In a significant stride toward advancing aviation training and development in Central Asia, Air Astana, Kazakhstan's national carrier, proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art flight training center, becoming the first in the region to receive certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The new facility, strategically located at Astana International Airport, boasts cutting-edge features and includes the Airbus A320 Reality Seven simulator supplied by industry leader L3 Harris. Notably, this marks not only the airline's maiden acquisition of such advanced training equipment but also the first-ever installation of its kind in Kazakhstan.
With a focus on enhancing pilot training capabilities domestically, Air Astana aims to reduce the need to send its pilots abroad for training. The center, operational 24/7, is set to accommodate more than 500 pilots from Air Astana and its subsidiary, FlyArystan.
Air Astana's CEO, Peter Foster, emphasized the center's pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of flight personnel performance and nurturing a steady influx of new aviation professionals to support Kazakhstan's growing air transport sector.
"I am confident that the new facility will not only prove to be a highly cost-effective resource for Air Astana but also result in Kazakhstan becoming a regional leader in flight training," he affirmed.
This momentous launch is in alignment with Air Astana's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The airline has a history of initiatives aimed at cultivating the next generation of aviators in Kazakhstan. This includes the introduction of an Ab-initio pilot training program in 2008 and the establishment of a training academy in Almaty in 2018.
Air Astana Group's ambitious plans involve hiring an additional 100 pilots and a corresponding number of flight attendants annually for the next five years, underlining their commitment to both human resource development and growth in the aviation sector.
In addition to the new flight training center, Air Astana has also invested in advanced training equipment, including a Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer (CEET) and a Real Fire Fighting Trainer (RFFT), both scheduled for launch by the end of the year. These initiatives underscore the airline's dedication to safety and preparedness in aviation operations.
The inauguration of Central Asia's first EASA-certified flight training center represents a significant milestone not only for Air Astana but also for Kazakhstan's aviation industry. It signals a clear commitment to the highest standards of training, safety, and sustainability in the region's growing aviation sector, positioning Kazakhstan as a leader in flight training and aviation excellence.
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