Airbus will supply flight simulators for the H160/H175 helicopters to Brazil, which will be ready by 2028. The simulators will meet the training needs of the growing energy sector in Latin America, demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to customer proximity and aviation safety.
The H160 and H175 flight simulators will have Level D training capabilities and will be qualified by ANAC, the Brazilian civil aviation agency. The simulator cockpits will feature the latest version of Helionix, which is compatible with the avionics systems of both helicopters. The simulators will also include OEM data packages, which provide the most accurate reproduction of a helicopter’s behavior, improving pilot training and operational safety.
Brazil has hosted an Airbus Helicopter Simulation Academy in Rio de Janeiro since 2015. This simulation center has already provided almost 7.500 hours of simulation training to nearly 600 students. The new addition of the H160 and H175 simulators in Brazil will increase capacity in the region, consolidating it as a major training center in Latin America.
Demand for medium-lift helicopters in the energy sector is expected to exceed 40 units in Latin America alone over the next decade, doubling the current number of medium-lift helicopters. Meanwhile, North America’s first H160 flight simulator is expected to enter service in 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas, increasing training availability in the region. Airbus is currently exploring options to locate future H160s in other growth regions, such as Asia and Australia.
