One of Europe’s leading airlines has announced that it is expanding its flight training operations across Europe.
The move reinforces the airline’s industry leading reputation for pilot training through its partnership with CAE, leveraging the latest generation technology. It means the airline’s pilot training facilities, with a fleet of 19 flight simulators across three countries, will be among the most modern in the world.
The airline is expanding at existing CAE training facilities with two additional state-of-the-art full flight simulators in London Gatwick and one additional full flight simulator in Milan. easyJet is also beginning pilot training at CAE Amsterdam, which will house two full flight simulators exclusive to easyJet training operations. The additional full flight simulators will begin training operations from winter 2025.
The expansion will support easyJet’s continued growth across the UK and Europe. Next spring, the airline will open a new three-aircraft base at London Southend, alongside significant and strategic growth in Italy with new bases planned at Milan Linate and Rome, subject to the European Commission approval. easyJet will also take delivery of nine new Airbus A320 aircraft, following the delivery of 16 aircraft in its last financial year.
With the training centres operational for up to 20 hours a day during peak training periods, they will deliver the annual training needs for over 7000 easyJet pilots, including for newly-qualified pilots, recurrent training for experienced pilots and command upgrade courses – the training programme for experienced Senior First Officers to become Captains.
David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “easyJet is a growing airline and expanding these Europe-wide training facilities in partnership with CAE will play a critical role in supporting this growth across our network. By continuing to utilise advanced technologies, we are ensuring our thousands of pilots across Europe are trained to the global industry leading standards we are recognised for. That’s why around 100 million customers choose to travel with us each year.
“We are pleased to continue working with CAE as a trusted global training provider, to help ensure easyJet is a centre of excellence for crew training.”
“We’re delighted to extend and expand our longstanding partnership with easyJet and to support their growth,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation “Through our state-of-the-art facilities and tailored training solutions, we’re shaping the future of aviation training while reaffirming our commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.”
