Singapore Airlines (SIA) and CAE (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a joint venture for pilot training in Singapore. The joint venture will initially focus primarily on providing simulator training for Boeing aircraft types, supporting SIA Group airlines and other operators' pilot training needs in the region.

The equally-owned joint venture centre will operate out of the Singapore Airlines Training Centre (STC) located near Changi Airport. SIA will initially transfer four of its full-flight Boeing aircraft simulators to the venture, while additional CAE-built training equipment will be acquired progressively. The training facility will provide a full range of initial type rating and recurrent training programmes for Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777 and 787 aircraft types.

“The long-term prospects for the aviation sector are positive, and we are confident that the new flight training joint venture with CAE will further enhance Singapore's position as a leading aviation hub. With the SIA Group expanding its fleet to drive additional growth, the joint venture will help keep pace with our own training requirements as well as those of other airlines in the region. This investment with CAE, one of the world's leading civil aviation training organisations, is also in line with our push to drive revenue-generation from new adjacent businesses. Together with CAE's expertise, we are positive that it will be a leading training facility for Boeing aircraft types in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.

“Building on our relationship of more than 40 years, we are extremely honoured to join forces with Singapore Airlines and welcome this opportunity to leverage the strengths of our combined organisations to support the growing pilot training needs in the Asia-Pacific region – one of the fastest growing markets in commercial aviation,” said CAE's President and CEO, Mr Marc Parent.

“This new joint venture will deliver best-in-class training, and will be an asset in supporting the growth of Singapore Airlines, one of the world's premier carriers. CAE is dedicated to offering customers the most innovative training solutions to achieve the highest levels of safety and efficiency."

The closing of the transaction is subject to execution of definitive transaction documents and customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Subject to approvals, operations are expected to begin by the end of the year.

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For further information, please contact:
 
Gillian O'Young
Liquid Ideas for Singapore Airlines
Tel: (02) 9667 4211
GillianOYoung@liquidideas.com.au

About CAE

CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. Backed by a 70-year record of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force readiness and enhance patient safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with more than 8,500 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. Each year, we train more than 120,000 civil and defence crewmembers and thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide. www.cae.com

About Singapore Airlines 

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has proudly operated services to Australia since 1967. Over the past 50 years, SIA has grown from twice-weekly flights to Perth and Sydney to operating 129 weekly flights from six Australian cities.Alongside its regional wing, SilkAir, and low-cost carrier Scoot, SIA provides Australian travellers with access to a global network of 131 destinations in 36 countries through the world-famous Changi Airport hub, from: 

In 2017 - the 50th Anniversary year in Australia - Singapore Airlines celebrates a number of milestones, including the company's 70th Anniversary, launch of a new on-board product offering, 1st Anniversary of the Capital Express, and the 10th Anniversary of the Airbus A380 (Singapore Airlines was the first airline to fly the world's largest commercial aircraft).

While travelling through or to Singapore, Australian customers can take advantage of the 'Changi Transit Programme' - offering S$20 worth of vouchers per adult and child ticket to use at more than 510 Changi Airport stores - and the 'Singapore Stopover Holiday' package - offering accommodation and entrance to major attractions from just AUD$49 per person twin-share.

MADELEINE SMITH | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
M +61 439 428 386 | MADELEINESMITH@LIQUIDIDEAS.COM.AU