$1m For Pilot Training Academy In Nadi , Fiji

A pilot training academy with two full flight simulators is expected to be operational in Nadi before the end of next year.

The academy is a partnership between Fiji Airways, Airbus, Boeing and the simulator company CAE with chances of the Fiji National Provident Fund also becoming a shareholder.

Government has allocated $1 million (US$500,000) to build what it expects to be a world-class pilot training academy.

Fijian Minister for Finance, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, revealed this as he announced the 2016-2017 Budget last night.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the flight simulator course will offer introductory training on Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 full flight simulators.

He said the Fiji National University will be invited to partner with the Fiji Pilot Training Academy to offer undergraduate advanced degree programmes to pilots as with universities in the world do.

“FNU already has a small campus in Nadi which does some form of aircraft engineering,” he said.

“This will be a perfect opportunity for our students to be able to piggyback on this international flight training centre that we intend to set up which we expect to be fully operational by the end of 2017 calendar year.”

Government hopes to attract international pilots to begin their training here.

“Currently many pilots from Australia and African countries are going to Singapore. There is opportunity for them to come to Fiji.

“Our hotel rates are much cheaper than Singapore, we are lot more competitive and there is no reason they cannot come to Fiji. By having Airbus and Boeing partner with us in this particular project, it gives us that international recognition.”

Sayed-Khaiyum said they expected the academy to inspire young Fijians to pursue their career in the civil aviation industry.

“We also expect international airlines to send pilots to Fiji for their compulsory simulator training,” he said.......check out some Pilot Training Scholarships on >> Scholarships Awards


SOURCE: FIJI SUN