Turkish Airlines has signed a multi-year contract with CAE, the Montreal-based aviation training specialist, to acquire five full-flight simulators (FFS) and two flight training devices (FTD), with options for two additional FFS units. The agreement, announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, is part of the carrier's broader 10-year flight training investment strategy.
The new equipment will support Turkish Airlines' ongoing fleet expansion and its commitment to modernizing training infrastructure. The simulators will be housed at the airline's upcoming Flight Training Centre, which broke ground in January and is scheduled for full operational readiness by 2028. The simulator hangars are expected to be completed by 2027.
Fleet-Specific Training Capabilities
The contract covers simulators for both Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Specifically, the order includes two A321neo FFS, two Boeing 787 FFS, one Airbus A350 FFS, and two A350 Level-1 FTDs. Optional units would add one A350 FFS and one B787 FFS. This mix reflects Turkish Airlines' diverse fleet composition and its need to train pilots across multiple aircraft types.
Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, stated: "As we continue to expand our fleet and global network, further strengthening our pilot training infrastructure is essential to supporting our long-term growth strategy." He emphasized that the collaboration with CAE will enhance pilot preparation across various fleet types, ensuring high safety and operational standards.
Matthew Bromberg, CEO of CAE, highlighted the enduring partnership: "This agreement is a testament to our longstanding relationship with Turkish Airlines and to the trust it continues to place in CAE as a strategic partner in advancing its pilot training capabilities."
The deal underscores a broader trend in the aviation industry: carriers are investing heavily in training capacity to keep pace with fleet growth and pilot demand. Turkish Airlines, which operates one of the world's largest route networks, has been particularly aggressive in expanding both its fleet and its training infrastructure. The airline's new Flight Training Centre is designed to become a regional hub for pilot training, potentially serving not only Turkish Airlines but also partner carriers.
For CAE, the agreement reinforces its position as a leading provider of simulation and training solutions for commercial aviation. The company has been expanding its footprint in the Middle East and Asia, regions where airline growth remains robust. Turkish Airlines' investment in CAE simulators also aligns with the carrier's emphasis on technology-driven, sustainable training methods, which reduce the need for actual aircraft hours and lower carbon emissions.
Industry observers note that the deal comes at a time when airlines globally are grappling with pilot shortages and the need for more efficient training pipelines. Turkish Airlines' approach—combining a dedicated training centre with state-of-the-art simulators—could serve as a model for other carriers. The airline's fleet includes a mix of Airbus A320-family, A330, A350, Boeing 737, 777, and 787 aircraft, making the simulator investment critical for maintaining operational flexibility.
In related news, Philippine Airlines selected GE engines for its Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, highlighting the ongoing investment in widebody fleets across Asia. Meanwhile, China's Big Three airlines reported significant Q2 losses, underscoring the financial pressures that make efficient training investments even more critical for long-term competitiveness.
The Turkish Airlines-CAE agreement is expected to be finalized in the coming months, with simulator deliveries phased over the next several years. The Flight Training Centre's opening will mark a milestone for Turkish aviation, positioning Istanbul as a key training hub for the region.
