MAB Academy debuts a simulator facility with country’s first training pool

Malaysia Aviation Group’s training division MAB Academy officially opened its new purpose-built simulator facility in Sepang on January 6, 2026. The launch marks the completion of its transition from a 40-year-old training center in Subang and positions the academy as a regional hub for aviation professional development.

The new MAB Academy Simulator Building at South Support Zone houses six full-flight simulator bays, including units for the Airbus A330neo, Boeing 737-800NG, and ATR 72-500. According to Malaysia Airlines, the facility was designed to support focused learning environments, with dedicated training spaces that encourage direct instructor-trainee interaction and structured skill development.

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook officiated the launch ceremony alongside Khazanah Nasional Berhad Managing Director, Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, MAG Group Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, and MAG President and Group CEO-designate, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar.

National firsts in aviation training

The facility introduces two features previously unavailable within Malaysia’s aviation training infrastructure. MAB Academy now operates the country’s first water survival training pool equipped with wave simulation capability, allowing cabin crew and pilots to practice emergency water evacuation procedures under realistic conditions.

The complex has also become Malaysia’s first aviation training center to receive Green Building Index certification, meeting standards for sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible design in its construction and operations.

Beyond the simulators, the building includes integrated safety and emergency training facilities, featuring a Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer for hands-on practice of aircraft evacuation procedures.

Strategic expansion

According to the Malaysian national carrier, the facility is the final phase of MAB Academy’s move from its previous Subang location. This aligns with Malaysia Aviation Group’s Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, which emphasizes disciplined growth and operational capability.

“The launch of MAB Academy’s new Simulator Building marks an important milestone in our long-term transformation journey,” said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail. “Our focus has always been on preparing aviation professionals for the realities of operations, and this facility strengthens that commitment by ensuring training is relevant, rigorous, and grounded in real-world experience.”

The academy plans to expand its simulator capabilities yet further with a Boeing 737-8 full-flight simulator. Expected to enter service by July 2026, it is set to support training requirements for next-generation narrow-body aircraft operations across the region.

Current operations and regional role

Operating as an Approved Training Organisation certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, MAB Academy currently delivers approximately 200 specialized training programs for airlines, corporations, aviation professionals, and international students.

The new infrastructure positions the academy to serve growing demand for qualified aviation personnel across Southeast Asia as the region’s air travel market continues to expand. The facility’s capacity and certification status allow it to function as a training provider, not only for Malaysia Airlines operations but also for third-party airlines and aviation organizations requiring certified instruction.

With the simulator building now operational, MAB Academy has established itself as one of the region’s more comprehensive aviation training facilities, combining technical flight simulation, safety training, and emergency procedure instruction within one organization.

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