Fiji Airways has initiated a comprehensive four-day regulatory training course aimed at equipping its staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the upcoming EASA FSTD qualification standards, which are set to become effective from 30 April 2028. The training, delivered by SIM OPS' expert Mark Dransfield, concentrated on understanding the new Flight Simulation Training Device Capability Signature framework and compliance requirements.
The course highlights include an in-depth look at the EASA-approved CS-FSTD Issue 1 published in July 2026, and how it shifts qualification criteria from traditional device categories towards a more flexible, capability-based approach based on simulation fidelity and features. Participants reviewed the revised structure, transition procedures for existing simulators, and related regulatory documentation.
The training is directly relevant to Fiji Airways, which maintains four full-flight simulators in Nadi for aircraft including Airbus A330-200, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-8 MAX, and ATR 72-600, all listed as active on the EASA register. The airline's training center, Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, supports both company and third-party training needs across various devices.
Mark Dransfield, who also conducts similar training for CAA International and speaks at industry forums, emphasized the importance of this new qualification framework in enhancing safety and operational standards. Established in 2019, the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy continues to expand its simulator capabilities and training offerings, aligning with international regulatory developments and industry best practices.
