Arik Air Renews Exclusive Simulator Training Partnership with Acron Aviation Until 2029
Nigeria’s leading carrier, Arik Air, has extended its long-standing training partnership with global aviation training provider Acron Aviation in a new multi-year agreement that will see the firm remain the airline’s exclusive provider of Boeing 737 Next Generation (B737NG) full-flight simulator training through 2029.
The contract extension further consolidates an established relationship between both organisations and guarantees that all B737NG Full Flight Simulator (FFS) training requirements for Arik Air’s pilots will continue to be delivered solely by Acron Aviation across its global network of training facilities, including the renowned London Training Centre.
Industry observers say the renewed agreement underscores the increasing importance of high-quality simulator training as airlines across Africa continue to strengthen operational safety and regulatory compliance in line with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Under the terms of the agreement, Arik Air’s flight crews will benefit from access to Acron Aviation’s advanced training infrastructure, experienced instructors, and modern full-flight simulators designed to replicate real-world aircraft operations with high precision.
The arrangement also ensures operational continuity, efficient scheduling of pilot training programmes, and consistency in the airline’s approach to crew competency and safety procedures.
Vice President and General Manager of Airline Training at Acron Aviation, Patrick Davis, described the renewed partnership as a strong vote of confidence in the company’s training capabilities.
“This contract extension, and agreement to exclusivity, is a strong endorsement of Arik Air’s confidence in our training solutions, facilities, and, most importantly, our people,” Davis said.
He added that the company remains committed to supporting the airline’s operations and strengthening the partnership over the coming years.
“We are proud to continue supporting Arik Air’s operations and look forward to strengthening our partnership over the next three years,” he noted.
Founded in 2006, Arik Air remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent airlines and a major operator across West and Central Africa. Operating primarily from its hub at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the airline provides extensive domestic services within Nigeria while also connecting key cities across the sub-region.
The airline’s fleet has historically included Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, which are widely used for short- and medium-haul routes due to their efficiency and operational reliability.
According to aviation industry analysts, simulator training plays a crucial role in ensuring pilots maintain proficiency, particularly as regulators worldwide increasingly emphasise recurrent training and scenario-based safety exercises.
The B737NG full-flight simulators used by training providers like Acron Aviation replicate cockpit environments and real flight conditions, enabling pilots to practise emergency procedures, adverse weather operations, and complex technical scenarios without risk to passengers or aircraft.
Experts say such training is essential for airlines operating in diverse operational environments such as West Africa, where pilots must navigate a combination of busy airspace, varying weather patterns, and high passenger demand.
The extension of the training partnership also reflects Acron Aviation’s broader strategy of investing in advanced aviation training capabilities while building long-term collaborations with airlines around the world.
By maintaining exclusive access to Acron Aviation’s simulator training network, Arik Air aims to ensure its pilots continue to operate according to the highest international safety standards, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to reliable and safe air transport across its growing network in Nigeria and the wider African region.
