Silk Way West Airlines recently transferred its state-of-the-art Boeing 777 Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) to Azerbaijan’s National Aviation Academy (NAA), thus bolstering the country’s status as a prominent aviation training center. The handover ceremony, held on 10MAR25, was attended by key figures from the aviation industry and government. The advanced simulator, manufactured by L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions, incorporates three Boeing 777 variants: the 777-F, 777-200LR, and 777-300ER. It offers an immersive training environment with cutting-edge visualization and flight simulation technologies, enabling a comprehensive range of pilot assessments and certification programs that adhere to international aviation standards. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) carried out a strict audit on the FFS in FEB25, and is expected to issue certification if successful, which will then be passed to local authorities for recognition. Once this accreditation is complete, Azerbaijan will gain international recognition and be able to offer training also to international carriers operating Boeing 777 aircraft. As it is, Silk Way West Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines pilots will no longer have to travel abroad for their training, therefore saving time and expenses, and improving convenience.
NAA’s training facility manages simulator bookings, and offers technical support, and simulator maintenance. This initiative aligns with the growing worldwide demand for Boeing 777 pilots and shows Silk Way West Airlines’ commitment to advancing aviation training. The project not only benefits local aviation professionals but also positions Azerbaijan as a regional hub for pilot education, attracting trainees from neighboring countries and solidifying its role in international aviation training.
The National Aviation Academy Rector, Prof. Arif Pashayev, underlined: “The simulator will not only play a crucial role in training students at the Academy in the relevant discipline, but will also serve as a key asset in the training of pilots and aviators from Silk Way West Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, and other carriers operating Boeing 777 aircraft worldwide. It will enhance their skills and ensure compliance with the highest aviation safety standards.” Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, declared: “This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering aviation excellence both in Azerbaijan and globally. 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.”
