SimCom International is expanding and building a new worldwide headquarters in Orlando, Florida. The company, which currently operates two learning centres in Orlando, is investing $109 million in a new headquarters and training facility and plans to create more than 50 new jobs over the next two years. The new location will house a training centre including the addition of five new CAE full-flight simulators.

SimCom is moving its headquarters from its previous location on Lee Vista Road to Lake Nona. The proximity to the downtown district of the Lake Nona community will give its customers access to high quality lodging, leisure, dining and entertainment options as they complete their training.

“SimCom is proud to call Orlando home,” exclaims Eric Hinson, president and CEO of SimCom International. “This is an exciting new chapter for our company and the new downtown Lake Nona district is the perfect location for our continued growth.”

“We congratulate SimCom on its expansion,” adds governor Ron DeSantis. “Its new headquarters and training facility in Orlando is a great addition to Florida's ever growing aviation industry. We wish it all the success.”

SimCom serves customers from over 80 countries worldwide, providing pilot and maintenance training across a variety of general aviation, business and commercial aircraft types. The company has long standing relationships with many of the world's aircraft manufacturers, aircraft owners, commercial airlines and business aircraft operators.

Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida says: “SimCom's announcement demonstrates Florida's robust aviation and aerospace economy, and recognises central Florida's strong technology and simulation ecosystem. This project would not have been possible without our collaboration with Orlando Economic Partnership. We look forward to the success of SimCom and what its expansion brings to Florida.”

Central Florida has a long history in aviation and aerospace, from the world's first commercial aircraft flight to the present day launches into space at Cape Canaveral. The region serves as a major centre for flight training due to its year-round flying weather, hyper-connected air access and robust aviation and aerospace workforce.

“Central Florida is the ideal place for us to continue our expansion,” continues Hinson. “We are able to draw on the large aviation community that already exists here in Florida, including pilots, flight instructors and other aviation and training professionals.”

Florida continues to advance aviation with research and training at leading aeronautical universities and growth in numerous sectors of the aviation industry.