Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, and CAE, world leader in aviation training, inaugurated their new aviation training center, the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training. The inauguration was held in Clark, Pampanga last Dec 3, 2012.
The joint venture, known as the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training, Inc. (PAAT), will initially cater to Airbus A319/320/321 series pilot type-rating training requirements and will provide “wet” instructor-led type-rating training to CEB’s current and new-hire pilots, and to other aircraft operators of the region.
“PAAT will definitely put the Philippines on the map when it comes to world-class, state-of-the-art aviation training,” said Cebu Pacific Air President and CEO Lance Gokongwei. “This is the first CAE aviation training center in the Philippines, and we are very proud of this joint venture. It will be essential in meeting the training requirements not only of our growing number of aviation professionals at Cebu Pacific Air, but also of other aircraft operators in the region.”
CEB will take delivery of a total of 50 Airbus A320, A321neo and A330 aircraft until 2021. It is scheduled to launch its long-haul flights in the 3rd quarter of 2013.
“CAE is very pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific Air to offer the highest-quality aviation training in the Philippines,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President of Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. “Our global network of training locations provides airlines and other aircraft operators a complete training solution for their personnel. The PAAT is equipped with the latest simulation and training technology, and the training is delivered by well-qualified, experienced instructors. We are confident that this new facility will enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency in the region.”
The state-of-the-art training center is currently equipped with one Airbus A320 full-flight simulator. Delivery of a second A320 simulator is planned for 2013, and the facility can accommodate two additional simulators. The center will have the capacity to train over 2,500 pilots annually, as well as other aviation professionals, offering initial, recurrent, conversion and jet indoctrination training to Airbus operators. Training for other aviation personnel such as cabin crew, dispatch, ground handling personnel and cadets is also planned for the future.
This is the 45th location in CAE’s global network of training locations for commercial aircraft, business aircraft and civil helicopter operators. PAAT is also part of the CAE-Airbus Training Cooperation Network.