CAE today announced at the Singapore Airshow 2010 that it has signed a contract with AirAsia to train student cadets for the airline in a beta program designed to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for the Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL). The CAE program is the first application of an MPL program that will adhere to new performance-based Approved Training Organization (ATO) certification requirements developed by Transport Canada.
The objective of the CAE MPL initiative is to deliver a best-in-class training program that provides airlines with pilots who will safely and efficiently operate a modern multi-crew, multi-engine, turbine-powered commercial transport aircraft in all expected operational environments.
At the conclusion of the 56-week beta program, successful student cadets are expected to receive an MPL license from Transport Canada and authority from the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCAM), and will enter AirAsia's initial operating experience (IOE) program for Airbus A320 First Officers.
"AirAsia is proud to partner with CAE, a global leader in civil aviation training, in the first MPL program designed under the rigorous requirements developed by Transport Canada and DCAM," said Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia. "We expect the graduates of the CAE MPL beta class will be extremely well trained and fully competent to move into the right seat in our A320 fleet as they begin their careers as AirAsia pilots."
CAE's blended training methodology for the MPL beta program integrates theoretical knowledge, simulation-based training, and aircraft training throughout the curriculum. The four-phase program will begin in March with Core and Basic phases at Moncton Flight College (MFC) in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada, part of the CAE Global Academy network. The cadets will then transition to CAE SimuFlite in Dallas, Texas, United States, for Phase 3 (Intermediate). The MPL program will conclude with Phase 4 (Advanced) training at CAE's aviation training centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
"The MPL is another option for our airline customers in CAE's cadet-to-captain portfolio of civil aviation training solutions. CAE has designed our MPL beta program to provide cadets with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be a highly competent, safe, and successful professional commercial pilot," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. "We have thoroughly examined the ICAO and Transport Canada MPL requirements, as well as aviation industry best practices, and applied CAE's experience of more than 60 years in pilot training. The result is a systematic, competency-based MPL program which can produce the consistently high-quality flight crews needed for today's modern aircraft."
AirAsia is the largest low-cost carrier in Asia. Together with its low-cost long-haul affiliate AirAsia X, it has a fleet of 90 aircraft; approximately 132 routes to destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe; and over 520 flights daily from hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Their values include safety-first, streamlined operations, and no compromise on quality and customer service. In 2009, AirAsia and AirAsia X were named joint winners of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Airline of the Year Award, and Tony Fernandes received the CAPA Legend Award. He was also selected Airline CEO of the Year for 2009 by Jane's Transport Finance magazine.
CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1.6 billion, CAE employs more than 6,500 people at more than 90 sites and training locations in 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 29 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 75,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments, and through CAE's professional services division we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs.
- 30 -
CAE contacts:
Nathalie Bourque, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications,
(514) 734-5788, [email protected]
Trade media: Chris Stellwag, Director, Marketing Communications, Military and Civil,
(813) 887-1242, [email protected]
Investor relations: Andrew Arnovitz, Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy,
(514) 734-5760, [email protected]
