Emirates-CAE Flight Training attracts more international customers to Dubai

Air Arabia, National Air Services and Royal Brunei have all signed training service agreements with the centre. The total value of these new multi-year agreements is some US$12 million.

Arabasco, Emirates, Jet Aviation, Kuwait Airways, Middle East Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jet and others already train there.

Gary Chapman, President Dnata & Associated Companies, said: "We anticipate a steady pace of growth for this centre, which is the first facility in the Middle East to be both FAA and JAA-approved, providing the world's highest type-rating available.

"It's a state-of-the-art facility, with dedicated and highly-trained personnel committed to meeting the needs of all clients, be they business-jet or commercial aircraft operators."

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Minister of Defence, officially opened Emirates-CAE Flight Training the day before (6th December 2003). His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, and Derek H. Burney, CAE's President and Chief Executive Officer, participated in the inauguration ceremony.

"The training programmes offered at Emirates-CAE Flight Training are world class," said Mr. Burney. "By choosing to train with us, aircraft operators in the region continue to demonstrate their confidence in our programmes and quality of our training.

"Here, our customers benefit from industry-leading training technologies and solutions—integrated to enhance learning and create the skills essential for the safe operation of their aircraft."

National Air Services has been training since September on the Boeing 737NG/BBJ and is planning to begin training in 2004 on the convertible Hawker 800/800XP and Gulfstream IV. Air Arabia started training on the A320 simulator last September and Royal Brunei will commence A320 training early 2004.

Emirates-CAE Flight Training is the result of a long-term partnership signed in 2001. The 14-bay facility, which can train up to 4,000 pilots annually, is the first in the region to be qualified to both FAA and JAA standards as a type-rating training organisation.