On November 23, InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE inaugurated a ultra-modern pilot training facility, in Greater Noida, National Capital Region. A joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE, the Centre, CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL), has been set up with an investment of more than $25 million. The centre already provides training to IndiGo pilots and from December 2013, GoAir’s A320 pilots will also undergo training at the facility.

“This is a momentous occasion for us. CAE is a global leader in simulation-based training and we are confident that this venture will enable pilots to be well-equipped and trained in making the experience of flying hassle-free and safe,” said Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director, InterGlobe Enterprises. “India is amongst the fastest growing civil aviation markets in the world with a growing need for trained pilots. This centre will help address this requirement,” he further added.

With its six simulator bays, the centre will have the capacity to train over 5,000 aviation professionals per year, and will be the largest such facility in India. The facility provides "wet" and "dry" type-rating, recurrent, conversion and jet indoctrination training for commercial aircraft pilots. Currently, it features two CAE Series 5000 A320 full-flight simulators certified level D. Pilots and students can benefit from advanced training technology such as CAE Simfinity multimedia classrooms, computer-based training and brief/debrief facilities. This will also be the first centre in India to impart Airbus certified training.

As Delhi is a large base for the pilot community, this centre will be convenient for pilots and airlines to help save on costs and time. A simulation centre in North India is also better located for airlines in neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

“CAE is delighted to partner with InterGlobe, a leader in travel and aviation in India, in providing a world-class training environment to pilots in the region,” said Marc Parent, President and Chief Executive Officer, CAE. “This new facility will not only better serve the rapidly growing regional carrier market in the region, but also provide our customers with the flexibility and proximity they want as well as the highest fidelity and reliability for their training programmes.”

The centre is the fourth aviation training location that CAE operates in India. CAE trains more than 1,500 crew members every year at its training centre in Bengaluru, the first independent training centre in India and the first to earn approval as a fixed-wing Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO). CAE also operates a joint venture helicopter training centre in Bengaluru equipped with the first advanced, full-fidelity helicopter simulators in India. In partnership with the Government of India, CAE operates ab initio flight schools in Gondia and Rae Bareli.