THY and HAVELSAN Sign Deal for 12 New Flight Simulators: A Turning Point for Domestic Production and Pilot Training

Turkish Airlines (THY) and defense‑technology giant HAVELSAN have signed a strategic agreement to deliver 12 new flight simulators, bolstering Turkey’s domestic aviation training infrastructure.

Inside the Strategic Partnership

■The contract covers 8 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and 4 Flight Training Devices (FTD).

■Simulators will be built for both narrow‑body and wide‑body aircraft types, with 100% production taking place in Turkey.

■HAVELSAN will use this deal as its entry point into the wide‑body flight‑simulation market.

Investment and Capacity Expansion

■THY plans to break ground on new simulator hangars in January 2026, with the first phase becoming operational in 2027.

■The new Flight Training Centre, slated for completion in 2028, will significantly lift training capacity.

■By 2033, THY aims to expand its fleet to over 800 aircraft.

Economic Impact of Domestic Production

■Manufacturing all 12 simulators locally reduces foreign‑exchange exposure and generates substantial cost savings.

■High‑tech manufacturing will create jobs and stimulate the defense‑aviation supply chain.

■Adding capacity to THY’s existing training hubs—currently operating 6 EASA‑certified simulators (3 Airbus A320neo/CEO, 2 Boeing 737MAX, 1 Boeing 737NG)—positions the airline to become one of Europe’s largest multi‑campus training centers.

Market participants can anticipate a modest upside for THY’s equity as the partnership delivers a competitive edge in pilot training and a hedge against currency volatility through domestic production. The deal also signals a boost to Turkey’s defense‑aviation export ambitions, reinforcing long‑term growth expectations.