By Victor Shalton
EgyptAir Introduces A320Neo Simulator, Pushes to Establish New Airline
EgyptAir Training Academy has announced it will launch a new A320neo simulator in mid-November at its training facility, becoming the first African airline to install the L3 Harris-designed-and-manufactured apparatus.
The installation is subject for approval of EASA FSTD Issue 2 Level D. It will feature multiple engine types: IAE V2527-A5 CEO/ CFM 56-5B4 CEO / CFM LEAP-1A26 NEO.
Additionally, an A220-300 full flight simulator will commence operations in mid-February, pending approval of EASA FFS LEVEL D. It features one engine type (PW1524G) and was designed and manufactured by FlightSafety at EgyptAir Training Academy at Cairo International Airport.
EgyptAir’s training academy has been looking to develop and improve training by integrating new technologies into its full set of training simulators for some time. The move comes as a “leadership emphasis” program, making the facility an international center specializing in the various fields of training.
This announcement reflects the airline’s keenness to keep pace with the highest international standards in the air transport industry. It also reflects EgyptAir’s interest in recruiting more pilots from African, Middle Eastern, European, and Indian airlines.
The announcement is also in line with EgyptAir’s goal of modernizing its fleet. By upgrading simulators and training and operating new aircraft, the academy can provide training services at the highest level of technology and quality.
Earlier, EgyptAir signed a MoU with the Ghanaian government becoming its strategic partner in establishing a new government affiliated airline in Ghana.
In 2018, EgyptAir Maintenance and Engineering signed a contract with the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Ghana, establishing a facility to provide technical services for all airlines operating to and from Kotoko International Airport in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. That move was made with the goal of establishing a new airline in Ghana
At the time, Pilot Amr Abu El-Enein, EgyptAir Airlines’ chairman and chief executive, said, “We are pleased with the confidence of the Ghanaian government in choosing and preferring EGYPTAIR among the major European, Asian and African airlines for this strategic partnership in establishing a new airlines operates from its head quarter in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, and its network of lines extends throughout Africa, connecting it with countries of North and South America.”
Ghana seeks to restore its national carrier following the demise of Ghana Airways and Ghana International Airlines in the 2000s.
Ghana aviation minister Joseph Kofi Adda told AviationGhana, “We were looking out for what is best for Ghana in all our engagements with the potential partners. This [The deal with EgyptAir] has come at a time when the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement is to come into effect early next year. Once the airline is set up, it is expected to play a key role in passenger and cargo transport within the continent and between Africa and other parts of the world.”
He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at DeKUT and aspiring to make a career in a more aviation-related course.