UPS has expanded its flight training operations by acquiring three new full-flight simulators which will be housed in a new facility near the UPS Worldport in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to UPS, it will receive a Boeing 747-400 simulator, a 767 simulator and a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 simulator by the end of 2018. Apart from these three new full-motion simulators, the company will also receive two new Class 4 touch-screen training devices for the new 747-8 fleet. All of the simulator devices will be built by CAE.

“Powered by eCommerce, UPS is in growth mode,” said Brendan Canavan, president of UPS Airlines. “These new simulators and our new building are investments in increased air capacity for our customers all over the world.”

UPS will construct a new 22,000-square-foot building in Louisville’s Edgewood area, adjacent to UPS Airlines’ global operations centre near Louisville International Airport. The new structure will supplement the company’s existing flight training facilities in Louisville and Anchorage, Alaska, giving the airline a total of 11 full-flight simulators.

The new building will also include a fourth simulator bay to allow for future growth possibilities, as well as office space. Construction will begin in 2017, with completion expected in 2018. The land on which the building will be built is already owned by UPS.

“We are making strategic infrastructure moves to position our international air express services for long-term success,” said Canavan.

UPS announced the purchase of 14 747-8Fs in October 2016, and recently purchased additional 767 aircraft that will be converted from passenger to cargo configuration. Cockpit-modernization projects for its 757, 767 and Airbus A300 aircraft have begun, enhancing safety, deployment options and service life, according to UPS.