Etihad Seals $200m Simulator Deal with CAE

Etihad Airways has bought seven full flight simulators in a $200 million deal with CAE.

They will be based at the airline’s training academy in Abu Dhabi and cover three Boeing 787, one Airbus A380, one A350 and two A320 7000 series models.

A multi-million dollar extension of the training academy is due for completion early November (artist impression pictured) and the first A320 simulator is scheduled for delivery later that month, with the remainder arriving in the following year.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive, said the pilot training requirements for the airline, and equity alliance members, continue to grow. Etihad has 41 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 Airbus 380s on order.

“We place great emphasis on the efficiency of our operations and the safety of our passengers and this deal means we will be using the most advanced training technologies for the broadest range of aircraft types,” he said.

The airline currently has four CAE FFS models comprising a Boeing 777, A320 and two A330/340s.