Market Trends of Middle East Civil Aviation Flight Training And Simulation Industry
The Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Segment is Projected to Occupy the Largest Market During the Forecast Period
A full-flight simulator (FFS) precisely mirrors the flight characteristics of a specific aircraft, replicating its movements, acoustics, and even G-forces. Unlike its Flight Training Device (FTD) counterpart, an FFS boasts superior technology, featuring advanced motion, visuals, communication, and air traffic capabilities. For instance, an FFS can simulate air friction on the fuselage, provide pilots with spatial orientation exercises using a 180-degree view of airport surroundings, and assist in planning precise approach procedures. While FFS were previously graded from A to D, recent years have ushered in a global standard with seven levels, with the former Level D now designated as Type 7. This Level D/Type 7 standard is pivotal for initial and recurrent commercial air transport training.
Given the pilot shortage, aviation training institutes in the region are increasingly adopting FFS simulators. Additionally, as new commercial aircraft families enter the market, FFS Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are stepping up, integrating advanced features like virtual reality (VR). In a notable development, in December 2023, CAE and Riyadh Air sealed a deal. Preparing for its 2025 launch, Riyadh Air is procuring two state-of-the-art B787 CAE7000XR FFS from CAE, alongside other simulator models. Both companies are collaborating with Prince Sultan University to introduce these simulators at the newly established College of Aviation and Space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024. These initiatives are poised to bolster the demand for FFS during the forecast period.
The United Arab Emirates to Occupy the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period
The aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a surge, fueled by the demand for pilots from its major airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, and a steady uptick in air passenger traffic. In 2023, UAE airports recorded approximately 38 million arrivals and 37.805 million departures and hosted 58.328 million transit passengers.
As UAE airlines expand their fleets to meet this demand, the necessity for skilled pilots becomes increasingly urgent. For instance, Emirates, as of July 2024, has a substantial 310 aircraft orders in the pipeline. While their Airbus A350s are set to begin operations later in 2024, the Boeing 777s are scheduled for a debut in 2025. Airlines are making significant investments in pilot training to ensure the seamless integration of these new aircraft.
For instance, in February 2023, Emirates announced its plans to construct a state-of-the-art training facility, costing USD 135 million. Spanning 63,318 sq ft, this facility will feature six full-flight simulator bays specifically designed for their upcoming A350 and B777X aircraft. The facility is slated to open in March 2024. Following this trend, in November 2023, Flydubai (FZ) from Dubai revealed its plans for a USD 56 million full-flight simulator and training facility, set to launch in early 2025. This move not only allows FlyDubai to take control of its training needs but also streamlines retraining schedules, ultimately reducing training costs. The facility will primarily cater to FlyDubai's pilots and cabin crew, highlighting the UAE's proactive approach to fortifying its aviation sector in the coming years.
