High-Tech Pilot Training Facility for Airbus A220 to be Established in Sofia
A cutting-edge training complex for pilots of Airbus A220 aircraft is set to be constructed in the Slatina district of Sofia. The Ministry of Transport has received a formal request from Velgraf Asset Management AD to acquire property currently owned by Sofia Airport EAD. This company operated Sofia Airport until 2021, prior to its concession.
To facilitate the establishment of this pilot training facility, the government approved a decision during today’s cabinet meeting. This decision involves reclassifying the property from public state ownership to private state ownership and granting permission for it to be contributed as capital to Sofia Airport EAD. Subsequently, the property will be sold.
It is important to note that Sofia Airport EAD is not functioning as an airport operator, and the property in question is not included in the concession agreement. The government has no investment plans for this property, as stated in the official decision.
The property will be sold at a price that will not be lower than its market value, as determined by an independent appraiser. While the specifics of the property are not detailed in the decision, it is indicated that the land is essential for the development of a complex dedicated to the implementation of flight simulators for the training of pilots at Bulgaria Air AD.
In the past year, Bulgaria Air has made significant investments, replacing a substantial portion of its fleet with new-generation Airbus A220 aircraft. This transition necessitates ongoing upgrades and maintenance of pilot qualifications in accordance with European aviation safety regulations.
