National carrier announces centre for pilot training in Singapore

National carrier, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and US-based aviation training firm, CAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture for pilot training in Singapore.

The equal joint venture will initially focus primarily on providing simulator training for Boeing aircraft types, supporting SIA Group airlines and other operators’ pilot training needs in the region.

Operating out of the Singapore Airlines Training Centre located near Changi Airport, four of SIA's full-flight Boeing aircraft simulators will initially be transferred to the venture, while additional CAE-built training equipment will be acquired progressively.

Singapore Airlines CEO, Goh Choon Phong, noted that the long-term prospects for the aviation sector are positive, and this joint venture will enhance Singapore’s position as a leading aviation hub. He added: "This investment with CAE, one of the world’s leading civil aviation training organisations, is also in line with our push to drive revenue-generation from new adjacent businesses."

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The training facility will provide a full range of initial type rating and recurrent training programmes for Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777 and 787 aircraft types.

CAE’s president and CEO, Marc Parent, commented: "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."

The closing of the transaction is subject to execution of definitive transaction documents and customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Subject to approvals, operations are expected to begin by the end of the year.

Photo / StockUnlimited