THY and HAVELSAN Partner for 12 New Flight Simulators

Ender Öztürk

July 27, 2026

Turkish Airlines (THY) has officially announced a strategic partnership with HAVELSAN to procure 12 state-of-the-art flight simulators, marking a significant advancement in the national aviation training infrastructure. This collaborative initiative, unveiled recently, aims to enhance pilot training standards while bolstering operational efficiency across the airline’s global network. By utilizing domestic engineering capabilities, HAVELSAN will produce these advanced systems, which are designed to reduce Turkey’s reliance on foreign technology in the aviation sector. This deal represents a pivotal moment for the Turkish aerospace industry, as it demonstrates a commitment to integrating high-tech, locally developed training solutions into the core operations of a major flag carrier.

Domestic Flight Simulators Improve Aviation Training Standards

Training remains a cornerstone of safety and operational excellence within the modern aviation industry. As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its massive fleet and international flight network, the necessity for robust, high-fidelity training systems becomes increasingly paramount. The carrier is proactively upgrading its training centers to ensure that both incoming pilot candidates and experienced crews remain at the cutting edge of aviation safety.

The simulators developed by HAVELSAN’s expert engineering team will replicate complex flight conditions and diverse emergency scenarios. By providing an ultra-realistic environment, these systems ensure that pilots are prepared for any technical challenge they might face in the skies. This level of immersion is essential for maintaining the high safety standards that the airline is known for globally.

Locally manufactured simulators are fundamentally reducing Turkey’s dependence on international aviation technology suppliers.

Technological Transformation Processes Continue to Accelerate

Building upon a history of successful collaborative efforts, the two organizations are now elevating their technological synergy to a new level. In an era defined by intense competition within the global aviation market, leveraging domestic software and hardware solutions provides distinct advantages in cost management and long-term maintenance. The rollout of these 12 simulators is scheduled to occur in phases, ensuring seamless integration into the existing training facilities of the airline.

This phased implementation strategy will grant pilots greater flexibility during their type-rating sessions, ultimately accelerating the training lifecycle without compromising on quality or safety. By streamlining these processes, the airline ensures its flight crews are always ready to operate the latest aircraft in the fleet.

Domestic Industry Gains Significant Strength in Aviation

HAVELSAN is successfully translating its vast experience from the defense sector into the realm of civilian aviation training. These new-generation simulators, which are set to undergo rigorous international certification, have the potential to serve as a benchmark for other global airlines. Through such high-profile projects, Turkey is effectively reinforcing its position as a primary hub for aviation technology production rather than just a service operator.

Next-generation training systems are actively shaping the future of Turkish aviation.

The capital investment in this infrastructure serves as a clear indicator of the priority Turkish Airlines places on flight safety and technological self-sufficiency. In the professional aviation world, simulator technology acts as an indispensable tool for sharpening decision-making mechanisms and optimizing risk management protocols. HAVELSAN’s leadership in this project proves that local manufacturers possess the technical prowess to manage complex, world-class engineering tasks successfully.

How do you evaluate the significance of Turkey producing its own flight simulators for the future of the aviation industry? We invite you to share your thoughts on the growth of our domestic defense and aerospace sectors in the comments section below.