Oman Air has unveiled the Oman Air Flight Training Centre (OAFTC), a new facility described as ‘state-of-the-art’, which enables pilots and cabin crew to train on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Based at Oman Air’s headquarters in Muscat, an airline statement explained OAFTC will allow Oman Air to provide its pilots and cabin crew with in-house training, and enhance efficiency and save costs.
Captain Ali Hassan Sulaiman explained, “OAFTC offers one Full Flight Simulator for Airbus 330 training, and another one for Boeing 737 training. In addition, one Flight Training Device for Boeing B737 training has been installed as a training tool for cadet training programmes.
“The centre also includes the facilities needed to train Oman Air’s cabin crew. These include A330 and B737 mock-ups, along with a B787 door trainer. Each of these is designed to enable crew to train for, and practice, all the emergency procedures required as part of our cabin crew training and qualification courses.
“Furthermore, having the flight simulator trainers close to Oman Air’s premises will support Oman Air’s strategy to ensure cost-effectiveness in all areas of its operations by avoiding expensive excessive training expenses overseas. We also have the option of offering our facilities to commercial partners, creating an additional revenue stream for Oman Air.”
The launch took place at a ceremony which was held at the centre and attended by government ministers, Oman Air’s Board of Directors, senior airline managers, senior representatives of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) and members of the media.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said, “Oman Air is pleased and proud to be opening this outstanding new facility. The Oman Air Flight Training Centre will enable Oman Air to continue operating to the highest safety standards and with absolute professionalism. Furthermore, Oman Air’s investment in this training facility – the first of its kind in Oman – will add an important milestone in the airline’s contribution towards the development of the Sultanate.”
Development of OAFTC was announced in November 2015 and by September 2016 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was able complete both its Compliance Monitoring System and Simulator Audits.
