The Aviation Training Centre of Tunisia (ATCT) provides Airbus A320 pilot training for airlines in Tunisia and numerous other countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

ATCT has operated an A320 full-flight simulator (FFS) since 2005 and has reaffirmed its confidence in Thales with a new contract for a second A320 FFS combined with a Thales Formation System Trainer (TFST). The agreement was signed by ATCT and Thales in Tunis on 16 September 2008.

This second Airbus A320 simulator will be used for initial and recurrent pilot training, further strengthening the company's training capabilities. The TFST will enable ATCT to develop initial training courses in accordance with the requirements of the Airbus APT2 syllabus (Airbus Pilot Transition Training 2).

By simulating A320 flight conditions with extreme realism, Thales simulators guarantee optimum training for airline pilots and help to ensure the highest levels of air transport safety.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales's leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion.

About ATCT
The Aviation Training Centre of Tunisia (ATCT) was created in 2005 through a partnership between three airlines, Tunisair, Novelair and Karthago, in association with aircraft manufacturer Airbus and simulator provider Thales. Highly trained pilots and technicians are essential for any successful airline. ATCT was created to help accomplish this mission by setting a new standard in training. ATCT operates an A320 full-flight simulator combined with a flight management system trainer (FMST), designed to maximise time spent in the simulator while making training more affordable. Our simulators are equipped with the latest EP-1000 visual system and other state-of-the-art technologies, and are certificated by DGAC of France to JAR STD 1A Level D.

Press contacts
Thales, Security Solutions & Services
Victoire Le Barazer
Tel: +33 (0)1 73 32 13 20
victoire.lebarazer@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Corporate Communication
Caroline Philips
Tel. +33 (0)1 57 77 86 26
caroline.philips@thalesgroup.com