Turkish company HAVELSAN has signed a deal to export its A320NEO flight simulator to India, marking its first international venture in aircraft simulator manufacturing. The deal was inked in partnership with French pilot training company Simaero, which is set to open its first state-of-the-art simulator facility in India by the end of the first quarter of 2024. The facility, located near Delhi International Airport, will be the first to house HAVELSAN’s advanced A320NEO simulator.
Simaero’s new simulator training center in India is part of a $100 million investment aimed at addressing the rapidly expanding need for pilot training facilities in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The facility will include a range of simulators, beginning with the A320NEO simulator, and will expand to cover other popular aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 and Boeing 737. Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, highlighted the importance of this partnership in the context of India’s aviation sector. “India’s aviation market is experiencing rapid growth, with record orders for narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 family. By partnering with HAVELSAN, we are addressing the growing demand for pilot training with cutting-edge simulation technology,” Jattana explained.
For HAVELSAN, the deal marks a milestone as it expands its reach beyond Turkey. “This is our first export to the international market, and we are excited to partner with Simaero to bring our A320NEO simulator to India,” said Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO of HAVELSAN. The Turkish company has been manufacturing flight simulators for eight years, serving domestic clients such as Turkish Airlines and SunExpress, but this marks its first international sale. Nacar also emphasized the opportunity in India, noting the country’s rapid aviation growth. “India is one of the largest aviation markets in the world, and low-cost carriers here require cost-effective simulation training solutions. We are confident that our simulators will provide value to the rapidly expanding Indian aviation industry.”
With major Indian airlines placing orders for more than 1,000 aircraft, the need for skilled pilots is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. To meet this demand, Simaero’s training facility will play a crucial role in providing high-quality training to Indian pilots. The country’s aviation industry is particularly in need of training solutions for single-aisle aircraft, with the A320 family being a key focus due to its widespread use in India. Looking ahead, Simaero is also planning to expand its offerings in India, with an additional $100 million investment slated for the creation of smaller satellite training centers in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. These centers will further address the demand for pilot training as Indian airlines begin to induct more wide-body aircraft into their fleets starting in 2026.
This collaboration between HAVELSAN and Simaero is not just a one-off venture but is poised to strengthen India’s position as a regional aviation hub. As the aviation market in India continues to grow, the demand for flight training services is expected to rise, presenting a significant opportunity for both HAVELSAN and Simaero to expand their presence. By introducing cutting-edge simulators to India, HAVELSAN and Simaero are contributing to the enhancement of pilot training infrastructure, which is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency in India’s aviation sector. As India continues its rapid aviation growth, this partnership represents a promising step towards meeting the country’s increasing pilot training needs and ensuring that the next generation of Indian pilots is equipped with the best training available.
