Canadian training and simulation specialist CAE has acquired Brussels-based Sabena Flight Academy in order to expand its capabilities and address the continuing demand for airline pilots.
The cash deal, the terms of which have not been disclosed, gives CAE access to Sabena Flight Academy’s Arizona flight school and its simulation centre in the Belgian capital.
Sabena Flight Academy survived the collapse of Belgian flag-carrier Sabena in 2001 and has since developed its capabilities to include type-rating training on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, A330 and A340, and BAE Systems Avro RJ aircraft.
The Brussels centre has six full-flight simulators covering all these aircraft types.Sabena Flight Academy also conducts ab initio pilot training and operates a fleet of around 40 light aircraft in the USA.
The company’s international operations include training links with India and Africa.CAE, which is based in Montreal, says the acquisition will give it overall capacity to train more than 1,400 cadet pilots per year.
“This strategic bolt-on acquisition is another step towards developing our training network in order to better address the global pilot shortage,” say CAE group president for innovation, civil training and services Jeff Roberts.
He says the Sabena facilities and simulator mix will “complement well” the Canadian company’s current Brussels operation, which includes training on Boeing 757, 767 and 737 aircraft as well as ATR and Dornier turboprops.
Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news
Source: Flight International
