Experts Seek Relocation Of NCAT’s Boeing 737NG Simulator To Lagos

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have renewed calls for relocating the Boeing 737 Next Generation (B737NG) flight simulator currently housed at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to Lagos.

They argued that the move would improve accessibility, reduce operational costs, and enhance the facility’s commercial viability.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, aviation expert, Engr. Frank Oruye said situating the simulator in Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub, would significantly reduce the time pilots and engineers spend away from duty during mandatory simulator training.

According to him, global best practice dictates that commercial flight simulators are located close to major international airport hubs where airlines and aviation personnel can easily access them.

“The B737NG simulator is not commercially viable in its current location at NCAT, Zaria,” Oruye said. He continued, “Best practice globally is to site commercial flight simulators near international aviation hubs to attract more clients and maximise utilisation.”

He explained that relocating the simulator to Lagos would reduce travel logistics for airlines and aviation personnel, enabling them to complete required training with minimal disruption to flight operations.

“This minimises the duration of absence for simulator training and helps airlines cut costs associated with travel, accommodation and time away from operations,” he said.

“Running a Flight Simulator Centre is a highly competitive business and operators must ensure maximum patronage to remain viable.”

Oruye further noted that the use of flight simulators is not optional but a regulatory requirement designed to ensure that pilots and engineers maintain high levels of competence and safety.

“The service provided by the simulator is to meet statutory requirements in the training and competence testing of pilots and engineers,” he explained.

“The capital outlay for acquiring and maintaining a modern flight simulator is extremely high, which is why operators typically run them 24 hours a day to maximise returns on investment.”

He added that airlines usually book simulator slots months in advance and arrange the travel schedules of their crew members to attend training at specific times.

However, Oruye noted that the NCAT simulator’s location in Zaria poses logistical challenges, as the aerodrome is not connected to major commercial flight routes.

“Airlines have to secure training slots in advance and facilitate the movement of their crew to attend on schedule.

Unfortunately, Zaria Aerodrome is an off-line location with limited commercial flight connectivity, making it difficult and costly for clients to access the facility,” he said.

Industry analysts say relocating the simulator to Lagos could also position Nigeria as a regional training hub for West and Central African airlines, many of which currently send their pilots abroad for recurrent simulator training at significant cost.

They noted that improved utilisation of the simulator facility would not only generate revenue for NCAT but also help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange spent on overseas aviation training.