Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Aviation is investing up to Dh25 million in a new flight simulator training centre in Abu Dhabi, an adviser at the company announced on Wednesday.
Ahmed Al Khouri said at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo that the company is floating a tender to build the centre near the Etihad offices in Abu Dhabi, which will hold the regions first helicopter simulator. The centre is set to open in mid-2015.
The centre will be used to train its own pilots as well as those from the UAE army and police force. The centre will also be open to foreign-based pilot students.
Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East.
Al Khouri said he expected significant interest from neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India and in Africa.
Abu Dhabi Aviation will use internal funds to finance the 7,500 metre square project, which is set to open in the middle of 2015, Al Khouri said.
The centre will utilise an AW319 helicopter simulator, which sells for between $15 and 20 million at list prices. Abu Dhabi Aviation has already purchased the simulator and intend on purchasing another simulator when the centre opens next year.
The centre will be able to hold eight helicopter simulators.
Abu Dhabi Aviation has plans to build another training centre of the same size at a later date.
