18 June 2025
Worldwide aviation training company FlightSafety International is expanding its facilities at Farnborough Airport with a new centre expected to open in the second quarter of 2027.
FlightSafety International (FSI) has operated a training centre at Farnborough Airport since 2004. The new facilities will boost training capacity by 40-50%.
The current facility features 11 advanced simulators and training for over 14 aircraft types, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing models, and trains approximately 3,500 clients each year. The expansion will relocate parking and add six full-flight simulators, 10 lower-level training devices, and 19 classrooms.
There’s more. The expansion will also add more than 60 new jobs, including 40 instructors, eight simulator technicians, six customer support specialists, three administrative staff, and five programme managers to the Farnborough location.
“This expansion at Farnborough Airport represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing aviation training across Europe,” said Ben Carter, Executive Vice President, Learning Center Operations.
Training pilots in a Gulfstream G550 simulator. Photo: FSI
By expanding its Farnborough facility, FSI aims to reduce the need for European customers to travel to the US for training. The project will positively impact the local economy as clients often use nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, and serviced apartments. The expansion is expected to generate an additional 9,000 hotel nights annually, benefiting local businesses, including food, entertainment, and shopping.
Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough Airport said, “We are proud to support FlightSafety International’s continued growth. The expansion of FSI’s facilities at Farnborough Airport will create further local jobs, generate inward investment, increase international business traffic, and ensure that Farnborough continues to be at the forefront of aviation innovation and safety for years to come.”
