Turkish Airlines has taken another step towards strengthening its pilot training programme by signing an agreement with Turkish defence and technology company HAVELSAN to purchase 12 new flight simulators. The move is part of the airline’s long-term plan to expand its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033.
Under the agreement, the airline will receive eight Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and four Flight Training Devices (FTD). The new simulators will be added to Turkish Airlines’ growing training infrastructure, helping the carrier increase its pilot training capacity as it continues to expand its operations.
The simulators will be installed at the airline’s new simulator hangars, where construction began in January 2026. According to the airline, the first phase of the facility is expected to become operational in 2027, while the new Flight Training Centre is scheduled for completion in 2028.
A key feature of the project is that all the simulators will be designed and manufactured entirely in Türkiye by HAVELSAN. The companies believe the partnership will not only improve pilot training but also support the country’s aviation technology sector by encouraging the use of locally developed high-tech systems.
Speaking on the occasion, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Murat Şeker, said the airline is investing in advanced training infrastructure to support its future growth plans. He said the Flight Training Centre is expected to become one of Europe’s largest by 2033, operating across three campuses.
According to Şeker, the expanded facilities will not only meet Turkish Airlines’ own pilot training requirements but will also provide simulator training services to pilots from other airlines. He also thanked HAVELSAN for contributing to Türkiye’s domestic aviation ecosystem through homegrown technology.
HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar described the agreement as an important milestone for the company. He said it marks HAVELSAN’s entry into the wide-body flight simulation segment and reflects the trust Turkish Airlines has placed in its technology. He added that the company will continue developing advanced simulation solutions that meet international aviation standards and improve pilot training.
Turkish Airlines already operates several HAVELSAN-built simulators at its training centres. These include three Airbus A320NEO/CEO simulators, three Boeing 737 MAX simulators and one Boeing 737NG simulator. All of them are certified to EASA Level D standards, which is the highest certification for commercial full flight simulators.
The latest order further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Turkish Airlines and HAVELSAN while expanding the airline’s existing simulator fleet. Officials believe the investment will help train more pilots using advanced simulation technology and reduce dependence on overseas training facilities.
As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its global network and aircraft fleet, the airline says investing in modern pilot training infrastructure will play a crucial role in maintaining international safety standards and preparing pilots for next-generation aircraft. The new simulators are expected to support both the airline’s future growth and its commitment to high-quality aviation training.
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