Country's first ATR simulator inaugurated in Gurgaon

The country's first ATR simulator was inaugurated today at Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC) here.

The facility has also added its second Boeing-737 simulator to the existing three simulators.

The ATR simulator will help pilots who have to travel to Toulouse, Madrid and Bangkok for type-rating training.

With the Centre's emphasis on regional connectivity, airlines are looking to acquire more number of smaller aircraft, such as ATR.

IndiGo today announced that it will be purchasing 50 ATR 72-600 aircraft. Air India's subsidiary Alliance Air also plans to expand its fleet by leasing 10 ATR planes this year.

Capt Sanjay Mandavia, MD & Accountable Manager, FSTC said they are in talks with Air India to train their pilots.

Currently, FSTC trains pilots from SpiceJet and Jet Airways.

The Centre has trained nearly 500 pilots since it was set up in 2012. The facility also has a B-737 simulator and two A 320 simulators.

IndiGo today said it plans to induct upto 20 ATR aircraft by December 2018.

Alliance Air already has 8 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-320s and Jet Airways has 15 ATR 72-500s and 3 ATR 72-600s.

Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation RN Choubey and Director, Directorate General of Civil Aviation BS Bhullar were present at the inauguration ceremony.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)