Turkish Airlines Signs Multi Year Agreement with CAE at Farnborough Airshow for Five Full Flight Simulators to Expand Pilot Training Capacity

SEO Title: Turkish Airlines Signs Flight Simulator Deal with CAE (2026)
Meta Description: Turkish Airlines signs a multi-year deal with CAE at Farnborough, acquiring 5 Full Flight Simulators and 2 training devices.
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Standfirst: At the Farnborough Airshow, Turkish Airlines finalized a multi-year contract with CAE to acquire five advanced Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and two Flight Training Devices (FTD).

Strategic Simulators Deal Signed at Farnborough

The Turkish flag carrier has expanded its global pilot training capabilities to keep pace with its rapid intercontinental network growth.

The contract, confirmed at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2026, secures a firm order of five Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and two Flight Training Devices (FTD).

The purchase includes two Airbus A321neo FFS units, two Boeing 787 FFS units, and one Airbus A350 FFS. In addition, CAE will supply two Airbus A350 Level-1 FTD units. The agreement includes purchase options for two additional simulators (one Airbus A350 FFS and one Boeing 787 FFS). This contract reinforces a partnership of over 20 years between the airline and CAE.

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Simulator Infrastructure & Project Timeline

• Firm Order Specifications: 5 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and 2 Flight Training Devices (FTD) built by CAE.
• Aircraft Fleets Supported: Dedicated simulators for long-haul Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 widebodies, plus Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft.
• Flight Training Center Progress: Construction of the state-of-the-art facility began in January 2026 under a 10-year investment plan.
• Operational Schedule: Simulator hangars are scheduled to open in 2027, with the entire training center fully operational in 2028.
• Contract Options: Includes purchase rights for 2 additional FFS units (one A350 and one B787).

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Crew Scheduling & Passenger Compensation Rights (Information Gain)

Pilot training capacity directly impacts flight schedules and crew availability, which are covered by consumer regulations:

• EU261/2004 Crew Disruption Rules: For flights departing European Union airports, if a flight is canceled or delayed by over three hours due to airline-controllable crew scheduling errors or simulator backlogs, passengers are eligible for compensation up to €600.
• Duty Time Regulations: Flight safety laws strictly limit the hours a pilot can work without rest. If crew scheduling delays cause a pilot to exceed these limits, the flight must be delayed or canceled, and the carrier must provide passenger rebooking and food/lodging care.
• Visual Simulation Tech: Advanced CAE simulators reproduce visual landscapes, wind shear, and weather systems, preparing pilots for landing at complex international airports before operating commercial routes.

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Industry Analyst View

Our analysis indicates that this CAE simulator contract runs in tandem with the airline's domestic HAVELSAN agreement to establish a dual-source procurement strategy.

By utilizing both CAE and HAVELSAN systems, Turkish Airlines reduces supply chain risks during its massive fleet growth. Expanding training facilities for widebody Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets is essential to maintain a steady flow of qualified captains as intercontinental services expand.

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Data Tables

1. CAE Simulator Order and Option Parameters (2026)

Simulator Device / Fleet	Confirmed Firm Orders	Purchase Contract Options	Primary Operational Use
Airbus A321neo FFS	2 Units	N/A	Narrowbody regional operations
Boeing 787 FFS	2 Units	1 Unit Option	Widebody long-haul transcontinental
Airbus A350 FFS	1 Unit	1 Unit Option	Widebody long-haul transcontinental
Airbus A350 Level-1 FTD	2 Units	N/A	Cockpit procedures and system familiarity

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Key Takeaways

• CAE Deal Signed at Farnborough: Turkish Airlines firmly orders 5 FFS and 2 FTD units from CAE.
• Dual-Source Simulator Strategy: Operates alongside domestic HAVELSAN simulator programs.
• Hangars Operational in 2027: Flight Training Center hangars open in 2027, with full completion in 2028.
• Widebody Capacity Focus: Secures simulators for long-range Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets.

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FAQ

Which aircraft fleets are supported by the new CAE simulator order?

The CAE simulators will support pilot training for Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 aircraft.

When will the new simulator hangars become operational?

The simulator hangars are scheduled to open in 2027, and the entire training center will be completed in 2028.

What options are included in the Turkish Airlines CAE contract?

The airline has secured purchase options for one additional Airbus A350 FFS and one additional Boeing 787 FFS.

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