Silk Way West Airlines, the leading cargo airline in the Caspian and Central Asian region, has handed over its newly acquired Boeing 777 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) to the national Aviation Academy (NAA) during a special event, solidifying Azerbaijan’s place as a key aviation training hub.

The simulator is manufactured by UK-based L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions and is a next-generation model that combines three other Boeing 777 aircraft variants, the 777-F, 777-200 LR, and the 777-300 ER.

It features highly realistic training experiences, advanced visualisation and flight simulation technologies, and allows for a range of qualification sessions, pilot assessments, and certification training in accordance with international aviation standards.

In February, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conducted a comprehensive audit of the simulator, which resulted in its successful certification. Now, the FFS will be officially recognised by local aviation authorities and will be a key asset in training pilots from Silk Way West Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines and other Boeing 777 carriers internationally.

Zaur Akhundov, president of Silk Way Group, stated: “By equipping the National Aviation Academy with state-of-the-art training capabilities, we are investing in the future of aviation professionals and strengthening Azerbaijan’s role in international pilot education. This simulator will serve not only our pilots but also the global aviation community, setting a new benchmark in training quality and accessibility.”

The training facility will be located in Azerbaijan, improving accessibility and reducing costs by eliminating the need for pilots to travel abroad to complete mandatory training. In addition, its EASA certification will help attract pilots and airlines from around region, providing opportunities for aviators domestically and globally.