Among the heavy-hitting companies attracted to Lake Nona is SIMCOM Aviation Training. Lake Nona’s Town Center is soon to be the new home of SIMCOM’s global headquarters, now their second location in Orlando. The firm and training center will bring around 50 high-paying jobs to the region and train thousands of pilots in their advanced and innovative facility. Set to begin construction within this year, the facility is expected to have its doors open in 2022.
SIMCOM is a privately-owned educational institution utilizing simulator-based learning with the intent of providing advanced training to pilots, owner-operators, Part 135 operators, and maintenance workers, covering any type of aviation from military to cargo to recreational aviation practice. They have experience in training aviators from over 80 countries intercontinentally and provide a well-rounded catalog of training services.
The 90,000-square-foot headquarters will have the potential to expand another 50,000 square feet and will contain 12 full-flight simulator (FFS) bays, five flight training devices (FTDs), and various other equipment from the second local SIMCOM location, according to the Tavistock Development Company press release. Owning half of SIMCOM is big player CAE, a worldwide name in civil aviation and defense training, who sold SIMCOM many of their state-of-the-art FTDs.
As a center of enhanced innovation with regards to aviation and aerospace technologies, Lake Nona is the suitable location for a celebrated company such as SIMCOM. Proximity to the Orlando International Airport, tame weather, and an amalgamation of skilled aerospace and aviation workers make our region the ideal home for game-changing facilities in the industry. Florida itself is ideal for aerospace ventures, serving as home for several aeronautical universities with ideal climate and geography.
“One of my goals for Orange County is the continued growth of our tech-based business sector, and SIMCOM is a wonderful addition to our thriving modeling, simulation, and technology community,” said Mayor Jerry L. Demings of Orange County.
Neighboring the SIMCOM facility is current resident of Lake Nona, BBA Aviation/Signature Flight Support, which set roots down in the region in 2018. The addition of this upscale training headquarters joins the wave of incoming large-name companies such as KPMG and Johnson & Johnson, which found Lake Nona to be equally desirable for all intents and purposes.
“SIMCOM’s new training center will bring people from all over the globe to Orlando for pilot and aircraft maintenance training, creating an additional impact on our community’s economy and in our local businesses. And we know while these guests are here, they will experience the world-class hospitality for which Orlando is known,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Residents and businesses of Lake Nona will reap the benefits of a stimulated economy and increased tourism. The company chose to relocate from its previous location in Lee Vista in order to provide an accessible and quality selection of lodging, recreation, dining, and all else Lake Nona has to offer.
Eric Hinson, president and CEO of SIMCOM International, spoke of his pride in their selection for their new headquarters, “This is an exciting new chapter for our company, and the new downtown Lake Nona district is the perfect location for our continued growth.”
