Abyssinia Flight Services, a leading private aircraft operator in Ethiopia announced that it is finalizing the acquisition of a flight simulator and flight training aircraft for its training school at an estimated 380,000 Euros.

The flight simulator will be installed at the end of August after inspection by Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. The new flight simulator, supplemented by existing Diamond flight simulators and training aircraft is expected to enhance the flight schools capacity.

The new flight simulator is purchased from the Austrian based Diamond Aircraft Industries at a cost of 17,000 Euros which includes maintenance, personnel training and instructor training. The school has also procured a Cessina 172 at a cost of more than 203,000 Euros from Africa Airs, based in Miami, USA. Although the four seat aircraft can be used for charter flight services, the company intends to exclusively use it for training purpose only.

Abyssinia Flight Training has trained 19 pilots form different countries since its establishment six years ago. According to  Abera  Afini, manager and chief ground instructor, the school is planning to buy more flight simulators and training aircrafts to boost trainee numbers.

Abyssinia Flight Services, the first private airlines company in Ethiopia. It was established in April 1999 after the partial opening of the sector for Ethiopian private investors.  Abyssinia Flight Services currently has five training aircrafts and five passenger airplanes giving charter flights services in Ethiopia.