Simaero will add the Embraer E190 full flight simulator to its fleet to enhance its position as Africa's premier aviation training provider. Supporting Africa's evolving aviation sector, the new device will help airlines move from the Embraer ERJ 145 to the more modern, fuel-efficient E190. This milestone comes from a long-term collaboration with Simaero's Chinese partner HNCA. HNCA's rental joint venture will enable rapid deployment of new and relocated training devices.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Simaelo announces the relocation of the modern Embler E190 full flight simulator from the training centre of South China Airlines to its Johannesburg facility. The expansion follows the recent relocation of the Bombardier CRJ 200/700 simulator, and strengthens Simaero's position as a leading aviation training provider in Africa, meeting the growing demand for advanced pilot training solutions in the region. The simulator has been certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is expected to be ready for training in the second half of 2025.
Meets the growing demand in Africa for E190 training
The integration of the E190 simulator is consistent with the evolving needs of Simaero clients, many of which have moved from the Embraer ERJ 145 to a more modern E190 aircraft. African airlines are increasingly switching the ERJ 145 fleet with larger, more fuel-efficient E190 E-Series jets, while newer startup carriers are choosing this model because of their extended range and ETOPS capabilities. This growing demand for e-series jets has created an urgent need for high-quality simulator training in Africa.
The introduction of the E190 full flight simulator at Simaero's Johannesburg Training Centre will enhance training opportunities for external South African clients. As the region's largest independent aviation training facility, the expansion will strengthen its establishment of Johannesburg as a key hub for local and international airlines in supporting its transition to the continent's latest Embraer Fleet.
Strengthen Johannesburg as the main training hub
The expansion is based on the recent relocation of the Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full flight simulator, solidifying Simaero's Johannesburg Training Centre as a major hub for regional aircraft training. Comprehensive training programs for the early CRJ and E190 (from initial type assessments to command upgrades), the Centre offers high-quality solutions tailored to the evolving aviation sector in Africa.
“The Johannesburg Centre has evolved into an important training hub for regional aviation in Africa. The introduction of the E190 simulator, along with the recently added CRJ 200/700, is able to provide any training solution tailored to African aviation needs.
Accelerate expansion through strategic collaboration with HNCA
This milestone comes from the strategic partnership between Henan Aviation Investment Management Company (HNCA), Bank of China and Simaero. In 2024, Simaero and HNCA launched China's first cross-border simulator operating leasing business, designed to accelerate the transfer and acquisition of training devices. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between training demand and available simulator capacity, ensuring agile and cost-effective access to the latest training technologies for airlines around the world.
“By working closely with the HNCA, we are setting new industry standards for rapid deployment of simulators. Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero, said:
The Embraer E190 Full Flight Simulator will be relocated from China to the Johannesburg Training Center in Simaero in the coming weeks by a specialist team at Simarro Engineering. It is certified by the SACAA and is planned to be ready for training in the second half of 2025.
About Simaero
Simaero is the world's leading provider of pilot training on full light simulators and simulation engineering solutions. On global aviation, changes are constant. We promise to be easy and continuous in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centres strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains more than 5,000 pilots each year from over 250 civil and military airlines and more than 80 countries. Simulator Fleet and Training Solutions cover major commercial aircraft types such as Airbus, Boeing, ATR and Embler.
Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero
