Airbus inaugurates first Level D-qualified A320neo simulator in the Americas

Airbus’ newest training center in Denver is now home to the first A320neo full flight simulator (FFS) in the Americas. The simulator just achieved Level D certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with four engine fits -- including the NEO. This simulator complements the two existing A320 Family, FAA-certified Level D FFS in the Denver Airbus Training Center. FAA FFS Level D is the highest level of FFS certification currently available.

The latest FFS was produced by L3 Commercial Aviation, who will also shortly supply the new Training Center with an additional FFS and two Flat Panel Trainer devices for the A320 model.

“This is an important milestone for our new Training Center in Denver and furthers our ambition to deliver the most comprehensive flight training services in the industry,” said Joe Houghton, Airbus Vice President of Training & Flight Operations Support.

The Airbus Training Center in Denver is part of the growing worldwide network of Training by Airbus facilities, complementing facilities in Miami, Toulouse, Beijing, Hamburg, Bangalore, Singapore, Mexico and Brazil. The Denver Training Center is a state-of-the-art, 38,000 square-foot training complex that is the second customized Airbus training facility in the United States. The Training Center offers pilot training for A320 family aircraft. At full capability, the center will operate six full-flight simulators to support customers in the Americas.

Airbus has been providing flight and maintenance training to the Americas from its Miami, Mexico and Brazil-based training centers. The addition of the Denver Training Center helps meet projected long-term market growth in North and South America. The Airbus Global Market Forecast calls for over 540,000 new pilots to be trained over the next 20 years, including 68,400 in North America and 52,600 in Latin America.

Training by Airbus ensures a smooth aircraft entry into service and provides customers with support and services throughout the operational life of their Airbus fleet. It also provides courses locally to its customers thanks to mobile solutions and e-Training features.