on expanding into key global aviation markets. This collaboration not only strengthens Havelsan’s international presence but also underscores its commitment to developing world-class training solutions.
The global flight simulator market, valued at $5 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $8 billion by 2033. Havelsan is poised to capitalise on this growth by leveraging its high-tech solutions and robust certification capabilities. Its simulators are certified by top aviation authorities and trusted by leading airlines.
Simaero’s Business Verticals
Simaero operates across three key verticals:
- Dry Leasing: Airlines lease simulators for independent operation.
- Wet Leasing and Approved Training Organization (ATO): Simaero is an EASA-certified ATO, offering tailored pilot training, including Type Ratings, TRI, SFI, and refreshers.
- Simulator Engineering Services: Includes relocation, installation, upgrades, and maintenance of simulators globally. Simaero ensures 99% availability for airlines that purchase simulators and offers comprehensive support to meet client needs.
Simaero’s plans for Wide-body Simulators
Addressing a question about wide-body simulators, Simaero representatives confirmed they are in the planning phase to introduce these advanced models. With most wide-body aircraft deliveries to Indian airlines expected between 2026 and 2027, the decision will align with market demand and discussions with airlines. Potential options include A350, 787, and 777X simulators, selected based on their relevance to Indian carriers.
Facility Development and Phased Growth
The Gurgaon facility, set to launch in early 2025, will initially house simulators for the A320, ATR72-600, and 737 MAX models. The centre is designed to accommodate eight full-flight simulators, with phased additions planned over time. By the end of the first phase, four A320 simulators will be operational alongside other models to address growing market needs.
Dry Leasing and Airline Partnerships
Simaero is open to partnerships with all airlines, including major Indian players like Indigo and Air India. The company’s approach emphasises flexibility and a commitment to serving diverse clients, maintaining its reputation as a global service provider.
Investment Plans and Training Projections
The development of Simaero’s training infrastructure in India involves a phased investment of $200 million over the next decade. The first phase, focused on the eight-bay facility in Gurgaon, will require $100 million. Additional satellite centres—smaller, four-bay facilities in other regions of India—will account for the remaining $100 million.
Simaero projects training over 2,000 pilots in the first three years of operations, with capacity scaling up to 5,000 pilots annually as the facility expands. These numbers reflect the company’s commitment to addressing the surging demand for skilled pilots in the region.
This partnership represents Havelsan’s first international simulator export to India, showcasing the company’s ambition to establish itself in the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation market. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing aviation technology, fostering local development, and shaping the next generation of skilled pilots.
