Inside Airbus' new Flight Operations and Training campus in Toulouse

Airbus is progressively opening its new Europe Training Centre in Toulouse, a facility designed to meet the evolving needs of its global customer base -- an end-to-end approach, from initial pilot courses, all the way through to recurrent and operational training. Located in the new Flight Operations and Training campus, it also hosts maintenance and structure training.

“Far from a simple relocation, this new centre represents a major upgrade, featuring a new generation of training devices,” says Yasmine Seffar Andaloussi, General Manager of the Airbus Europe Training Centre.

“The new facility will also be one of the largest of 13 Airbus training centres globally and the only one of its kind in Europe. Designed with future growth in mind, the facility is capable of doubling its 2025 simulator fleet and increasing its total number of trainees by 50 percent.”

Brand new simulators complementing current fleet

In terms of visible hardware and technology, the heart of the new centre lies in its planned fleet of seven full-flight simulators (FFS) in 2026. All of these have been – or are being – recertified by EASA in the new facility. This applies even for those simulators which have been brought across from the previous training building in Blagnac. The latter include A320 (two FFS), A350, A300/A310 and the A380. The new facility has been sized to accommodate more FFS in the future, to accompany Airbus’ growth.

A key highlight is the brand new A330neo simulator, which stands out for its versatility and realism to be able to represent any A330 CEO/NEO variant. "Our new A330neo simulator can mimic multiple engine variants and configurations, allowing airlines to train their crews on a single device that perfectly aligns with their specific fleet," explains Luc Mauerhan, Head of Flight Training.

"This feature makes training more efficient and effective, as pilots can practice on a system that behaves just like the aircraft they fly, eliminating the need for separate familiarisation briefings. Corsair is one of the first customers to take advantage of the simulator's ability to accurately represent its own in-service A330neo aircraft."

A330neo simulator

Authored on

Mon, 02/09/2026 - 10:38

A330neo simulator

A330neo simulator

A330neo simulator

Adding more A350 training capacity

In addition to the A330neo full-flight simulator, Airbus has added a second, new A350 simulator to its portfolio. This is the first simulator which visitors will see as they enter the new building. While the previous A350 simulator was already state-of-the-art, this new machine boosts Airbus’ training capacity in Blagnac to keep up with the rapid growth of the A350 fleet.

This strategic investment ensures that customers can receive timely and comprehensive training support for new aircraft deliveries, a key part of Airbus' commitment to fleet entry-into-service support.

The new Airbus Europe Training Centre’s (AETC) state-of-the-art building includes dedicated preparation rooms equipped with touch screens for focused study. Meanwhile the integration of natural light in the simulator bays presents a calming welcoming area. In addition, rest areas offer trainees a place to recharge, solidifying Airbus' commitment to enhancing a learning environment where wellbeing is paramount. In 2026, new classroom facilities will come online to further enhance our pedagogical suite.

Airbus' commitment to advanced training is further underscored by a portfolio of eight modern "Airbus Procedure Trainers" (APTs). These are fixed (non moveable) simulators which allow many aspects of flight training to be undertaken without the need for a full motion system. Six of these are brand-new, complemented by two A350 APT+ units. APT's for A320 and A330 types are also included.

A350 simulator

Authored on

Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:18

A350 simulator - cockpit and HUD panels - exterior view

A350 simulator

A350 simulator

Expanding the focus beyond pilots to maintenance

While flight simulators often grab the spotlight, the new centre is about more than just training pilots. Airbus is also making significant investments in training for maintenance technicians, a crucial aspect of aviation safety and efficiency.

One of the features are new improved laboratories (two in total) for structural repair training. Here technicians can learn to identify and fix damage to an aircraft's composite and metallic structure. As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Airbus offers a level of legitimacy and expertise in these training programmes.

Maintenance training: an instructor and two trainees performing a task

Authored on

Tue, 02/10/2026 - 11:37

Training Structure and Maintenance 2

Maintenance training

Maintenance training: an instructor and two trainees performing a task

Maintenance training also benefits from the new simulator technology. For example, with the new A330 simulator the maintenance technicians can practice their engine run-ups using the correct engine type – ie either NEO or CEO and covering all types of engines (GE / PW / RR CEO & NEO versions). This is a huge differentiator for our maintenance training organisation, in addition to regular pilot training.

The human factor: New instructors and a refined customer experience

The new centre is also a reflection of Airbus' investment in its people. The company is actively recruiting experienced Flight, Maintenance and Structure instructors from a wide spectrum of backgrounds to bring fresh, real-world operational insights into the training programmes. This influx of new talent ensures that the training is not only technically accurate but also relevant to the everyday challenges pilots and technicians face.

Instructor and trainees in a classroom

Authored on

Tue, 02/10/2026 - 11:40

Instructor and trainees in a classroom

Instructor and trainees in a classroom

Instructor and trainees in a classroom

To sum-up, with this new training centre Airbus is preparing the pilots and technicians of today while also building the foundation for a safer, more sustainable future for the entire aviation industry. By combining the latest technology, expert instruction, and a focus on customer needs, the new facility is poised to become a cornerstone of Airbus’ services.