MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mechtronix Systems, a world-leading provider of Flight Simulation Technology, has been selected to provide an Ascent(r) FFS X(tm) Non Zero Flight Time B737NG full flight simulator to Copa Airlines of Panama in order to conduct 80 percent of initial and 100 percent of recurrent training in-house. The simulator will be delivered to the Copa Airlines flight training center that is to be established in Panama City in October 2005.
Copa Airlines contract will include Mechtronix' Ascent(r) FFS X(tm) Non Zero Flight Time for their recurrent training program as well as other elements of the Integrated Training Architecture(tm), (ITA(tm)) which consists of Aerosim Technologies' B737NG Virtual Flight Deck(tm) (VFD(tm)) and the B737NG Virtual Procedural Trainer(tm) (VPT(tm)).
The contract in conjunction with Flight Training Finance Co. represents a multimillion-dollar investment for Copa Airlines and is a prime example of how Mechtronix' line of full flight simulators can help airlines bring efficient training solutions in-house at significantly lower prices. This is the second Ascent(r) FFS X(tm) full flight simulator Mechtronix has sold since it was first unveiled for the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) just last month.
"This simulator will facilitate and speed up our pilot training, since pilots will be able to complete 80 percent of their basic training and 100 percent of their recurrent training without leaving the country," said Captain Larry Ganse, Senior Vice President of Operations, Copa Airlines. "Copa Airlines continues its lead at the forefront of technology with this new flight simulator."
"We are thrilled that Copa Airlines recognizes the unique value of our Ascent(r) FFS X(tm) full flight simulator by making it a core part of their recurrent flight training program. It is another validation of the new business model Mechtronix brings to the industry," said Fernando Petruziello, CEO of Mechtronix Systems. "Our line of full flight simulators is not only providing our clients with measurable savings, but offering them exceptional flexibility for the in-house training of their pilots."
About the Ascent(r) FFS X(tm)
Mechtronix is introducing market changing breakthroughs with the Ascent(r) FFS X(tm) line of simulators. The Ascent(r) FFS-X(tm) Non Zero Flight Time (NZFT) configuration offers an innovative way to meet the training objectives of airlines by targeting 100% of recurrent training(1) requirements. This "Recurrent Training Machine" or NZFT offers a high level of fidelity at half the price of a classic Zero Flight Time platform (ZFT or Level D) and can be placed in a standard building. This pioneering approach allows airlines to achieve 100 percent of their "Recurrent" training requirements in-house thereby eliminating the need to travel to central hub centers.
Mechtronix Systems' "Recurrent Training Machine" or NZFT defines a new niche market that will evolve to an estimated 10 percent of the global $ 1 billion simulator market. As an anchor of the Canadian leadership in the aviation simulation industry worldwide, Mechtronix is leading the way in this new market niche.
Mechtronix' FFS X(tm) models have been manufactured and tested to provide training in full compliance with regulations under FAA, JAA and ICAO.
Recurrent Training(1)
International Training Regulations mandate that prior to operating a specific aircraft type, pilots must go through a specifically structured training program known as "Initial" or "Transition" Training. Flight Crews must then undergo a "Recurrent" training program, consisting of proficiency checks every 6 months. "Recurrent" training requirements alone account for the greatest percentage of an airline's training budget.
About Mechtronix Systems
Mechtronix System Inc. (MSI) is a privately held company dedicated to the design, manufacturing and life-cycle support of machines for more than 15 years. Headquartered in Montreal Canada, one of North America's aerospace clusters, Mechtronix Systems is a world-leading provider of Flight Simulation Technology with customers throughout the world including Alitalia, Japan Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Mechtronix is an integrated corporation with in-house full design and manufacturing operations and offices in the United States, France, the Netherlands and China. Mechtronix Systems' best in class specialists include experts in software engineering, electronics, control systems, automation, mathematical modeling, industrial networks, mechanical design and manufacturing. This dedicated team's core competency is the translation of innovative designs into unique business models: A World of Intelligent Machines.
About Aerosim Technologies
Aerosim Technologies, based in Burnsville, Minnesota, designs, manufactures, markets and supports PC based flight simulation software to the commercial airlines and flight training centers for training of flight management procedures and flight operations. Aerosim's range of products includes FMS/Autopilot Trainers, Aircraft Maintenance Trainers, Flight Deck Systems Trainers and Flight Training Devices. More information is available on-line at www.aerosim.com or by contacting Aerosim at (952) 894-4694.