Caverton Helicopters Limited (a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group PLC) has notified The Nigerian Stock Exchange that it will operate the first commercial aviation training centre in the African region. The purpose built facility to be located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport will feature six (6) simulator bays equipped with a CAE 3000 Series AW 139 full-flight helicopter simulator (FFS), a CAE 7000XR Series Boeing 737 NG full-flight fixed-wing simulator (FFS) and two Simfinity Integrated Procedures Trainers (IPTs). The collaborative effort will have CAE providing a turnkey solution that will include the start-up, maintenance and operation of the centre for a specified period pending the full transfer of knowledge and skill-sets. This new development is poised to strengthen Caverton’s position as a leading provider of aviation logistics and training services in the sub region.
Caverton’s foray into this segment of the industry in collaboration with the number one provider of advanced simulation training solutions will allow Caverton to diversify its income base, while improving it’s efficiency and also the efficiency of third party users such as airlines and other helicopter operators in the region. The centre will eliminate the challenges experienced by many pilots in the region striving to obtain their re-currency training and type ratings and it is expected to boost local capacity development, while curbing capital flight and improving overall safety in the Nigerian and regional aviation sector.