Atlantic Airways Opens New Academy

One of the aircraft simulators is rather unique.

An Atlantic Airways Airbus A320neo in Vágar, Faroe Islands (Photo: Atlantic Airways)

[ Pilots ]April 8, 2025 4:42 pm ET

By Joey Gerardi

Faroe Islands-based Atlantic Airways has made history by opening its first aviation academy last week. The academy, which is just a short walking distance from the country’s only airport, which is located in Vágar, will feature two full flight simulators: one for the Airbus A320neo, which SIM International produces, and a second one for the AgustaWestland 139 helicopter.

The new Atlantic Airways simulator buildings at Vágar Airport while they were under construction in the Fall of 2024 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

The A320neo simulator will be useful for its pilots, so they can practice the tricky landings that can sometimes be found in the Faroe Islands. But, the AW139 simulator will be helpful for a completely different reason: training people for its search and rescue operations (SAR).

The airline operates two helicopters not only for scheduled operations within the Faroe Islands, but also for its SAR operations, as well as medical transportation.

An Atlantic Airways Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

The AW139 sim, which is a level D device by Thales, can also be combined with a “mixed reality hoist trainer,” so the crews can practice these SAR operations as if they were out in the field. This helicopter simulator with its hoist training capability will draw in people from all across the world to the small island nation to train on its specially designed simulators, especially those who want to train for search and rescue operations.

This mixed reality hoist training also simulates payload to be raised or lowered. Also included in it is Mixed Reality technology, which is made by the “ThalesView” Image Generation system and can provide visual cues, enabling the person operating the hoist to lean outside freely from the “helicopter” as if you were out in the field.

In a press report from Thales, Atlantic Airways CEO Jóhanna á Bergi had some thoughts on the new AW139 simulator: “The AW139 simulator and integrated Hoist Trainer are key pillars of our Aviation Academy and will ensure world-class, mission-ready training for pilots and crews right here in the Faroe Islands.”

Both the AW139 and the Airbus A320neo full motion simulators in Atlantic Airways’ possession are now certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Atlantic Airways is currently pursuing certification with the United Kingdom.

The training center has the ability to certify around 600 pilots per year, depending on their course and training requirements.

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Joey Gerardi

Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.

Author

Joey Gerardi

Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.
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