BAA Training, one of the TOP 3 biggest independent aviation training centres in Europe, is going forward with expansion in Spain. A global aviation training provider is establishing a 5300-square-meter training center near Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport. Notably, the new facility will become a home to Boeing 737 NG, Airbus A320ceo/neo and a new type for the company – Boeing 737 MAX 8 full flight simulator.

The COVID-19 crisis has prompted dramatic re-evaluation and re-adjustment of plans, especially the ones related to expansion. Nevertheless, BAA Training managed to open a brand new training centre in China this June and is glad to announced about the launch of a new training centre in Spain, set for Q1 2021.

“Considering fragility of the future prospects and following rigorous market analysis, we have decided to move forward with BAA Training expansion, adjusting it to the actual and future airline needs.

Our main goal is to support our customers with the right equipment and cost-saving solutions that will secure them with currently much needed flexibility and availability for required pilot training,” comments Egle Vaitkeviciute, CEO of BAA Training.

Primarily, Spain was chosen for its convenient geographical location. Situated just 10 minutes’ drive from the El Prat airport, the second largest and busiest airport in Spain, it creates a perfect place for airlines and independent aviation professionals to reach and have their training.

The new pilot training spot in Spain will also welcome a new FFS type for the company – Boeing 737 MAX 8, manufactured by L3 Harris Technologies. With the upcoming re-certification of this Boeing commercial aircraft program, the demand for 737 MAX pilots’ training is expected to grow, especially in H1 2021, when the training device is planned to be ready at BAA Training Spain.

Additionally, training provider will be able to offer solutions on fixed-base flight training devices FTD -2, that will be introduced at the centre. These will enable the company to do training that requires FNPT II, deliver Multi-Crew Cooperation training, etc.

“Over the past few years BAA Training has been taking strategic development steps by adding additional training locations in Spain. With the existing two Ab Initio flight bases in the country and the modern FFS training center, we will create a Spanish aviation training hub. It will be ready to satisfy the full scope of pilot training needs, including cadet programs, MPL training, type rating programs, recurrent courses, etc. Also, clients would have a possibility to benefit from wet and dry FFS lease services,” reveals Egle Vaitkeviciute.

The brand new Airbus A320ceo/neo and Boeing 737 NG FFSs are bound to be ready for training during Q1 2021, while the new type, Boeing 737 MAX 8, is expected to start operations in the Q2 2021. All in all, BAA Training Spain is set to operate six simulators by 2021. Having these capacity available, the company will be ready to accommodate the European market with more than 44,000 flight training hours and provide recurrent pilot training for approximately 4,300 pilots yearly.