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Rex’s 737 simulator centre has been sold as its administrators continue to look for a buyer for its regional passenger operations.
The simulator, which can be configured for either 737-700 or 737-800 aircraft, was moved to Sydney in March last year from its former home at Ansett Aviation Training (AAT) in Brisbane. It has now been purchased by lending firm Navinci for an undisclosed sum, with plans to add a second.
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“We are excited about the acquisition of the Simulator Centre and the opportunities it presents for pilot training and development,” said David Tozer, co-founder and managing director of Navinci Group, which reportedly intends to lease the facility out to airlines or flight training companies.
“Our investments in full flight simulator technology demonstrate our commitment to providing world-class critical training infrastructure in support of the aviation industry.”
Navinci says it is also anticipating delivery of a Cessna Caravan full flight simulator in Brisbane by early next year.
“For the first time, Australian and offshore general aviation operators will have access to a simulator that can cover 100 per cent of initial and recurrent training, and is fully Upset Prevention and Recovery Training capable,” the firm said in a press release.
“This will be a unique offering for the Cessna Caravan pilot training market globally.
“Navinci’s market research identified strong demand for an independent, high-quality aircraft simulator operator servicing Australia, Oceania and South East Asia. Navinci’s investment in this sector will enhance pilot proficiency, operational efficiency and aviation safety across the region.”
The news follows the sale of Rex’s aeromedical arm Pel-Air to Toll Aviation for $47 million in October last year, as well as the sale of Rex’s shares in FIFO firm National Jet Express (NJE) to former executive chairman Lim Kim Hai. Navinci had reportedly been interested in buying Rex’s pilot training academy in Wagga Wagga but decided against it.
Rex administrator EY Australia is still looking for a buyer for the airline’s regional services, with the government indicating earlier this year that it could purchase the carrier itself if a commercial suitor is not found.
The potential nationalisation of Rex, which comes after $80 million in federal funding and the government’s purchase of $50 million in Rex debt from financier PAG, means the airline could become the first to be owned by an Australian government since Qantas was privatised in the 1990s.
Rex entered voluntary administration at the end of July last year, with estimates that it owed around $500 million to 4,800 creditors after its failed venture into competing with Qantas Group and Virgin Australia on domestic jet operations.
The government has since propped up the ailing carrier, including by guaranteeing its regional bookings and preserving its slots at Sydney Airport, but no buyers have thus far emerged.
