Construction of new Airbus Asia Training Centre underway

Construction of the new Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC) in Singapore is now underway, following the completion of initial ground-breaking works. Due to open in the first quarter of 2016, the new facility will offer type rating and recurrent training courses for all in-production Airbus types. AATC is a joint venture between Airbus (55%) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) (45%), incorporated in the Republic of Singapore. The 9,250 m² state-of-the-art facility, located at Seletar Aerospace Park, will be the fourth Airbus flight training centre in its global network, joining those in Toulouse, Miami and Beijing. When fully operational, the Singapore centre will feature eight full flight simulators, including four A350 XWBs, one A380, one A330 and two A320s. The centre will also offer extensive classroom facilities and will be able to offer courses for more than 10,000 trainees per year. Prior to the opening of the new centre, AATC offers courses out of temporary facilities at the SIA Training Centre near Changi Airport and operates one A380 and two A330 simulators. Instructors for AATC are initially being drawn from Airbus and Singapore Airlines, with additional recruitment set to take place in the coming months. In total, the centre expects to provide employment for some 50 instructors and 25 support staff.