Farnborough Training Capacity Set to Soar

FlightSafety International (FSI) has announced a major expansion of its training centre at Farnborough Airport, with the new facility expected to open in the second quarter of 2027.

Construction is scheduled to start in late 2025 and finish by early 2027.

FSI has operated a training centre at Farnborough Airport since 2004. The new facilities will boost training capacity by 40-50%, enabling more aviation professionals access to FSI’s training programmes. The current facility is 4,680 square metres. It 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 add 0.7 hectares to relocate parking and create a 4,680-square-metre space for six full-flight simulators, 10 lower-level training devices, and 19 classrooms.

FSI employs over 1,800 professional instructors globally, delivering more than 1.4 million hours of training annually. The expansion will 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.

By expanding its Farnborough facility, FSI aims to reduce the need for European customers to travel to the U.S. 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.