SEAir is expanding its fleet through the lease of further Airbus 320 aircraft to add to its current fleet of two.

Comprising a total of thirteen weeks of ground school, extensive hours of basic flying time and an Airbus type rating, this course provides each student with the required knowledge and experience to qualify as an Airbus First Officer.

“Alpha Aviation Group (Philippines) Inc. is an Approved Training Organization (ATO) and a certified Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) for the training of A320 commercial pilots for airlines in the Asia Pacific region.”

AAGEU’s Gatwick-based Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) has produced in excess of 150 type rated pilots in the past year and a half, serving the world’s airlines and the needs of the individuals who seek the first step of their career ladder as a commercial pilot. The TRTO trains pilots for both the Boeing 737 (CL and NG) and the Airbus 320.

January will see the  intake of a further batch of cadet pilots to the programme, with Alpha slating  thirty places.

“I’m pleased to announce that we have invested in the state-of-the-art Airbus A320 Level D Full Flight Simulator,” Sharma said today. “This is a multimillion US-dollar investment that demonstrates our commitment to the Philippines, Philippine aviation, and training Filipinos for high-paying, professionally fulfilling jobs,” Sharma said. The new flight simulator will provide AAG Ph the capability to deliver 6,000 hours of training annually, roughly enough to prepare 300 new pilots for certification.

Launched in 2006, AAG Ph is currently the world’s largest provider of Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) pilots. AAG Ph is one of three academies under the Alpha Aviation Group (AAG), a UK based provider of specialist training solutions to the international commercial aviation community. AAG Ph is also an Approved Training Organization (ATO) and a certified Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) for the Airbus A320.

“AAG Ph graduates have established successful careers in the aviation industry. The training we provide is based on international standards, which prepares cadets to work anywhere in the globe,” said Capt. Andrew McKechnie, Chief Training Officer of AAG.

AAG Ph provides highly disciplined operating efficiencies to ensure “on-time and on-schedule” delivery of training services both to pilots and airlines, according to, AAG Director of Operations Andy McIntosh.  “AAG Ph has been in the Philippines for just five years. During that period, we have dramatically expanded the courses that
we offer as well as our training fleet and facilities,” McIntosh said.

Sharma said Maybank is providing the financing for the acquisition of the state-of-the-art simulator. “Maybank believes in our vision for the Philippines as an emerging center of Asian aviation, especially in the training of the region’s pilots,” Sharma explained.  “The secrets to our success in the Philippines are the abundance of local talent and the
competence, ambition and growth of players in the industry. Those are the principal reasons for our decision to expand here.”

As an independent training services provider, AAG Ph counts most airline companies in the Philippines among its clients. About 80 percent of the training it provides is for Filipinos employed by local airlines Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air and SEAir. International clients include Air Arabia and Jet Airways.

The FFS X™ A320 becomes the sixth Airbus 320 simulator to be  deployed since Mechtronix entered the Airbus simulation segment in 2008. The simulator features next-generation simulation components and includes an  electric motion base, LCoS projectors and makes maximum use of OEM software for  simulated displays and avionics.

Prior to the commencement of the training, AAPA, working together with AAG UAE and the wider AAG group, underwent an extensive audit by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE in order to be accredited to deliver the MPL flight training.

AAPA Chairman Chris Hine stated, “We are both excited and honoured to be embarking on the new MPL program on behalf of AAG and warmly welcome the first intake of Air Arabia cadet pilots to our Academy. We are proud to be among the very few pilot academies around the world that could deliver this new MPL programme which is also recognised by CASA of Australia.”

The simulator will come with a suite of advanced avionics such as TCAS, EGPWS, FMS, LOFT and weather radar to familiarise AAG UAE’s cadets with the automated flight deck as well as the performance and speeds of today’s modern jet aircraft. Featuring a 180° x 35° projected display, the FSTD provides the highest level of visual fidelity via a Raster/xT Image