SriLankan Flight Academy opens
Aircraft flying training entered a new dimension in Sri Lanka, with
the opening of SriLankan Airlines’ Flight Academy, with its first Airbus
A320 full flight simulator, located in the Bandaranaike International
Airport (BIA).
Offering a total flying experience on ground, it facilitates training
for pilots not only in Sri Lanka but in the region of South Asia.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the facility yesterday continuing
his visionary drive towards the government’s target in turning Sri Lanka
into a regional hub for knowledge and education.
SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe expressed his
gratitude for the vision, direction and support extended to the national
carrier to expand and move forward, as part of a futuristic national
plan to develop the aviation sector for the future generations in Sri
Lanka.
The Chairman said, “Today, we begin a new phase in Sri Lanka’s
Aviation sector and we look forward to being a centre of training
excellence to the current and future pilots in the region.”
SriLankan Airlines signed a ten year lease agreement with SIM
Industries Netherlands to promote the training capability in the region.
The Airbus A320 Simulator will be able to provide the required flying
training for SriLankan cadet pilots, first officers and captains as well
as provide training time to guest pilots from other airlines in the
region.
SIM Industries CEO Frank Uit den Bogaard said: “SIM Industries is
delighted to partner SriLankan Airlines in this long-term venture.
“We have been looking at opportunities in South Asia for sometime and
there is no doubt that Colombo is an excellent strategic location to
serve the region’s airlines.
“We will provide a sophisticated flight simulator that will reduce
training costs for airlines in South Asia and even neighbouring regions
such as the Middle East and Far East,” he said.
“As the airline expands, we are determined to maintain the highest
standards of pilot proficiency. The new simulator will be of enormous
benefit in our drive for operational excellence,” said the airline’s
Head of Flight Operations, Captain Navin De Silva. “The simulator will
work in four hourly slots, 24-hours a day making excess time available
for guest pilots from the region to undergo training,” the Captain
added. |