Training, Innovation and Sustainability at the Core

This insightful conversation with Wouter Hollenga highlights how Simorg digitalizes training processes through intelligent technology, allowing teams focus on what truly matters. Together with Avion, Simorg is committed to building a smarter and more sustainable future for aviation training.

Mert Yağcı
Commercial Director, Gözen Digital Aviation

Introduction to Avion

Avion manufactures and operates Full Flight Simulators that help airlines and training organisations train pilots in the best and most sustainable way possible today. Avion operates world-class Flight Training Centres in London and Mumbai, helping airlines reduce costs, lower emissions, and take full control of their pilot training.

Mert: Avion is recognized as one of the longest-standing companies in our industry and it has recently gone through some strategic changes. Could you tell us about yourself, the company, and how it has evolved over time?

Wouter: I started working at Avion at the beginning of the pandemic, back in 2020. Since then, I have seen the company grow and strengthen its position in the industry. Avion has become a trusted name in simulator manufacturing and training, known for sustainable design and continuous innovation. What started as a manufacturer in the Netherlands has developed into an international organisation, with training centres in London and Mumbai. Our focus has always been on supporting airlines with reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible simulators. The recent partnership with Gen24 has accelerated our growth and given us a strong base in India and the wider Asia Pacific region.

Mert: As a pioneer in the industry, Avion has always combined development and adoption of new technologies. A few years ago, you switched from your previous software to Simorg. What’s the value of innovation within Avion’s company culture?

Wouter: Innovation has always been part of Avion’s identity. Our mission is to build the most sustainable simulators, and that means using technology in smarter ways. We design simulators that use less energy and are easier to maintain, and we integrate innovative tools to make training more effective. Moving to Simorg was a natural step in that journey. It gave us a modern and agile management system that made our operations more efficient and reliable.

Mert: Avion has been managing training operations in different parts of the world. How has Simorg helped you manage diverse regulatory and customer requirements?

Wouter: Operating in different regions requires discipline and a strong structure. Aviation is one of the most regulated industries, and Simorg has been a great help in keeping us fully compliant. It gives us detailed records, instant access to data and a clear log of everything that happens. That means we can meet the needs of regulators with confidence, while also giving our customers the assurance that everything is documented and traceable. Having that system in place allows us to grow internationally without losing consistency in the way we operate.

Mert: You actually operate without dedicated planners. Training requests come directly through Simorg’s customer portal, turn into planning data and the process is finalized through the Simorg kiosks. This makes you one of the few centers working in such a unique way. Could you share more how this process works?

Wouter: The process is very straightforward for the customer. They submit a training request through the Simorg portal, which is then automatically converted into planning data. The customer’s journey is simple and efficient, and for us, it removes the need for manual planning. That means we can put our focus where it belongs, on delivering high-quality training. It also reduces paperwork and helps us run a leaner, more sustainable operation. The fact that the whole system runs so smoothly on Simorg shows how well it supports our way of working.

Mert: The training industry has undergone significant changes, especially in the aftermath of COVID, requiring companies to make fast and important decisions. How has Avion experienced and navigated these shifts over the past 2–3 years?

Wouter: The pandemic changed everything almost overnight, and it tested how adaptable companies really were. For Avion, it reinforced the importance of being agile. Airlines needed training solutions quickly, and we had to respond fast. At the London-based training centre, we were able to support airlines with large retraining needs as operations restarted. Having systems like Simorg and new AI-driven tools already in place made those decisions easier and gave us the ability to act quickly. Looking back, I think our focus on technology and efficiency gave us an edge and positioned us well for the recovery.

Results and Benefits

1. Agility in Change

Digital systems like Simorg help Avion adapt quickly during the pandemic, allowing fast responses to airlines’ retraining needs and ensuring business continuity.

2. Smarter Operations

Automation and data-driven tools reduce manual work, improve planning accuracy, and increase overall efficiency across London and Mumbai centers.

3. Sustainable Growth

Technology and innovation strengthen Avion’s competitive position, enabling consistent, scalable, and environmentally responsible operations worldwide.