Boeing is adding a third 787 full-flight simulator to its UK training centre, and expects the device to become available in the first quarter of 2014.

The airframer says the simulator, located at its Boeing Flight Services facility in London Gatwick, will be aimed at pilots from customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

It established its first simulator at the facility in 2010 and installed a second earlier this year. The new addition also includes another fixed-based 787 flight-training device.

Virgin Atlantic is among the UK operators with 787s on order. Head of flight operations training and standards Capt Graham Stokes says the carrier began 787 training last year.

"The exciting addition of the [787] means that our training needs will grow along with our new fleet," he says. "Introduction of a third 787 simulator near to Virgin's base is therefore welcome."

Thomson Airways has recently taken delivery of its first 787s. Flight operations director Capt John Murphy says: "As more 787s are delivered, pilot initial and recurrent training remains a priority."

British Airways is also a 787 customer and has started training flights with its first aircraft at Manston airport in Kent, ahead of deploying the twinjet on its initial services to Toronto and Newark.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news