SIA to set up pilot training centre in Singapore with CAE
The centre will provide simulator training to pilots in the SIA group and other airlines
Nisha Ramchandani
Singapore
SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) is teaming up with CAE to set up a pilot training centre to cater to demand from the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region.
The joint venture will first focus on providing simulator training for Boeing aircraft types to SIA's stable of airlines and to other operators in the region.
Aside from the parent airline, the SIA group's portfolio includes regional wing SilkAir, which operates narrow-body Boeing 737 aircraft, and budget carrier Scoot, which operates the Dreamliner.
The 50:50 joint venture will operate out of the Singapore Airlines Training Centre near Changi Airport; operations are expected to begin by year-end, subject to the necessary approvals.
SIA will initially transfer four of its full-flight Boeing aircraft simulators to the venture. Training equipment built by CAE, an established training firm catering to the civil aviation, defence and security and healthcare markets, will be acquired progressively.
The joint-venture training facility will offer a range of initial type rating and recurrent training programmes for Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777 and 787 aircraft types.
Highlighting the positive long-term prospects for the aviation industry, SIA chief executive officer (CEO) Goh Choon Phong said: "With the SIA group expanding its fleet to drive additional growth, the joint venture will help keep pace with our own training requirements as well as those of other airlines in the region. This investment with CAE is also in line with our push to drive revenue-generation from new adjacent businesses."
CAE's president and CEO Marc Parent said: "Building on our relationship of more than 40 years, we are extremely honoured to join forces with Singapore Airlines and welcome this opportunity to leverage the strengths of our combined organisations to support the growing pilot-training needs in the Asia-Pacific region - one of the fastest-growing markets in commercial aviation."
SIA also has a pilot-training centre at Seletar Aerospace Park. That joint venture undertaken with European plane-maker Airbus is part of the group's efforts to boost revenue amid a challenging operating environment.
Shares in SIA closed at S$10.74 on Thursday, up 10 cents.
