By 
New Regional Training Capabilities for the A220
The Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC)—a joint venture between Airbus and Singapore Airlines—is expanding its Singapore facility to include an A220 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS). This strategic addition aims to meet the escalating demand for specialized pilot and maintenance training as regional carriers integrate the A220 into their fleets.
The simulator is scheduled to enter operation in the fourth quarter of 2027. The program is a tripartite effort: Flight Training Alliance (FTA), a joint venture between CAE and Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), will provide and deploy the hardware, while AATC will manage the daily operations and training delivery.
The announcement was made during the Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, signaling a broader shift toward localized, high-tech aviation skills development in the region.
Driving Regional Connectivity and Efficiency
The push for A220 infrastructure follows Airbus's Global Market Forecast, which identifies a pivot toward smaller cities and a need for increased regional connectivity outside of primary hubs. The A220 is specifically engineered for this shift, offering:
- Extended Range: Up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 kilometres).
- Cost Efficiency: Operating costs per seat are 25% lower than previous-generation aircraft.
- Flexible Capacity: Seating configurations ranging from 100 to 160 passengers.
These specifications allow airlines to launch commercially viable routes in fast-growing Asia-Pacific economies that cannot support larger aircraft.
A220 Market Momentum and Training Scope
Global adoption of the A220 is accelerating. As of July 2026, Airbus has delivered 532 aircraft to over 25 operators, with a total order book exceeding 1,100 units.
To support this growth, the AATC and FTA partnership will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Flight crew type-rating programs.
- Recurrent training courses.
- Instruction from certified A220 flight instructors and operations technicians.
Singapore's Role as a Global Aviation Nexus
Located at Seletar Aerospace Park, the AATC is one of the largest training facilities in the Airbus network. The center currently possesses the infrastructure to train 10,000 aviation professionals every year.
The facility currently operates 10 Full-Flight Simulator bays and six fixed cockpit training devices, alongside extensive classroom space.
AATC Current Simulator Inventory
| Aircraft Model | Number of Units |
|---|---|
| Airbus A350 | 4 |
| Airbus A320 | 2 |
| Airbus A330 | 1 |
| Airbus A380 | 1 |
| ATR 72-600 | 1 |
| Airbus A220 | 1 (Coming Q4 2027) |
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Localization: Regional airlines can now certify pilots closer to home, reducing downtime and travel costs.
- Fleet Growth: The A220's 25% lower seat costs make it the primary tool for expanding "thin" regional routes in Asia.
- Infrastructure Scale: The addition of the A220 simulator reinforces Singapore's position as the primary aviation training node for the Asia Pacific.
FAQ
When will the A220 simulator be available in Singapore? The simulator is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Who is managing the A220 training program? The program is a collaboration where Flight Training Alliance (FTA) provides the simulator, and the Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC) manages operations and training.
What makes the A220 suitable for the Asia Pacific market? Its ability to fly up to 3,600 nautical miles with a smaller capacity (100-160 seats) allows airlines to connect smaller cities profitably.
