Lufthansa training subsidiary moves to meet expected growth in demand by acquiring ex-Swissair device
Lufthansa Flight Training (LFT) has acquired a second Boeing MD-11 simulator to meet expected growth in third-party demand. The CAE-built simulator has been acquired from Swiss Aviation Training (SAT), and will remain in Zurich until it is moved to LFT's Frankfurt, Germany training centre early in 2006.
LFT already operates a CAE-supplied MD-11 simulator in Frankfurt, and the ex-SAT machine is to be re-equipped with an Evans & Sutherland EP-1000CT visual system for commonality with the rest of the Lufthansa subsidiary's simulator fleet. LFT says low operating costs make the MD-11 popular, particularly in the cargo market, with the number operating in Europe expected to increase.
Meanwhile SAT, a joint venture between Swiss International Air Lines and GE Capital Aviation Training, is expanding its regional aircraft training, with a second Embraer ERJ-145 simulator due to enter service in May and the first Embraer 170 machine in Europe planned to be ready for training in Zurich by mid-August. Both simulators are being built by CAE.
SAS Flight Academy, another European airline training operation actively pursuing the third-party market, plans to open a centre – its third – in Riga, Latvia by early next year. Initially, the centre will house a Boeing 737-300/400/500 simulator for anchor customers airBaltic and Estonian Air. The academy will decide by mid-year whether to relocate one of the two 737 simulators in its Stockholm and Oslo centres or acquire a third, used machine.
* Independent training provider Aeroservice Aviation Center has added Boeing MD-80 and MD-88 simulators at its base in Miami, Florida.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
