Canadian firm, Jet Air in pact for simulator

Jet Airways has signed a contract with Canada-based simulation and training company, CAE, for supply of Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330 simulators as part of preparedness for the induction of these wide-bodied aircraft into its fleet next year.

In addition, CAE will provide a Simfinity integrated procedures trainer (IPT) for Boeing 777-300ER aircraft as well as a Simfinity maintenance flight training device (MFTD) for the A330 aircraft.

According to sources, the estimated cost of the two simulators is between Rs 100-150 crore. CAE has already manufactured and supplied two Boeing 737 new generation simulators currently operational at the Jet Airways training centre in Mumbai.

The B737NG simulators, B777-300ER and A330 simulators, all feature the CAE Tropos visual system.

The airline's fleet expansion by inducing the wide-bodied aircraft is scheduled to commence in April 2007 when deliveries of the 10 brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and 10 Airbus A330 aircraft kick off.

The full-flight simulator replicates in every detail the cockpit of an aircraft.

It also reproduces, with great accuracy and realism, the visual environment the aircraft appears to be flying in, including clouds, thunderstorms, and the landing approaches of airports around the world. Each simulator also recreates operational emergency situations.

Jet Airways CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said, "As part of our expansion plans, we are preparing for the induction of the new wide-bodied aircraft into our fleet, scheduled to commence in April 2007. These new simulators will enable us to provide high quality pilot training."

CAE operates in 19 countries and has over 100 full-flight simulators in more than 20 aviation training centres, serving around 3,500 airlines operators.

Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 58 aircraft with 46 classic and next generation Boeing 737-400/700/800/900 aircraft, three Airbus A340-300E, one Airbus A330-200 and 8 modern ATR 72-500 turboprops.