CAE to provide Pilot Training Services to AirAsia

CAE and AirAsia have signed a contract which gives CAE the responsibility of managing AirAsia’s Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) located at the AirAsia Academy, KLIA Kuala Lumpur to provide pilot training for all of AirAsia’s current and future pilots. CAE will also market excess training capacity of AirAsia’s TRTO to third parties. The contract is valued at more than C$50 million (about RM175 million) over 10 years.

Starting in year 2008, CAE will begin offering the pilot training services at AirAsia’s six-bay simulator training centre at AirAsia Academy, which is located near the KLIA Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. The TRTO is equipped with three simulators: two Airbus A320s belonging to AirAsia and a Boeing 737-300 owned by CAE. As part of the agreement, CAE will add another Airbus A320 simulator and an Airbus A330 simulator within the next 14 months. CAE will conduct initial Type Rating and Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ) courses for Airbus A320, Airbus A330, and Boeing 737 aircraft exclusively for AirAsia.

Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad said, “We have always believed in investing in the future of our people, training center and will continue to produce pilots that contribute to Malaysia and the aviation industry. We are glad our early vision in investment is reaping rewards. We have never compromised on our training standards thus we strongly believe CAE’s extensive expertise and vast experience are able to escalate AirAsia’s standards to greater heights. This training will provide the necessary tools for our pilots to ensure that the highest quality and safety standards are always met,”

“This move is in accordance with our goal in developing a ready pool of pilots to serve our ever expanding fleet and route expansion. And of course, the cost-efficient business model they offer is certainly a bonus to us” added Tony.

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing markets for aviation in the world and one experiencing a severe shortage of pilots. More than 1,000 pilots will be required per year in the region over the next 20 years to meet the expanding needs of the industry. Within the next few months, CAE will be looking at significantly increasing its presence in the region by selecting a location for its principal South-East Asian hub, where an aviation centre of excellence will be established for the delivery of world class aviation pilot, maintenance, and cabin crew training. This location will also act as CAE’s regional hub for Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) and Airbus original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training.

CAE offers training services for pilots and maintenance technicians via a network of 24 aviation training centres to a range of clients worldwide. To address the worldwide shortage of pilots, CAE founded the CAE Global Academy, a global network of flight training organizations. One of the founding members of the CAE Global Academy, HM Aerospace, is located in Malaysia.

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