Russian-headquartered Simavia is working with the General Department of Civil Aviation (GDCA) in the Armenian Republic to train pilots at a centre in Yerevan. The training centre has been equipped with new simulators and a Piper PA-28-181 Archer III, which will enable students to perform their first flights. Training consists of theoretical and practical components.

Head of the GDCA Sergey Avetisyan believes that the programme will be in high demand both in Armenia and the wider region: "There are already applicants from the Russian Federation who want to study at this centre," he says.

Simavia will also provide a free training course in Yerevan for each Piper aircraft sold in the CIS. It is an exclusive dealer for Piper.