Qantas and CAE Open State-of-the-Art Flight Training Centre in Sydney

(IN SHORT) Qantas and CAE have inaugurated a new state-of-the-art flight training centre in St Peters, Sydney, marking the return of Sydney-based flight training for Qantas and Jetstar pilots. The facility features advanced simulators, including models for the A380, A330, B787, and A320, with an Airbus A350 simulator arriving in 2025 to support Project Sunrise operations. This investment supports training for over 100 new aircraft in the Qantas fleet and coincides with initiatives such as expanded scholarships, a $40 million upgrade to training facilities, and the launch of the Qantas Engineering Academy. The centre highlights Qantas’ commitment to safety and workforce development in aviation.

(PRESS RELEASE) Sydney, Australia, 2024-Nov-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Qantas and global training provider CAE have officially inaugurated a cutting-edge flight training centre in St Peters, Sydney, designed to train thousands of Qantas and Jetstar pilots annually. This milestone marks the return of Sydney-based flight training for the Qantas Group, following the relocation of simulators to Melbourne and Brisbane in 2021.

Advanced Training Hub

The purpose-built facility, located near Sydney Airport, features five full-flight simulators, including models for the A380, A330, B787, A320, and B738, as well as three fixed training devices (FTDs) and ten classrooms. Additional equipment, such as Australia’s first Airbus A350 simulator for the Qantas Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights, will be introduced by late 2025, further enhancing the centre’s capabilities.

Pilots will undergo a range of training sessions at the centre, from routine simulator qualifications to intensive training for new aircraft types. Cabin crew and ground training will also take place at the facility until mid-2026, after which Qantas will open a new ground training centre in Mascot.

Strengthening Australia’s Aviation Workforce

The opening of the Sydney training centre coincides with major investments in aviation skills and infrastructure by the Qantas Group, including:

• A $40 million upgrade of ground training facilities nationwide.
• Expansion of the Qantas Group Pilot Academy scholarships.
• Launch of the Qantas Engineering Academy, with its first apprentices beginning in January 2025.

The first group of A321XLR pilots has already started training at the facility in preparation for the aircraft’s arrival in 2025.

Leadership Insights

Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, emphasized the centre’s importance in supporting the airline’s future growth and safety standards:
“This new facility ensures that our pilots continue to meet the high standards for which Qantas is known globally. With over 100 new aircraft on order, this centre is critical to our commitment to safety, innovation, and the development of the next generation of aviators.”

Wallace added that Sydney will serve as the base for Project Sunrise operations, with pilots training for ultra-long-haul A350 flights at the centre.

Nick Leontidis, Chief Operating Officer of CAE, highlighted the company’s 30-year partnership with Qantas and its dedication to aviation training in Australia:
“This centre represents the best in training technology, ensuring Qantas and Jetstar crews have the skills and confidence needed for critical moments. We’re proud to support Qantas as it prepares for Project Sunrise with our latest-generation Airbus A350 simulator.”

Facility Highlights

The Sydney Flight Training Centre features:

• Full-motion simulators: A380, A330, B787, A320, and B738, with an A350 simulator arriving in late 2025.
• Fixed Training Devices (FTDs): A380, B787, and upcoming A330 FTD (early 2025).
• Comprehensive classroom and hands-on training areas.

This state-of-the-art facility underscores Qantas and CAE’s commitment to innovation, safety, and workforce development in Australia’s aviation sector.

ABOUT CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Media Contact:

email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

Source: Qantas

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