Pilots are trained in the flight simulator.

The Xiangyi Aviation Technology Company in the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone, Guangdong, has added three new flight simulators to its facility, as part of an ambitious plan to become the largest flight training base in Asia.

A US$600 million development program launched by Xiangyi at the end of last year will eventually install 40 automatic flight stimulators and make it the largest flight training facility and the most advanced aviation software development center in Asia.

Xiangyi Aviation Technology Company is a joint-venture of China's largest carrier, China Southern Airlines, and Canadian flight simulator manufacture CAE. The company currently has 15 flight simulators installed or on order.

A China Southern pilot trainer Mao Jianle said the facility trains 13,000 people annually for domestic and overseas airlines. With a range of high-tech equipment and software, it has been designated as a testing center by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

(China.org.cn by He Shan, October 31, 2008)