The Bahrain-based Gulf Aviation Academy has announced the arrival of the first simulator which will allow pilots to train on the A320 aircraft type.

The second and third simulators are due to arrive in January and March 2010, as part of the academy’s $34 million investment.

Once the installation process is complete, by end of November 2009, the simulator will be checked and certified by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority. By the beginning of December 2009 the simulator will enter service and pilots can begin their training, said a statement.

Khalil Amin, head of marketing and business development at GAA, said: “The new simulators are an integral part of our future plans to set higher standards for aviation training, and with the arrival of the first one, we are well on our way to achieving these plans. We are constantly looking at ways to upgrade and enhance our operations.”

The academy, a fully owned subsidiary of Mumtalakat, offers a comprehensive range of training programmes for all aviation staff including pilots, cabin crew and ground staff.  – TradeArabia News Service