Budiey
AirAsia, CAE to set up world-class aviation training centre
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 JUNE 2011 – AirAsia announced today that it has signed with CAE, a global leader in flight training solutions, a joint venture agreement to set up a world-class aviation training centre that will offer state-of-the-art training for airlines throughout Asia.
The signing was witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Saifuddin bin Abdullah.
The centre, to be aptly named the Asian Aviation Academy, is the initial effort and a part of the joint venture between AirAsia and CAE which forms the company Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence Sdn. Bhd. The establishment of the training centre will positively contribute to AirAsia’s vast expansion plans by providing highly skilled and certified personnel required for the airline’s fast growing fleet and operations.
The facility will provide AirAsia and other airlines training services for pilots, flight attendants, engineers, ramp handlers, guest services staff and aviation management. Pilot training programs at the centre will be available from July 1, and non-pilot training programs will commence on 1 October 2011.
The training centre will be located at what is now the AirAsia Academy, a short distance from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang, Selangor in Malaysia.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes CBE, Group CEO of AirAsia, said, “The Asian Aviation Academy reflects AirAsia’s commitment towards developing the aviation industry in Asia. The new centre will offer world-class training, using the most modern modules and the latest training facilities that are on par with and far more cost effective than training in Europe or in the US. Our goal is to make the centre a prominent ‘aviation university’ and to make it the largest training centre in Asia.”
“The centre will be independently managed and shall support the growth of commercial aviation in Asia in line with our thrust of boosting travel, trade and tourism. By training personnel from other airlines, it will allow us to convert our training program into a profit generator, in line with our aim to boost revenue via ancillary channels, which in turn helps to offset rising fuel prices and keep our fares low,” he added.
The training centre will start operations with six CAE-built full-flight simulators currently located at the AirAsia Academy. These include four full-flight simulators for the Airbus 320, one for the A330/A340 and one for the Boeing 737 Classic.
All AirAsia staff requiring specialized aviation training will train at the Asian Aviation Academy once it is open. Personnel from other airlines currently training at the AirAsia Academy will also move their training to the new centre, which will also accept new trainees from other interested airlines.
“The joint venture allows AirAsia to create separate listable units and to keep its focus on offering low fares so that everyone can fly. The Asian Aviation Academy will allow AirAsia’s pilots to receive world-class training under the management of CAE, a world-renowned flight training company, in Sepang,” Tony said.
Meanwhile, Jeff Roberts, CAE Group President, Civil Simulation Products Training and Services, said, “Airasia and CAE have enjoyed a very productive partnership, and now is the time to take it to a new level to help meet increasing demand for well-trained aviation professionals. We are very proud to train pilots and flight operations and ground crew of AirAsia and other airlines around the region. Our entire focus is providing the highest-quality training for safety and operational efficiency.”
