DHL Air (UK) Expands Pilot Training Capacity with Custom B777 Training Device

DHL Air (UK) Ltd. has enhanced its pilot training capabilities with the installation of a custom‑built Boeing 777 flight training device at its East Midlands Airport training centre. 

Developed by Flightdeck Solutions (FDS), the fixed‑base trainer is designed to support the carrier’s ongoing fleet transition and growing 777 operations.

As DHL moves pilots from its existing 757 and 767 fleets to the B777, demand for type rating and transition training has increased. The in‑house device provides dedicated capacity and reduces reliance on external training providers, helping the airline mitigate scheduling bottlenecks and maintain crew readiness.

Unlike touchscreen procedural trainers, the FDS B777 device features a fully tactile flight deck with complete control loading, enabling pilots to build authentic muscle memory in a spatially accurate environment. DHL Air (UK) says this approach gives crews early familiarity with cockpit feel, switch positions and system interfaces before entering full flight simulator sessions.

The device includes an enclosed instructor operating station with scenario control, weather injection, failure management and flight recording. It supports procedures training, systems familiarisation and crew resource management exercises. FDS also delivered the trainer with a bespoke exterior in DHL’s signature yellow livery.

“As we expand our 777 operations, having dedicated training capacity on‑site gives us control over scheduling and pilot readiness,” said Mike Bird, Head of Flight Crew Training at DHL Air (UK) Ltd. “The tactile fidelity was important - we wanted our crews building real familiarity with the flight deck.”

FDS President Peter Cos said the installation reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, fully tactile training systems tailored to operator needs.