Atlantic Airways inaugurates new flight training centre in the Faroe Islands, powered by Thales’s helicopter pilot training solutions. A major step forward in helicopter pilot training has just taken flight in the Faroe Islands. Atlantic Airways, in partnership with global aerospace leader Thales, has officially opened a state-of-the-art flight training centre that promises to transform how helicopter pilots and crew are prepared for the world’s most demanding missions.
This innovative centre features one of the most advanced full flight simulators on the market—the Thales AW139 Reality H® Full Flight Simulator (FFS), approved at the highest Level D by EASA. What makes this simulator exceptional is not just its technical excellence, but also its integration of Mixed Reality (MR) for hoist operations—creating an immersive and realistic training experience like no other.
Let’s explore what this means for the aviation industry—and what it could mean for you.
Designed for Real-World Demands
At the heart of the new facility lies the AW139 Reality H® FFS. This is not just another simulator—it’s a technological breakthrough designed with realism and safety at its core. Developed in close collaboration with the training experts at Atlantic Airways, this simulator offers highly accurate mission-based training for both offshore and onshore scenarios.
You may be wondering why that’s important. In environments like the Faroe Islands, where the weather can shift in an instant and where many missions involve complex terrain and emergency response, realistic preparation can be the difference between success and disaster.
The FFS replicates these conditions with impressive accuracy, offering full-motion, scenario-based simulations that give pilots the confidence and experience they need—before they ever leave the ground.
Training That Mirrors Reality
Thales’s patented Hexaline™ motion system and high-fidelity visuals work together to provide a training environment that mirrors real-life flight conditions. From the smallest vibration to complex emergency maneuvers, the simulator allows pilots to respond naturally, honing their decision-making and technical skills under pressure.
But it’s not just about the pilot in the front seat.
One of the centre’s standout features is the integrated Mixed Reality hoist trainer—an innovation that allows aircrew to train for rescue and winching operations with remarkable detail and immersion.
Mixed Reality: Enhancing Crew Coordination
The hoist trainer is specifically designed for the winch operator—the crew member responsible for lifting or lowering people or equipment during a rescue or offshore mission.
What makes this training system so powerful is its use of Mixed Reality. Using a physical hoist grip and cable, trainees can simulate real winching tasks while the ThalesView™ image system displays a 360-degree environment synchronized with the flight simulator’s movement. This creates a seamless, multi-role training experience where both pilot and winch operator can work together as they would in an actual mission.
You can lean into the simulation—literally—and feel the coordination and timing that are critical in high-risk operations. The system even allows adjustments in hoist speed and direction to reflect real-time decision-making.
An Investment in Global Aviation Safety
The Atlantic Airways Aviation Academy, now equipped with this full simulator setup, is set to become a beacon of excellence in helicopter training across Europe—and beyond. The academy can train up to 600 pilots annually, depending on the course syllabus.
Whether you’re a new pilot aiming for initial type rating or a seasoned professional undergoing recurrent training or proficiency checks, this simulator meets every requirement for both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations.
This is more than a local achievement. With EASA certification, pilots trained here can take their skills anywhere across the continent and the world.
Trusted Collaboration, Trusted Results
According to Benoit Broudy, Vice-President of Training & Simulation at Thales, “These systems will provide pilots and crewmembers with highly immersive and realistic training, enhancing their proficiency to handle the most complex missions.” He emphasized Thales’s commitment to safety and its position as a global leader in aviation simulation.
Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, echoed this sentiment. “The AW139 simulator and integrated Hoist Trainer are key pillars of our Aviation Academy,” she stated. “They will ensure world-class, mission-ready training for pilots and crews right here in the Faroe Islands.”
This close partnership between Atlantic Airways and Thales showcases what’s possible when local expertise meets global innovation.
Conclusion: A New Standard in Helicopter Training
Raising the Bar for Helicopter Training Worldwide
The launch of the Atlantic Airways flight training centre is more than a milestone—it’s a message. It tells you that helicopter training no longer needs to compromise between location, technology, and mission realism. Here in the Faroe Islands, all three now come together.
As aviation continues to evolve, the demand for highly skilled, well-prepared pilots and crew will only grow. With this new centre, the future of helicopter training looks not only safer—but smarter.
Whether you’re a pilot, a safety advocate, or simply someone who understands the value of precision training, this development marks an exciting chapter in the pursuit of aviation excellence. And for the pilots of tomorrow, it may just be the perfect place to begin.
