French aviation training company Simaero has announced ambitious expansion plans for its Indian operations, with CEO Nicolas Moute revealing plans to operate up to six simulators in India over the next five years. According to reports from PTI, the company recently launched its first Airbus A320 neo simulator at its training facility in Gurugram, Haryana, and expects to add one or two more simulators in the near term based on customer demand. The company currently owns and operates 21 simulators globally, serving more than 300 clients across 80 countries. As reported by ETManufacturing, Moute stated that "over the next five years, our objective is to operate between four and six simulators at this facility while also establishing at least one satellite training centre elsewhere in India."
As reported by PTI, Simaero plans to leverage India's skilled workforce to develop local engineering talent in specialized areas. Nicolas Moute emphasized that "one of the biggest advantages India offers is its highly skilled workforce" and sees tremendous potential in developing local engineering talent, particularly in simulator engineering and technology services. The company plans to train local engineers through its experienced teams from France, South Africa and other global centres, with expectations of significant workforce growth and increased responsibilities for Indian engineers. According to ETManufacturing, Moute explained that "we will train local engineers ourselves, working closely with our experienced teams from France, South Africa and other global centres...we expect our workforce to grow significantly, with Indian engineers taking on increasingly sophisticated responsibilities."
According to PTI, Simaero announced a total investment of 200 million euros in India over the next ten years for training facilities. The company's long-term vision includes building a centre of excellence for aviation training that serves not only India but the wider South Asian region. Moute expressed optimism about India's market potential, stating that "we are very optimistic about India. Every market has its challenges, but we see far more opportunities than obstacles," and that the company does not see any barriers that would prevent expansion in the country. As reported by ETManufacturing, he added that "we see far more opportunities than obstacles" and that the company does not see any barriers that would prevent expansion in the country.
As reported by PTI, Simaero is incorporating artificial intelligence into its training programs to enhance operational efficiency and learning experiences. Moute explained that AI has the potential to make training programs more efficient by analyzing training data, personalizing learning pathways, and optimizing simulator utilization. The technology also supports more effective planning and scheduling, allowing airlines to better utilize both instructors and training capacity. However, he stressed that AI is designed to complement rather than replace instructor expertise and proven training methodologies. According to ETManufacturing, Moute noted that AI is becoming an increasingly important part of aviation training, particularly in improving operational efficiency and enhancing the overall learning experience.
According to PTI, Simaero's expansion comes as the Indian aviation market continues to expand with more aircraft and increased flight networks, though challenges remain in pilot training capacity with significant training happening overseas. A significant proportion of training for pilots from India happens overseas, highlighting the need for expanded domestic training capacity. The company plans to establish at least one satellite training centre elsewhere in India over the next five years, while continuing to undertake complex work such as simulator upgrades, software integration, visual system enhancements, server replacements and simulator relocations through its global expertise transfer initiatives.
