Comair announces acquisition of EPT Aviation Training

South Africa's Comair has acquired EPT Aviation Training as part of an ongoing diversification of its non-airline operations.

Captain Glen Warden, Head of Comair’s Training Facilities, explained, “The new acquisition is an exciting development in line with Comair’s ongoing expansion of our non-airline facilities to mitigate against the weak prevailing economy, which continues to suppress airline revenue.

“This will enhance our already formidable offering, increasing our capacity for training in cabin crew, passenger handling and travel and tourism training. It holds benefits for not only Comair, but the many young South Africans who envisage careers in aviation.”

Marlene Dippenaar, spokesperson for EPT, added, “We’re honoured that Comair has recognised the expertise and value within EPT, and has offered us the opportunity to join forces with their progressive umbrella of companies, creating a win-win, one-stop, all round training solution facility for aviation and travel within Africa, offering quality training in a caring, loving environment.”

The acquisition comes in addition to Comair developing its own in-house pilot training facility in Rhodesfield, Johannesburg, which is currently undergoing expansion. An additional structure is being erected, which will consolidate Comair’s training offering by providing more classrooms to accommodate more students and offering the potential capacity for two more fixed-base simulators and two full-motion simulators.

Comair currently offers training to 34 airlines and air forces at its existing facility. In August this year, the company placed an order for an A320 flight training device from Multi Pilot Simulations.