I was involved in the process for Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) back in the mid 1990's.
It's not just the issue of a new site; there is the matter of sufficient traffic at the new site and in the new airspace. Guess what? Modern simulation technology is the answer.
With the benefit of the (then) Hughes (now MicroNav) FIRST we trained and then had the regulator rate a team of local controllers. They then went to the airport and with a combination of on site and in simulator activity the full team was trained, rated and "experienced" for the start of live operations 0600 on day 1.
I made several presentations about it at the time under the theme of "FIRST the simulator ; then the Airport". Catchy title, eh?
My guess is that other places use much the same process.
MJG
Last edited by mgahan; 2nd Oct 2016 at 02:07.
Reason: Amend KLIA to show Kuala Lumpur so our US cousins do not get too excited.