KAREN WALKER / WASHINGTON DC & SAM CHURCHILL / LONDON
JetBlue Airways has signed a letter of intent with CAE for six full-flight simulators (FFS) worth C$85 million ($61 million). Under the terms of the contract, which is expected to be finalised next month, CAE will become the US low-cost carrier's exclusive provider of FFSs for 10 years.
Canadian simulation equipment and training provider CAE will supply JetBlue with four Airbus A320 and two Embraer 190 simulators.
New York Kennedy-based JetBlue operates a fleet of 45 A320s and is scheduled to take delivery of another 108 A320s by 2011. The US carrier has also recently ordered 100 Embraer 190 regional jets, with aircraft deliveries due to start in mid-2005.
Meanwhile, Airbus has selected CAE to produce the first A380 FFS. The decision was largely expected as the Canadian simulator manufacturer last year forged a joint venture agreement with the European company to provide training worldwide. CAE, however, still had to compete for the C$55 million deal, which covers the provision of two A380 FFSs with visual systems, maintenance and flight training devices, desktop and laptop trainers, and briefing/debriefing stations.
Source: Flight International
