Ireland’s airline pilot training capability received a significant boost on Friday 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. Among those attending were Adrian Dunne, Chief Operating Officer of Aer Lingus, Capt. Sé Pardy, Accountable Manager at Simtech Aviation, James Cahill of CAE, and representatives from the Irish Aviation Authority, AirNav Ireland and other key aviation organisations.
The state-of-the-art simulator represents a major investment by Aer Lingus in Irish-based pilot training and further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the airline and Dublin-based training provider Simtech Aviation.
Strengthening Ireland’s Training Infrastructure
Manufactured by CAE and owned by Aer Lingus, the new Airbus A320 CEO/NEO full-flight simulator will be housed and operated at Simtech Aviation’s training centre adjacent to Dublin Airport.
While Aer Lingus has invested in the simulator itself, Simtech provides the specialist training infrastructure required to support the operation, alongside ongoing maintenance and technical support delivered by its experienced engineering team. The installation marks the first phase of a wider expansion programme that is set to further enhance Ireland’s position as a centre for airline pilot training. Plans are already underway for the addition of an Aer Lingus A330 CEO/NEO Full-Flight Simulator, while a dedicated A321XLR Full-Flight Simulator is expected to follow in 2027.
When complete, the expanded simulator portfolio will significantly increase the amount of advanced airline pilot training available within Ireland and strengthen Simtech Aviation’s status as a major European simulator training hub.
Speakers at the launch highlighted the strong partnership that has existed between Aer Lingus and Simtech Aviation over many years, emphasising the levels of trust, technical expertise and operational excellence required to support modern airline training programmes. In addition to remarks from Minister O’Brien and Aer Lingus COO Adrian Dunne, attendees also heard from Declan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority.
The event recognised the important role played by Irish aviation businesses in supporting the wider international aviation sector, with particular attention given to Simtech Aviation’s specialist engineering expertise and the quality of its simulator facilities.
Minister O’Brien also acknowledged a significant milestone for the company, congratulating Simtech Aviation as it marks 25 years of airline pilot training in 2026.
Twenty-Five Years of Pilot Training
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. Today, its team of instructors, engineers and aviation professionals supports airline and cadet pilot training customers from Ireland, across Europe and further afield.
The simulator opening forms part of Simtech’s ongoing “25 Years of Excellence in Airline Pilot Training” campaign, celebrating the company’s evolution from a small MCC training provider into a comprehensive airline training organisation.
Expanding Opportunities for Future Airline Pilots
Alongside supporting airline customers, Simtech continues to invest in training pathways for aspiring commercial pilots. The company currently delivers both EASA and UK CAA approved APS MCC programmes and is preparing to introduce an additional Airbus-focused APS MCC course using its own Airbus A320 CEO simulator.
The move will complement Simtech’s established Boeing 737-800NG APS MCC programme, giving student pilots access to both Airbus and Boeing training environments as they prepare for airline recruitment. Simtech says graduates of its APS MCC programmes are now flying with more than 70 airlines worldwide, underlining the organisation’s reputation within the airline training sector.
Supporting Regional Airlines
In addition to Airbus and Boeing training programmes, Simtech Aviation continues to operate ATR full-flight simulator capability, supporting a range of regional airline operators. Current ATR simulator customers include Emerald Airlines, ASL Airlines, Loganair and Aurigny, alongside other operators requiring ATR pilot training services. Training activities include recurrent pilot training, EASA type rating programmes and bespoke simulator-based solutions tailored to airline needs.
The combination of Airbus, Boeing and ATR capability allows Simtech to provide a broad spectrum of training services from a single location beside Dublin Airport, supporting both airline cadets beginning their careers and experienced flight crews maintaining operational proficiency.
The arrival of Aer Lingus’ new A320 CEO/NEO full-flight simulator is more than just another addition to Ireland’s aviation infrastructure. It 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. With additional Aer Lingus simulators already planned and Simtech Aviation continuing to expand its training programmes, the development reinforces Dublin’s growing importance as a centre for professional airline pilot training in Europe.
