AN AVIATION training centre has opened a hi-tech new base in Southampton.

Nursling Crew Training Centre will provide flight simulator and classroom training facilities for the 1,000 or more commercial pilots that CTC Aviation Group trains each year.

The 18,000 sq ft centre represents an investment of £6m and rivals simulator training anywhere in the country.

The centre houses five simulators, including two for the Airbus A320 and three for the Boeing 737 full flight simulator and two Boeing 737 fixed base simulators

The site also has specialist computer-based training classrooms, two virtual flightdeck units and comprehensive engineering support facilities.

"With the benefit of a purpose-built facility, we have created a new-style training centre that will enable us to deliver the highest quality and most cost-effective training in a very competitive market," said Steve Billett, CTC's head of training.

"We can pass on cost savings to our customers and are already seeing strong interest in our new services from a number of UK and international airlines."

From its headquarters at Dibden Manor, near Hythe, and training centres in Nursling, Bournemouth and New Zealand, CTC Aviation Group trains more than 1,000 commercial pilots each year. Airline customers include British Airways, BMI, easyJet, Kuwait Airways, Monarch Airlines, My Travel and Thomas Cook Airlines.

Last year, CTC, which employs around 65 people, secured a 100 million dollar, eight-year training contract from easyJet - believed to be the largest contract ever awarded for commercial airline training.