Australia-based trainer Airways Aviation has celebrated the opening of its simulator centre at the Gold Coast airport. The event saw a full house with attendees including key industry partners, academic collaborators from Ansett Aviation Training, Griffith University, Southern Cross University and representatives from Study Gold Coast. The presence of such distinguished attendees emphasises the strong community and educational ties supporting aviation education and training globally, as well as the growth of the pool of aviation professionals and expertise in Australia, particularly in the Southern Queensland and Northern Rivers NSW regions.

For over two decades, Airways Aviation has partnered with Alsim to support its training solutions. The new centre features the milestone 100th Alsim AL250 simulator, an advanced training tool designed to meet the needs of prospective commercial pilots in the initial stages of their career, covering PPL, CPL and IR/ME courses. This versatile simulator offers reconfigurable SEP/MEP capabilities and a switchable classic to glass cockpit, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive training experience.

"We selected the AL250 for its long-established pedigree, quality and functionality, including the fact that this particular simulator also eliminates the need for our Australian academies to operate multiple devices. This aligns with the Airways Aviation ethos of providing the most efficient and cost effective aviation education and training solutions," says founder and chairman Romy Hawatt.

The launch event also served as a platform to reaffirm Airways Aviation's support for the Griffith Aviation MATES programme, an initiative that fosters mentorship and development among aviation students.

"Moreover, the opening of this simulator centre is a testament to Airways Aviation's robust international growth, particularly in the MENASA and southeast Asian territories, and will further enhance the capabilities of our Gold Coast and Lismore campuses to attract both domestic and international students," says Janet Dalby, CEO, Airways Aviation Australasia Pacific region. 

As a proud member of Study Gold Coast, Airways Aviation is thrilled to contribute to the region's reputation as a premier destination for aviation education. This new facility not only represents a significant investment in local infrastructure but also reaffirms the company's commitment to fostering educational excellence and industry readiness among its students.