Rockwell Collins and Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology form aviation flight simulators JV

Rockwell Collins and Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), have entered into an agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) to design, manufacture and market commercial aviation flight simulators in China.

The joint venture will initially focus on airlines and aircraft manufacturers in China with future plans to cater to the global commercial simulation and training market.

It will bring together Rockwell Collins CORE Simulation Architecture technology and visual systems with Bluesky’s expertise on Chinese commercial aircraft flight simulation training products and services.

Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions vice-president and general manager LeAnn Ridgeway said: "Our combined ability to create simulators with the highest levels of realism, flexibility and lifecycle value holds great promise for China and beyond."

Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology chairman Jin Dongsheng said that this joint venture marked the continuation of a partnership that the company has built with Rockwell Collins over a number of years.

"We are proud to launch this venture in China’s rapidly growing aviation market, and look forward to fulfilling our long-term goal of addressing the unique training needs of airlines around the world," Dongsheng said.

The joint venture, which is subject to a final joint venture agreement and subsequent regulatory approvals, is expected to start operating before the end of this year.

Previously, Rockwell Collins and Bluesky have developed simulation and training solutions for the MA60, MA600, ARJ21 and C919 programmes.

With this joint venture, the companies will expand their work to include a broader range of full flight simulators and lower level training devices for regional, narrow-body and wide-body airline training segments.

The joint venture will also provide maintenance and support services.

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Image: Rockwell Collins and Beijing Blue Sky executives sign an agreement to form a joint venture to produce flight simulator products. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.