Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc has entered into partnership with CAE Aerospace, to launch the first commercial aircraft simulator training center in sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership is being executed through a subsidiary of Caverton – Caverton Helicopters Limited.

The training center will formally be opened in 2015 and will afford the company opportunity to diversify its income base.

In a statement notifying the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, of the partnership, the company said the purpose built facility to be located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, will feature six simulator bays equipped with a CAE 3000 Series AW 139 full-flight helicopter simulator (FFS), a CAE 7000XR Series Boeing 737 NG full-flight fixed-wing simulator (FFS) and two Simfinity Integrated Procedures Trainers (IPTs).

According to the company, the collaborative effort will see CAE providing a turnkey solution that will include the start-up, maintenance and operation of the centre for a specified period pending the full transfer of knowledge and skill sets.

The development is poised to strengthen Caverton’s position as a leading provider of aviation logistics and training services in the sub region, the company said in the statement.

It added that its foray into the segment of the industry in collaboration with the number one provider of advanced simulation training solutions will allow Caverton to diversify its income base, while improving its efficiency and also the efficiency of third party users such as airlines and other helicopter operators in the region. It further stated that the centre will eliminate the challenges experienced by many pilots in the region striving to obtain their re-currency training and type ratings.

It is expected to boost local capacity development, while curbing capital flight and improving overall safety in the Nigerian and regional aviation sector, the company said.

It will be recalled that the Managing Director, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, had at the first annual general meeting of the company as a public quoted company said regulatory approvals to commence the construction of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Center, as well as the aviation training center have been secured.

He noted that the training center, which will sited on a 40,000 square meters facility at MMIA, will house Original Equipment Manufacturers OEMs.

Source: Vanguard