US-based L3 Commercial Training Solutions (L3 CTS) is planning to collaborate with the UK’s Surrey County Council to develop and build an aircraft simulator manufacturing facility.

Capable of producing 30 simulators in a year, the proposed facility will employ more than 300 people.

The new purpose-built L3 London Training Center will also be constructed, with plans to open by mid-next year.

"Our Centre of Excellence will provide increased airline training capacity for our customers around the globe."

To be located near London Gatwick Airport, both facilities will spread across a combined area of 150,000ft² on a five-acre site.

L3 Technologies chairman and CEO Michael Strianese said: "Our Centre of Excellence will provide increased airline training capacity for our customers around the globe, as well as serve as an economic development catalyst for the London Gatwick area and drive continued sales growth.

“This investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to our L3 CTS business and helping airlines address the growing demand for trained pilots."

Once completed, the L3 London Training Center will feature eight RealitySeven full flight simulators, fixed-based simulators, meeting rooms, briefing rooms, classrooms and a restaurant.

L3 CTS currently provides training solutions for pilots and maintainers across various commercial platforms in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the Pacific Rim.

Last September, L-3 CTS won a contract from All Nippon Airways (ANA) to build and deliver an Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS).

Image: Rendering of L3 London Training Centre. Photo: courtesy of L3.