Group Bhd wants CAE to train about 400 cadet pilots to support its growth in the various markets it operates over the next five years.
The first batch of cadet pilots will begin training in the second half of the year for a 18-month competency-based Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme.
The airline signed a new agreement with CAE for the training of 400 cadet pilots in Singapore on Tuesday.
The training will be held at CAE Kuala Lumpur, CAE Melbourne and CAE Phoenix. After the 18-month training programme, the next generation of pilots will become AirAsia’s first officers.
Apart from Malaysia, AirAsia has operations in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan. It is also looking at setting up operations in Vietnam and China in the medium to long term.
The entire training cycle involves the rigorous cadet selection process, integrated English language training, a blended training methodology with emphasis on crew resource management and threat/error management.
CAE said the training cycle followed the airline’s standard operating procedures.
It said the comprehensive programme also followed the highest industry pilot training standards in the world.
“CAE has been a tremendous partner since we first started the MPL programme together eight years ago, not only launching an innovative programme that sparked conversations in the industry but continuously refining and adapting the training programme,” AirAsia group chief operations officer Adrian Jenkins said.
CAE group president, civil aviation training solutions, Nick Leontidis adds that this “new agreement highlights our dedication to effectively train and prepare this next cadre of cadets as they begin their careers as professional pilots.”
CAE introduced the MPL training programme with AirAsia as a launch customer in 2010, complementing the offering in training paths and programmes for cadets.
CAE said that since 2010, about 85 AirAsia cadets have been trained through the MPL programme. Since 2017, the first nine AirAsia-sponsored CAE MPL cadets have been flying as captains.