Training & Certification
Boeing 777-9 Simulators Gain FAA and EASA Initial Qualification
Boeing’s 777-9 pilot training simulators in Gatwick receive Initial Qualification from FAA and EASA, enabling courseware validation for 2027 entry.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.
In a significant step forward for the delayed 777X program, Boeing announced on February 19, 2026, that it has received “Initial Qualification” for its 777-9 pilot training devices. Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have granted approval for the simulators located at the company’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.
This regulatory milestone allows Boeing to proceed with validating the training courseware, the syllabus and manuals, that will eventually be used to train airline pilots. According to the manufacturer, this step is a prerequisite for the aircraft’s entry into service, ensuring that a qualified pool of pilots will be ready once the jet receives its final type certification.
The “Initial Qualification” designation applies to the hardware and software of the training devices rather than the pilot training program itself. By securing this approval, Boeing has demonstrated to regulators that the simulators accurately replicate the performance and flight characteristics of the 777-9.
The approved devices at the Gatwick campus include a Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) and a Flight Training Device (FTD). The FFS provides a high-fidelity, motion-based environment that mimics the physical sensations of flight, while the FTD serves as a fixed-base trainer for systems and procedural learning.
Capt. Gary Mandy, Boeing’s 777X Chief Technical Pilot, emphasized the importance of this validation in the company’s official statement:
“Securing these approvals is an important step as we prepare for the start of flight training. Pilots will benefit from an immersive training experience that will help ensure our customers’ operational readiness for the 777-9.”
The simulators were manufactured by CAE, a global leader in aviation training technology. The devices feature specific controls unique to the 777X family, including mechanisms for the aircraft’s folding wingtips, a design necessity allowing the massive jet to fit at standard airport gates, as well as large-format touchscreen displays and dual Head-Up Displays (HUD).
Alexandre Prevost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted in the press release that the qualification represents the culmination of a “multi-year effort” between the two companies. This announcement comes as Boeing works to stabilize the timeline for the 777X, which is currently targeted for entry into service in 2027. The program has faced significant hurdles, including delays related to the GE9X engines and, more recently, structural component issues that paused flight testing in 2024 and 2025.
By securing simulator approval now, Boeing is engaging in parallel processing. While the physical aircraft completes its rigorous certification campaign, the training infrastructure is being finalized simultaneously. Once regulators validate the courseware using these approved devices, customer pilot training can officially commence.
Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, stated:
“The qualification of these training devices underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions that meet the needs of global airline customers and regulators.”
The approval of these simulators is more than a bureaucratic checkbox; it is a signal that the regulatory logjam surrounding the 777X is beginning to clear. Following the intense scrutiny of the 737 MAX certification, regulators like the FAA and EASA have adopted far stricter standards for validating human factors and training protocols. The fact that both agencies have signed off on the hardware suggests that Boeing’s data regarding the aircraft’s flight laws and handling characteristics is maturing to a level regulators trust.
Furthermore, the decision to house these initial devices in Gatwick, UK, rather than solely in the United States, highlights the global nature of the 777X order book. With major customers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa eagerly awaiting delivery, having a validated training hub in the European/Atlantic region positions Boeing to accelerate pilot readiness for its largest international buyers as the 2027 delivery target approaches.
Does this mean airlines can start training pilots today? Where are these simulators located? When is the 777-9 expected to enter service?
Boeing 777-9 Simulators Secure Critical Regulatory Approval from FAA and EASA
Validating the Hardware Before the Pilots
Collaboration with CAE
Program Context and Timeline
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
No. “Initial Qualification” validates the simulator hardware. Regulators must now use these devices to fly and approve the training syllabus (courseware). Only after the courseware is approved can airline pilots begin their type rating training.
The approved devices are located at Boeing’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.
Based on current industry targets and Boeing’s projections, the aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2027.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Training & Certification
Frontier Airlines Wins FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training 2025
Frontier Airlines receives the FAA Diamond Award for 2025, recognizing full participation in advanced safety training for maintenance technicians.
This article is based on an official press release from Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines has been awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Diamond Award of Excellence for 2025, the agency’s highest honor for aircraft maintenance and training. The recognition underscores the Denver-based carrier’s commitment to safety and the continuous professional development of its technical operations team.
The Diamond Award is widely regarded in the aviation industry as a benchmark for maintenance quality. It is not granted based on a single inspection or event but rather for a sustained, year-long commitment to education. According to the company’s announcement, the award recognizes both the airline and its Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) for exceeding standard regulatory requirements in safety training.
The FAA Diamond Award of Excellence is rigorous in its eligibility criteria. To qualify, an airline must achieve 100 percent participation from its eligible workforce. Every single eligible maintenance technician must complete a series of additional FAA-developed safety training courses throughout the calendar year. Failure by even a small fraction of the technical workforce to complete the curriculum would disqualify an airline from the Diamond tier.
Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations at Frontier Airlines, emphasized the collective effort required to secure the accolade.
“We are honored to once again receive this recognition from the FAA, shining a spotlight on our incredible AMTs who went above and beyond throughout 2025 to complete valuable safety training courses. Safety is always Frontier’s top priority, and this award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment.”
, Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations, Frontier Airlines
In its official release, Frontier noted that the award follows a period of significant investment in its training infrastructure. The airline has recently modernized its Technical Operations training program curriculum. These updates include the introduction of new courses and the development of advanced training techniques, such as structured on-the-job experience.
Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training at Frontier, highlighted the operational impact of these educational initiatives. “We are pleased to receive the FAA’s Diamond Award, demonstrating the value of an in-depth education program and a highly motivated, highly talented team.”
, Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training, Frontier Airlines
Russo added that the program ensures AMTs receive world-class training, empowering them to support the carrier’s daily flight operations effectively.
For ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Frontier, earning the FAA Diamond Award serves a dual purpose. Operationally, it ensures that the maintenance workforce is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and technical systems, which is critical for minimizing mechanical delays. Reputationally, it provides a verified counter-narrative to the common consumer misconception that lower ticket prices might correlate with reduced operational standards. By achieving 100 percent participation in voluntary safety training, Frontier demonstrates that its cost-cutting measures do not extend to its maintenance hangars.
What is the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence? How does an airline qualify for the award? Does this award affect flight safety?
Frontier Airlines Earns FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training Excellence
Achieving the Diamond Standard
Modernizing Technical Training
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the Federal Aviation Administration’s most prestigious award for aviation maintenance technicians and employers. It recognizes a commitment to initial and recurrent training that exceeds standard regulatory mandates.
To earn the Diamond Award of Excellence, 100 percent of an organization’s eligible maintenance technicians must complete specialized FAA-developed safety training courses within a calendar year.
While the award specifically honors training rather than operational metrics, a highly trained maintenance workforce is a foundational element of flight safety and fleet reliability.
Sources
Photo Credit: Frontier Airlines
Training & Certification
Republic Airways Opens $200 Million Aviation Campus in Carmel Indiana
Republic Airways launches a $200 million headquarters and training campus in Carmel, Indiana, consolidating operations and enhancing pilot training.
This article summarizes reporting by Fox59.
Republic Airways has officially completed the transition to its new corporate headquarters and training campus in Carmel, Indiana. According to reporting by Fox59, the regional airline has consolidated its operations into a centralized hub located at the intersection of 126th Street and U.S. 31. The move marks the culmination of a $200 million investment designed to streamline operations and bolster the airline’s pilot training capabilities.
The new facility, situated within the Meridian Corporate Corridor, brings together the airline’s corporate leadership and its training subsidiary, LIFT Academy. By merging these functions, Republic Airways aims to create a seamless environment for workforce development, addressing critical industry challenges such as the ongoing global pilot shortage. The campus is now fully occupied as of February 2026, serving as the daily workplace for approximately 2,000 employees and trainees.
The development repurposes the former Hamilton Crossing retail center into a high-density, mixed-use aviation ecosystem. According to project details cited in reports, the campus features two primary structures and significant support infrastructure:
Matt Koscal, an executive at Republic Airways, emphasized the strategic intent behind the facility in a statement regarding the project’s vision:
“This project ensures Republic is positioned to attract and retain the most talented and trained professionals in aviation by creating a space designed specifically to meet the needs of our associates.”
A central driver of this relocation is the integration of the LIFT Academy, Republic’s proprietary flight school. By locating the training center adjacent to corporate headquarters, the airline has established a direct “classroom-to-cockpit” pathway. This physical proximity allows for daily interaction between student pilots and airline leadership, fostering a unified corporate culture.
The facility utilizes advanced flight simulation technology to prepare pilots for complex scenarios. This modernization effort aligns with the airline’s broader goal of reducing the time and cost associated with training new pilots, a necessary step to maintain fleet operations for partners such as American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express.
The Vertical Integration of Regional Aviation The project has been described as a significant revitalization effort for the City of Carmel. Local officials have noted that the campus transforms an aging retail site into a vibrant corporate anchor. The influx of daily trainees functions similarly to a permanent convention, driving consistent business to local restaurants and services. Former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, who was instrumental during the project’s announcement phase, highlighted the scale of the development:
“What an opportunity, to be able to build a brand new city… It will be Carmel’s largest employer.”
The development was supported by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds, a mechanism where future property tax revenues generated by the site are used to fund necessary infrastructure improvements, such as the parking garage and street updates.
Where is the new Republic Airways headquarters located? What is the total cost of the project? How many employees work at the new campus? What airlines does Republic Airways operate for? Sources: Fox59
Republic Airways Unveils $200 Million Aviation Campus in Carmel
Campus Specifications and Infrastructure
Strategic Focus: The LIFT Academy Integration
AirPro News Analysis
The completion of Republic’s Carmel campus highlights a shifting strategy among U.S. regional airlines: vertical integration of the talent pipeline. Historically, regional carriers relied on third-party flight schools to supply pilots. However, as major carriers aggressively recruit from regional ranks, the “pilot churn” has accelerated. By building a $200 million physical asset dedicated to training, Republic Airways is attempting to insulate itself from market volatility. This campus is not just an office; it is a defensive moat designed to control the quality and volume of incoming flight crews in an era of scarcity.
Economic Impact on the Meridian Corridor
Frequently Asked Questions
The campus is located at 126th Street and U.S. 31 in Carmel, Indiana, within the Meridian Corporate Corridor.
The total investment for the aviation campus is approximately $200 million.
The site hosts approximately 2,000 employees, including corporate staff, technicians, and a rotating roster of trainees.
Republic Airways operates flights under the brands American Eagle (American Airlines), Delta Connection (Delta Air Lines), and United Express (United Airlines).
Photo Credit: Fox59
Training & Certification
CAE Launches Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator in Singapore
CAE introduces the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator in Asia-Pacific at its Singapore training centre, ready by Fall 2026 for pilot training.
CAE has officially announced the deployment of the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator (FFS) in the Asia-Pacific region. According to a company press release, the advanced training device will be installed at the Singapore-CAE Flight Training (SCFT) Centre, a joint venture facility operated in partnership with Singapore Airlines near Changi Airport.
The new simulator, a CAE 7000XR Series model, represents a critical infrastructure milestone for Asian carriers preparing for the entry-into-service of Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft. CAE confirmed that the simulator is currently being installed and is scheduled to be ready for pilot Training by Fall 2026, pending regulatory qualification.
The placement of this simulator in Singapore addresses a significant logistical gap for Airlines in the region. Previously, operators preparing for the 777X would likely have needed to send flight crews to facilities in Europe or North America. By establishing a training footprint in Singapore, CAE aims to support the substantial order book for the 777X held by Asia-Pacific carriers.
Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President for Civil Aviation, highlighted the strategic importance of the location in the company’s announcement:
“We are bringing the training capacity to where it is needed most, at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific aviation.”
, Alexandre Prévost, CAE Division President (Civil Aviation)
The SCFT Centre, established in 2018 as a 50/50 joint venture between CAE and Singapore Airlines, already houses simulators for the Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777, and 787. The addition of the 777X device solidifies the facility’s status as a comprehensive Boeing training hub for the region.
According to technical details released by CAE, the new simulator will feature the CAE Prodigy™ Image Generator. This visual system leverages gaming-engine technology,specifically Epic Games’ Unreal Engine,to deliver high-fidelity, photorealistic training environments. Unlike previous generations of visual systems, the Prodigy generator is designed to render realistic 3D environments with high-density graphics. This includes dynamic lighting, realistic shadows, and “lifeforms” such as moving traffic and people on the ground. These enhancements are intended to improve pilot readiness by simulating complex weather and ground scenarios with greater accuracy.
The Fall 2026 operational target for this simulator aligns closely with the revised Delivery schedules for the Boeing 777X (777-9). While the aircraft program has faced multiple delays, the installation of training infrastructure suggests that the supply chain is preparing for a concrete entry-into-service window.
For airlines, the availability of a “Level D” simulator,the highest standard of flight simulation,prior to aircraft delivery is essential. It allows carriers to certify pilots and “pre-load” their workforce capabilities so that commercial operations can commence immediately once the physical aircraft are handed over. The presence of this device in Singapore is particularly vital for Singapore Airlines, which serves as the anchor tenant of the SCFT facility.
The Asia-Pacific region represents a massive market for the Boeing 777X. According to industry fleet data, several major carriers in the region have significant outstanding Orders for the type. By locating the simulator in Singapore, CAE is positioning itself to service not just Singapore Airlines, but also other key operators in East and Southeast Asia.
Key regional customers with 777X orders include:
While Lufthansa, the global launch customer, already has access to a CAE 777X simulator in Germany, and Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways maintain their own extensive training pipelines, the Singapore device fills the geographic void for the Far East market.
CAE Deploys Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator to Singapore Training Hub
Strategic Infrastructure for Asian Carriers
Next-Generation Visual Technology
AirPro News Analysis: The Timing of Training
Regional Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: CAE
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