Cebu Pacific, CAE to build Asia-Pac aviation training center

Cebu Pacific Air Inc. and Canada-based CAE are going on a joint venture to build an aviation-training center for airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.   In a statement submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cabu Pacific and CAE said they have signed a joint venture agreement for the “aviation academy” which they plan to operate by the third quarter of 2012 out of the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga province.   The joint venture entails $40 million to $50 million in investments.   The Cebu Pacific-CAE partnership “will also help make Asia Pacific’s vibrant aviation industry more appealing in the face of growing competition for well-trained aviation professionals,” according to the statement, citing Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei.    “Airbus’ Global Market Forecast predicts more than 34 percent (9,160) of total global airplane orders until 2030 will go to the Asia Pacific region, of which 5,770 of these will be single-aisle planes like the A320,” according to Cebu Pacific.   “By partnering with CAE, CEB once again underscores its commitment to enhance the Philippines’ tourism and aviation potentials by producing world-class pilots and crew,” Gokongwei noted.   “We are excited about this new relationship with Cebu Pacific and the opportunity to help meet the increasing demand for high-quality pilots and other commercial aviation professionals in the Philippines and throughout the region,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE’s group president of Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services.   “The new training center will be a world-class, one-stop training center for Cebu Pacific and a hub for training services for other airlines,” Roberts added.   The academy will first cater to Airbus A319/320/321 series pilot training and provide “wet” instructor-led training for Cebu Pacific’s pilots. — CMA/VS, GMA News