Canadian flight training company CAE has suspended services and training to Russian airlines and aircraft operators amid that country’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
“CAE is saddened by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and in support of its people, CAE has ceased to offer training services to pilots of Russian airlines as well as corporate and cargo operators in its training network,” the company says on 8 March. “The company has also ceased to sell and service simulators for Russian airlines as well as healthcare distributors.”
The Montreal-based company made the statement as the war in Ukraine enters its 14th day. The company joins numerous other Western firms that have suspended service and operations in Russia in response to the attack by Russian armed forces that began on 24 February.
Most airlines have stopped flying to the country, and regulators have closed airspace to each others’ carriers.
According to news reports, at least two million Ukrainians have fled their country to neighbouring Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.
CAE says it and its employees have donated C$125,000 ($97,000) to the Red Cross, which is conducting relief efforts in the region.
CAE has no facilities in Russia. However, ”prior to the suspension, CAE serviced simulators sold to Russian airlines with parts and update services and trained a number of Russian airlines in its global training centre network”. the company says.
