Turkish Airlines has signed an agreement with Turkish defence and technology company HAVELSAN for the supply of 12 new flight simulators as the airline accelerates preparations for its long-term fleet expansion and pilot training requirements. The order comprises eight Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and four Flight Training Devices (FTD), supporting the airline’s goal of expanding its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033.
The simulators, designed and manufactured entirely in Türkiye, will be installed at Turkish Airlines’ expanding training infrastructure, including new simulator hangars currently under development and a Flight Training Center scheduled for completion in 2028. The airline said the investment would strengthen advanced pilot training capabilities while supporting domestic high-technology manufacturing.
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Murat Şeker said the expansion would make the airline’s Flight Training Center one of Europe’s largest across three campuses by 2033, serving both Turkish Airlines and other carriers. HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet AkifNacar described the agreement as a milestone, marking the company’s entry into the wide-body flight simulation segment.
Turkish Airlines already operates seven HAVELSAN-built simulators, including Airbus A320neo/CEO and Boeing 737 variants, all certified to EASA Level D standards. The latest order reflects the carrier’s continued investment in internationally compliant pilot training infrastructure.
In Kolkata, the development highlights growing opportunities for India’s aviation ecosystem as airlines expand fleets and training capacity to meet rising passenger demand. With Kolkata serving as a major gateway to eastern and northeastern India and witnessing increasing international connectivity, investments in advanced flight training infrastructure by global carriers are expected to strengthen aviation partnerships, technology collaboration and skilled workforce development that could benefit the region over the long term.