- Aer Lingus and Simtech opened a new A320 CEO/NEO full-flight simulator near Dublin Airport
- Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD officially opened the facility
- The simulator is manufactured by CAE and owned by Aer Lingus
- A330 and A321XLR simulators are planned for 2027
- Simtech marks 25 years of airline pilot training in 2026
Ireland’s airline pilot training capability has received a significant boost with the official opening of a new Aer Lingus CAE Airbus A320 CEO/NEO Full-Flight Simulator at Simtech Aviation’s Pilot Training Centre of Excellence near Dublin Airport. The facility was formally opened by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD, who joined senior figures from across the aviation industry for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The state-of-the-art simulator represents a major investment by Aer Lingus in Irish-based pilot training and strengthens the long-standing relationship between the airline and Dublin-based training provider Simtech Aviation. Manufactured by CAE and owned by Aer Lingus, the new Airbus A320 CEO/NEO full-flight simulator is housed and operated at Simtech Aviation’s training centre adjacent to Dublin Airport. While Aer Lingus invested in the simulator itself, Simtech provides the specialist training infrastructure required to support the operation, alongside maintenance and technical support delivered by its experienced engineering team. The installation marks the first phase of a wider expansion programme. Plans are already underway for an Aer Lingus A330 CEO/NEO Full-Flight Simulator, while a dedicated A321XLR Full-Flight Simulator follows in 2027.
Simtech Aviation traces its airline training heritage back to 2001, when it received Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) approval and began delivering airline-focused training programmes. Over the past quarter-century, the company has grown into a recognised European provider of APS MCC training, airline pilot development programmes and full-flight simulator operations. The company currently delivers both EASA and UK CAA approved APS MCC programmes and prepares to introduce an additional Airbus-focused APS MCC course using its own Airbus A320 CEO simulator. Simtech graduates of APS MCC programmes now fly with more than 70 airlines worldwide. The arrival of the new simulator represents a substantial investment in the future of pilot training, reducing reliance on overseas facilities while strengthening Ireland’s capability to train and retain airline talent.
The launch event was marked by a major celebration at Simtech Aviation’s Pilot Training Centre of Excellence near Dublin Airport. The official ribbon-cutting and celebration were attended by Ireland’s Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, alongside senior representatives from Aer Lingus, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), and AerCap. The rollout is part of a massive, multi-million euro partnership with Aer Lingus. It marks the airline’s largest pilot training investment in over twenty years.
Simtech Aviation provides the purpose-built physical facility, flight deck mounting infrastructure, and ongoing 24/7/365 engineering maintenance support. This addition makes Simtech Ireland’s largest full-motion flight simulator training centre. An Airbus A330 CEO/NEO simulator is also entering service as part of this phase, with a cutting-edge Airbus A321XLR simulator scheduled to follow in early 2027.
The expanded facility dramatically increases Ireland’s capacity to train commercial airline pilots locally. It allows cadets and seasoned crews to undergo advanced EASA and UK CAA Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training, type ratings, and recurrent airline assessments right next to Dublin Airport.
Simtech Aviation is a leading European flight training organization and Approved Training Organisation (ATO) located near Dublin Airport at Kestrel House, Dublin Airport Logistics Park, St. Margaret’s, Co. Dublin. They operate full-motion and fixed-base simulators for Boeing, Airbus, and ATR aircraft, offering APS MCC, type ratings, and cadet training.
