easyJet to expand pilot training capabilities with CAE
UK-based low-cost carrier, easyJet, is expanding its training capabilities at CAE London Gatwick and CAE Milan and commencing pilot training at CAE Amsterdam to support the airline’s growth strategy.
To meet the demand for future pilots, easyJet, which serves around 100 million passengers each year, is expanding its flight training operations across Europe through its ongoing collaboration with training and simulation technology partner, CAE.
The agreement will see the airline investing in two additional state-of-the-art full flight simulators at Gatwick, and an additional simulator in Milan. The airline is also beginning pilot training at CAE Amsterdam, which will house two full flight simulators exclusive to easyJet training operations.
Airline expansion
“EasyJet is a growing airline and expanding these Europe-wide training facilities in partnership the CAE will play a critical role in supporting this growth across our network,” said David Morgan, easyJet’s COO. “By continuing to use advanced technologies, we are ensuring our thousands of pilots across Europe are trained to the global industry leading standards we are recognised for.”
IN addition to opening a new three-aircraft base at London Southend in 2025, easyJet has new bases planned at Milan Linate and Rome and will soon take delivery of nine new Airbus A320 aircraft, having welcomed 16 aircraft in it last financial year.
The training centres will be operational for up to 20 hours a day during peak training periods and will deliver the annual training needs for over 7000 easyJet pilots. When the new simulators begin operations in winter 2025, the airline’s fleet of flight simulators will total 19. The airline uses CAE’s latest generation of flight simulators, including the CAE 7000XR FFS equipped with the CAE Tropos 6000XR visual system to train its pilots.
Addressing the pilot shortage
According to the CAE, 252,000 new pilots globally will need to be recruited and trained over the next 10 years, while 1.3 million civil aviation professionals will be required to enter the industry by 2032. To meet this demand, Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation, explained that through its “state-of-the-art facilities and tailored training solutions,” the CAE “is shaping the future of aviation training while reaffirming its commitment to innovation, safety and operational excellence.”
