FlightSafety International is expanding its facilities at Farnborough airport, highlighting its commitment to enhancing aviation safety and training excellence in Europe.

The new FSI centre is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027. Lease terms have been finalised and the planning application was submitted in January. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2025 and finish by early 2027.

FSI has operated a training centre at Farnborough Airport since 2004. The new facilities will boost training capacity by 40-50 per cent, enabling more aviation professionals access to FSI's world-class training programmes. The current facility is 4,680 sqm. It features 11 advanced simulators and training for over 14 aircraft types, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing models, and trains approximately 3,500 clients each year. The expansion will add 0.7 hectares to relocate parking and create a 4,680 sqm space for six full-flight simulators, 10 lower-level training devices and 19 classrooms.

FSI employs over 1,800 professional instructors globally, delivering more than 1.4 million hours of training annually. The expansion will add more than 60 new jobs, including 40 instructors, eight simulator technicians, six customer support specialists, three administrative staff and five programme managers to the Farnborough location.

“This expansion at Farnborough represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing aviation training across Europe,” says Ben Carter, executive vice president, learning centre operations. “By increasing our capacity and capabilities, we aim to not only meet the growing demand for high-quality flight training but also reinforce our dedication to improving aviation safety globally.”

By expanding its Farnborough facility, FSI aims to reduce the need for European customers to travel to the US for training. The project will positively impact the local economy as clients often use nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, and serviced apartments. The expansion is expected to generate an additional 9,000 hotel nights annually, benefiting local businesses, including food, entertainment and shopping.

Farnborough airport is one of Europe's leading business aviation airports, the birthplace of British aviation and the first business aviation airport to achieve carbon neutrality. It plays an essential role in supporting economic growth, contributing GBP 1.9 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy annually.

Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough airport says: “We are proud to support FlightSafety International's continued growth. The expansion of FSI's facilities at Farnborough will create further local jobs, generate inward investment, increase international business traffic and ensure that the airport continues to be at the forefront of aviation innovation and safety for years to come.”