CAE to expand training network in high-growth Middle EastCAE to expand training network in high-growth Middle East region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2014 (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) – CAE today announced at the Middle East Business Aviation Convention (MEBA 2014) details of the next phase of expansion of its training network in the high-growth Middle East region.
In conjunction with its partners in the region, CAE will expand its fleet coverage and market reach by deploying additional full-flight simulators (FFSs) and training programs within the United Arab Emirates. These growth initiatives form part of CAE’s previously disclosed capital deployment plan.
The expansion arises from strong demand in the region for high-quality training programs and capacity for existing and new aircraft entering the business aviation, commercial and helicopter market segments, which will include, amongst others, the Dassault Falcon 5X, Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787 as well as full-flight simulators for Bombardier, Gulfstream, Bell and Sikorsky platforms. The deployment of these new simulators is expected to start within the next 18 months and in accordance with CAE’s existing capital investment plan. Specific locations for the new simulators will be announced closer to the timing of their deployment.
This announcement comes on the heels of CAE’s latest deployment of a new Bombardier Global Vision full-flight simulator at the Emirates-CAE Flight Training Centre, set for early 2015. CAE currently operates 16 Level D FFSs in its training network in the Middle East, covering a wide range of commercial airline, business aviation and helicopter aircraft.
“The Middle East is a highly significant part of our global training business. Since entering the region in 2002, we have enjoyed many excellent relationships serving operators and airlines and have invested to keep pace with their growth,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE Group President, Civil Simulation and Training. “We intend to continue supporting the Middle East region by deploying the highest quality training programs right in proximity to our customers’ home bases.”