The Indian carrier Akasa Air has secured a long-term Boeing 737 MAX pilot training agreement with CAE in preparation for a huge influx in the aircraft over the next decade.
Using CAE’s expertise and facilities in India, Akasa Air’s pilots of the future will be trained with the latest generation full-flight simulators for the next 15 years.
CAE has trained India’s fastest-growing airline since its inception in 2022 and provides a “rigorous and immersive simulation training curriculum that enables them to meet superior levels of proficiency”.
At Wings India 2024, Akasa Air announced an order with Boeing for 150 jets comprising both 737 MAX 10s and 737 MAX 8-200, with all deliveries expected to be completed before 2032.
This was in addition to the outstanding order for 76 737 MAX 8 aircraft that Akasa Air already has in place with Boeing.
“We are pleased to further cement our partnership with CAE, one of the world’s leading pilot training technology providers. Akasa Air is built on a strong foundation of reliability and practices the highest standards of safety and precision in global aviation. Our approach to learning and development is rooted in developing a future-ready workforce to gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic aviation landscape,” said Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air.
He added: “As we receive a substantial influx of aircraft in the coming decade, this partnership will provide us access to the world’s best training facilities for the next 15 years and will help us build a team of highly experienced and skilled pilots, as we continue our commitment of becoming one of the world’s safest airlines.”
CAE has a long and significant presence in India, operating 13 state-of-the-art simulators in three commercial aviation training centers and delivering essential pilot training and training services to airlines in India.
Last year, CAE became a Boeing Authorized Training Provider for Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) curriculum in India.
“This long-term agreement is a testament to the quality of the pilot training we deliver and the strong relationship we have built with Akasa in a relatively short time,” Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation, said. “In the fast-growing Indian aviation sector, CAE has the infrastructure and resources to support the expansion of airline partners, like Akasa Air, in the region.”
Akasa Air currently operates a fleet of 24 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.