Aviation Academy Leading The Way
Consecutively, the first batch of pilots successfully completed training in November 2020, with the second batch anticipated to enter Fiji in February this year.
fijisun.com.fjHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to 2024–2025.
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Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has continued expanding its training capabilities with new full-flight simulators and updated training devices. Reports from 2024 indicate the academy added CAE 7000XR simulators for Airbus A350 and ATR-72, along with other training devices, reinforcing its aim to train pilots, cabin crew, and engineers locally in Fiji. This aligns with Fiji Airways’ strategy to keep training in-house and reduce overseas travel for its staff.[3]
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The expansion was part of Fiji Airways’ broader investment in the academy, including a multi-million-dollar push to enhance regional aviation training facilities in Nadi, with the goal of attracting international airlines to use the academy’s capabilities. The company has highlighted milestones such as sustaining national pilots’ currency during the COVID period and progressing numerous type ratings and license conversions, underscoring the academy’s growing role in the Pacific.[1][4][3]
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A related press focus in 2021–2022 emphasized continued development and ongoing partnerships to nurture local aviation talent, including MoUs and government support, with expansion planned to meet rising demand from both local and international aviation operators.[5][8]
Illustration: Since 2019, the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has evolved from a new facility into a regional training hub by investing in high-end simulators, expanding training capacity, and positioning Fiji as a Pacific leader in commercial aviation training.[4][3]
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline with exact dates and extract quotes from the linked sources, or pull in more recent local coverage if you want the very latest updates.
Citations:
- Fiji Airways invests in two new CAE simulators and expands training capabilities.[1]
- CAE simulators for A350 and ATR-72; broader expansion and milestones.[3]
- Xinhua report on expansion to 2026 and international airline engagement.[4]
- MoU and government/public sector involvement in academy growth.[8][5]