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European Airline Announces Expansion of Pilot Training Infrastructure in 2025 in Partnership with CAE

  • easyJet is expanding its training capabilities at CAE London Gatwick and CAE Milan to support the airline’s growth strategy
  • The airline will also begin training pilots at CAE Amsterdam
  • This means easyJet will continue to train its pilots in the most advanced training devices available in the world
  • The move will support the airline’s planned growth in the coming years including a new base opening in Southend in spring and planned expansion in Italy, subject to European Commission approval.

Europe’s leading airline easyJet has announced that it is expanding its flight training operations across Europe through its continued partnership with world-renowned training and simulation technology partner CAE.

The airline is expanding at existing CAE training facilities with two additional state-of-the-art full flight simulators in London Gatwick and one additional full flight simulator in Milan. easyJet is also beginning pilot training at CAE Amsterdam, which will house two full flight simulators exclusive to easyJet training operations. The additional full flight simulators will begin training operations from winter 2025.

The expansion will support easyJet’s continued growth across the UK and Europe. Next spring, the airline will open a new three-aircraft base at London Southend, alongside significant and strategic growth in Italy with new bases planned at Milan Linate and Rome, subject to the European Commission approval. easyJet will also take delivery of nine new Airbus A320 aircraft, following the delivery of 16 aircraft in its last financial year.

The move reinforces easyJet’s industry leading reputation for pilot training through its partnership with CAE, leveraging the latest generation technology. It means the airline’s pilot training facilities, with a fleet of 19 flight simulators across three countries, will be among the most modern in the world.

With the training centres operational for up to 20 hours a day during peak training periods, they will deliver the annual training needs for over 7000 easyJet pilots, including for newly-qualified pilots, recurrent training for experienced pilots and command upgrade courses – the training programme for experienced Senior First Officers to become Captains.

David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “easyJet is a growing airline and expanding these Europe-wide training facilities in partnership with CAE will play a critical role in supporting this growth across our network. By continuing to utilise advanced technologies, we are ensuring our thousands of pilots across Europe are trained to the global industry leading standards we are recognised for. That’s why around 100 million customers choose to travel with us each year.

“We are pleased to continue working with CAE as a trusted global training provider, to help ensure easyJet is a centre of excellence for crew training.”

“We’re delighted to extend and expand our longstanding partnership with easyJet and to support their growth,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation “Through our state-of-the-art facilities and tailored training solutions, we’re shaping the future of aviation training while reaffirming our commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.”

easyJet continues to expand its network and operations across Europe with 31 bases across eight countries and operating a fleet of over 340 A320 family aircraft. The airline flies over 1000 routes to over 160 destinations in 37 countries.

easyJet uses CAE’s latest generation of flight simulators, including the CAE 7000XR FFS equipped with the CAE Tropos™ 6000XR visual system. It was also to utilise CAE’s latest generation of FTDs, the CAE 600XR, to train its pilots.

About CAE
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: easyJet
Photo Credit: CAE (shown as meta image)

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UK University Places 2024 Order for ELITE DA42 Flight Simulator

Southampton, United Kingdom – The University of Southampton has placed an order for an ELITE DA42 simulator from Switzerland based flight simulator manufacturer ELITE Simulation Solutions AG. The device will be used for training and research purposes.

Source: Elite Simulation Solutions

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Flight School Management Software Provider Flight Schedule Pro to Sponsor Stratus Financial’s AeroSummit 2025

United States based Stratus Financial, a leading financial services firm specializing in student pilot flight school financing,  has announced Flight Schedule Pro as a sponsor of the highly anticipated AeroSummit 2025. Recognized as a premier provider of flight school management software, Flight Schedule Pro plays a pivotal role in optimizing operations and improving training outcomes for flight schools across the United States.

AeroSummit 2025 will provide a platform for attendees to engage with Flight Schedule Pro, discovering their innovative solutions and the significant impact they have on the future of flight training.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial

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Pilatus Aircraft Appoints New Sales and Capability Manager for Australian Training Operations in 2024

Australia – Pilatus Aircraft Ltd’s Pilatus Training Solutions Australia has announced the appointment of Alexander Robinson as its new Sales and Capability Manager. Learn more about Pilatus Training Solutions Australia or Robinson by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Alexander Robinson (Pilatus Training Solutions Australia)
Photo Credit: Pilatus Aircraft

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US Flight School Leverages Flight School Management Software Flight Schedule Pro to Scale Operations and Maximize Aircraft Utilization

Arizona, USA – Sierra Charlie Aviation, a flight school, has expanded its fleet from two to 17 aircraft, growing its operations to achieving over 290 flight hours per aircraft monthly. This growth is attributed to the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), optimized scheduling, and the integration of Flight Schedule Pro (FSP) software.

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Sierra Charlie standardized processes such as pre-flight briefings and aircraft handovers, ensuring consistency and efficiency across operations. This approach provided a clear framework for staff and students, facilitating smooth operations.
  • Optimized Scheduling: Drawing inspiration from airline efficiency models, the school minimized downtime between flights. By implementing structured training blocks and a four-week scheduling window, they reduced cancellations and maintained a steady flow of training sessions.
  • Technology Integration: Utilizing Flight Schedule Pro, Sierra Charlie streamlined scheduling, monitored aircraft and instructor utilization, and made data-driven decisions. The software’s features, such as Intelligent Scheduling, enabled the school to fill available hours effectively, maximizing resource use.

Statement’s

  • “SOPs are critical because they provide a playbook for everyone to follow, minimizing variation and enhancing efficiency. If someone asks me a question, I want to be able to point them to an SOP for the answer,” said Luke Ormsby, Aviator Program Director at Sierra Charlie Aviation.
  • “We’ve tapped into this untapped area where a lot of individuals don’t understand how much they can get out of their airplanes. We looked at airlines like Southwest, which operate at 290 to 300 flight hours per aircraft per month, and we used that as a target goal,” Ormsby added.
  • “Flight Schedule Pro helped us take control of our operations. We could schedule flights for weeks in advance, predict maintenance needs, and ensure our planes were flying as much as possible,” said Luke Ormsby, Aviator Program Director at Sierra Charlie Aviation.

Source: Flight Schedule Pro
Photo Credit: Sierra Charlie Aviation

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Exail Secures Contract with Canadore College to Deliver First A320 VR Maintenance Training Devices

France – Exail, leading provider of flight and maintenance training simulation has signed a new contract with Canadore College to deliver A320 virtual reality (VR) Maintenance Training Devices (MTD). Featuring cutting-edge simulation, these MTDs are the very first systems to be equipped with virtual reality technology, enhancing training experience. The classroom setup includes six student workstations and one instructor station, designed to fully prepare students for real-world scenarios.

“At Canadore College, we are committed to providing our students with the latest in aviation technology and training tools. Partnering with Exail to implement their cutting-edge virtual reality Maintenance Training Devices ensures our students receive top-tier, immersive learning experiences that will prepare them to excel in the aviation maintenance industry,” says Lianne Girard, Chair, School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology.

Equipped with high-performance simulation software, Exail’s MTD delivers an interactive and cost-effective desktop solution for maintenance training. It delivers a dynamic, risk-free and immersive learning environment that improves knowledge retention and operational efficiency. By providing maintenance crews with the tools to practice and refine their techniques, Exail’s simulators contribute to reducing aircraft downtime and enhancing overall performance.

“We would like to thank Canadore College for choosing Exail to help train the next generation of maintenance crews to work safely, efficiently, and with confidence. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to safety and excellence in aviation training. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the future aviation maintenance professionals,” says Charles Le Bot, Head of Exail Simulation activities.

About Exail
Exail is a leading high-tech industrial group specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Exail delivers unrivaled performance, reliability and safety to its civil and defense clients operating in severe environments. From the deep sea to outer space, Exail expands their capabilities with a full range of robust in-house manufactured components, products and systems. Employing a workforce of 1500 people worldwide, the company benefits from a global footprint and conducts its business in over 80 countries.

Exail was formed by ECA Group and iXblue joining forces in 2022. It is a subsidiary of Exail Technologies, a family-owned company specialized in high-technology.

About Canadore’s College
Canadore College trains people through applied learning, leadership, and innovation. It provides access to over 80 full-time quality programs and has outstanding faculty and provides success services to students from nearly 400 Canadian communities and 25 international countries. The College, its students, and alumni add $402.5 million to the Nipissing Parry Sound service area economy. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore each year, and they join 78,000 alumni working across the globe. Canadore receives less than 50 per cent of its traditional funding from the provincial Ministry of Colleges and Universities and relies on its own innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours and generous donors for the balance.

Source: Exail
Photo Credit: Exail

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Reiser Simulation and Training Secures New Contract for NH90 Sea Tiger Maintenance Training Rig (MTR)

Germany – Reiser Simulation and Training reports a new NH90 Maintenance Training Rig (MTR) contract for the German Navy. The state-of-the-art training system will replicate the latest NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, a model set to join the Navy’s fleet starting in 2025.

The MTR is a full-scale replica of the NH90 helicopter, meticulously designed for maintenance training. Reiser will capture and re-engineer nearly all components of the NH90 to create a highly realistic and functional training platform. The training rig covers more than 1000 standard and special training procedures. These include e.g. engine replacement and emergency folding of the main rotor blades.

Reiser has a proven track record in this field, having successfully delivered four MTRs to the German and two to the French Armed Forces in 2010. Additional units have since been supplied to the German Air Mobility Training and Exercise Center, the German Navy as well as to the Australian DefenceForce, highlighting the global demand for this innovative training solution. Reiser thus provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable alternative to using real NH90 aircraft for maintenance training and ensures that operational helicopters remain operational.

The new project started on November 7, 2024, with a two-year timeline.

Dr. Johannes Hain, Reiser CEO, states: “This contract reflects the customer’s continued trust and satisfaction in our innovative MTR approach. With each new project, Reiser reaffirms the commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions tailored to the evolving needs of military operators worldwide.”

About Reiser Simulation and Training
REISER Simulation and Training GmbH has been leading the revolution in aviation training for over three decades. With a distinctive German engineering touch, REISER has been delivering innovations globally, enhancing the efficiency and safety of flight personnel training worldwide.

The REISER Universe covers bespoke aviation training solutions from Full-Flight Simulators and Flight Training Devices at various qualification levels. Our wide-ranging portfolio includes training rigs precisely engineered for maintenance, repair, and loading tasks. These innovative solutions empower training initiatives without the need to ground flying equipment.

REISER’s Simulators and Training Devices minimize the ecological footprint associated with traditional training methods but also conserve vital resources. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations.

Source: Reiser Simulation and Training
Photo Credit: Reiser Simulation and Training

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Global FFS Training Center Operator Simaero Signs First A320 NEO Full Flight Simulator from Havelsan for Its Soon-to-Open India Training Centre

  • India is projected to need 1,770 single-aisle aircraft, such as the A320 NEO, over the next 20 years, creating a significant demand for full-flight simulator capacity to train both current and future pilots.
  • Simaero partners with HAVELSAN, a prominent Turkish device manufacturer, to deliver its first A320 NEO full-flight simulator in India. The device will be ready-for-training by Q2 2025.
  • Simaero’s first aviation training facility in Delhi NCR, set to open in early 2025, will host eight full-flight simulators in the near future.
  • Simaero India’s upcoming facility to be a hub for simulator training in India and South Asia.

New Delhi, India – Pilot and aviation training in India has received a significant boost as France-headquartered Simaero, a world-leading provider in pilot training and simulation engineering solutions, announced the signing of its first A320 NEO full-flight simulator for its state-of-the-art training facility set to open in Delhi NCR in early 2025. To deliver its first simulator in India, Simaero has partnered with HAVELSAN, a prominent Turkish manufacturer.

The new HAVELSAN manufactured A320 NEO device will add to the group’s growing global fleet of 30+ active full-flight simulators and will be ready-for-training by Q2 2025.

The signing ceremony was held at the national capital in the presence of dignitaries from France, Turkey and India which included top officials of Simaero and HAVELSAN.

The French aviation training firm’s signing of the first simulator training facility comes at a time when India is poised for a boom in the aviation sector and experts have forecasted an unprecedented requirement of trained pilots. This first full-flight simulator, to represent Airbus’ variant A320 NEO, the narrow-body, commercial passenger twin engine jet airliner, which is immensely popular in the Indian aviation space for short to medium range of travel. One A320 NEO full-fight simulator can cover close to 6,000 hours of flight crew training.

According to a senior official from the France-headquartered firm Simaero, which has committed $100 million to developing aviation training infrastructure in India, the installation of the full-flight simulator is the first of eight planned simulators at the company’s new training centre in the national capital. This will soon be followed by the addition of other simulators representing widely used narrow-body aircraft, including the ATR 72-600 and B737.

“India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increased regional connectivity and record orders for single-aisle aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 aircraft family. Partnering with HAVELSAN to introduce the first A320 NEO full-flight simulator at our Delhi facility marks the initial step in our commitment to addressing the rapidly growing demand for pilot training in the country. Our new facility in Delhi will provide high-quality, cost-effective training solutions, reducing the need for airlines to send pilots abroad for training—an expensive proposition,” said Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India.

“As HAVELSAN, we are incredibly excited about the deployment of our Airbus A320 neo full flight simulator to Simaero. This milestone is not only a proud moment for us but also a reflection of the trust we’ve earned from global training centres like Simaero. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop cutting-edge simulators that meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and this delivery proves that our commitment is being recognized internationally. We are thrilled to support Simaero’s world-class pilot training programs and look forward to continuing to strengthen our global partnerships in aviation,” stated Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D CEO of HAVELSAN.

About SIMAERO
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centres strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.

About HAVELSAN
HAVELSAN, a global leader in simulation and training solutions with over four decades of experience, offers a comprehensive range of flight simulators, including Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Flight Training Devices (FTD), Instrument Procedure Trainers (IPT), and FNPT II/MCC devices. HAVELSAN has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to airlines and training centers worldwide. Committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HAVELSAN is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of aviation operations.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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