CAE to invest $20 mn in training unit

The centre aims to train 1,000 pilots in the first year of operations.

CAE, the Quebec-based provider of simulators and pilot training solutions, is planning to invest an additional $15-20 million in its aviation training centre in Bangalore after it becomes operational.

In February this year, CAE had announced its first pilot training centre in India with an initial investment of about $20 million.

Jeff Roberts, group president, innovation and civil training & services told Business Standard in a telephonic interview that the training centre would be operational in October-November this year and "has made good progress. Once operational, we are looking at investing another $15-20 million to set up one or two more simulators, depending upon the requirements."

The centre is located close to the upcoming Bangalore International Airport, on the outskirts of the city. The company is initially installing two simulators that will provide flight operations support on the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 platforms.

Roberts said the company was looking for a local equity partner, who will take care of the operations. "We are in dialogue with couple of companies and will finalise a name in the next 3-4 weeks," he said without disclosing any names.

The centre aims to train 1,000 pilots in the first year of operations. The company expects most Indian carriers which sent their pilots for training to CAE's Dubai training centre, to train them in India. CAE has contracts with several airlines to supply them with pilots, he added.

Airlines majors such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan have their own pilot training centres. CAE has sold 11 flight simulators to air carriers in India during the last 30 years. CAE operates a simulation technology graphic design centre in Bangalore, which houses about 120 engineers. The centre mainly develops visuals to customise simulators for the local market.