Unit of Chengdu-based HAITE opens aviation training centre here

Singapore

IN the first major investment by a Chinese aerospace firm, HAITE Aviation Training Singapore has launched a S$95.3 million aviation-training centre in Changi Business Park to serve its clients in the region.

HAITE Singapore is a subsidiary of Sichuan Haite High-Tech Co, which is headquartered in Chengdu.

Its 21,000 sq m facility will train pilots and aviation-related crew, and is expected to attract up to S$55 million in direct and indirect revenues for the local economy each year over the next five years.

The facility, which is equipped with flight simulators for Boeing's 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, plans to expand over the next five years to house seven bays, which would enable it to deliver nearly 50,000 hours of training each year.

The group also announced a partnership with Baltic Aviation Academy, under which both will work to offer both dry and wet courses to commercial airlines based in South-east Asia.

Speaking at the launch of the facility on Tuesday morning, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Finance Josephine Teo said: "HAITE's establishment of its Aviation Training Centre in Singapore will meet a market need in the regional aerospace sector. Air traffic in this region is expected to grow and we need quality pilots to fly these aircraft safely."

HAITE Group chairman Li Biao said: "Making use of Singapore's favourable geographical location, its special place in the industry and preferential industrial policies, HAITE is internationalising its aviation-safety training business, servicing the Southeast Asian market and beyond to include the global aviation market."

The six-storey Singapore facility in Singapore will also be its international headquarters.

The group, which has training facilities in China, already trains more than 2,000 pilots and flight crew annually from carriers such as Air China, China Eastern and Philippine Airlines.

Meanwhile, the Economic Development Board's (EDB) director of transport engineering Tan Kong Hwee said that the centre would strengthen Singapore's position as an aviation hub while paving the way for more investments from Chinese firms.

Speaking at the sidelines of Tuesday's event, managing director of HAITE Singapore Marc Nadeau said that it could sign its first client in the coming days.

"We're addressing not just the commercial aviation market, but also the business aviation market and helicopters.

"This is where we distinguish ourselves from original-equipment manufacturers. We address all aircraft types and segments."

This could also be the first of several training centres in Asia as it will look at potential joint ventures with expanding airlines, he added.