Cebu Pacific is expanding its commitment to world-class pilot training by extending its partnership with global aviation training leader CAE. Announced at the Paris International Airshow, the two companies revealed plans to install a new Airbus A330neo full-flight simulator (FFS) at their joint training facility in Clark, Pampanga.
Scheduled to be operational by December 2026, the A330neo simulator will significantly enhance the training capacity of the CAE Philippines Aviation Training Center, which currently houses Airbus A320 and ATR 72-600 simulators. This move is part of a long-term training services agreement between Cebu Pacific and CAE, reflecting the airline’s growing need for qualified flight crew to support its expanding fleet and route network.
“Being the largest operator of the A330neo in Asia, this new simulator will provide additional training capacity and heighten the safe operation of this state-of-the-art aircraft. This expansion will help meet the growing demand for pilot training as Cebu Pacific continues to grow its network and widebody fleet,” according to Javier Massot, Cebu Pacific Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Cebu Pacific currently operates 11 Airbus A330neo aircraft, with more scheduled for delivery in the near future. The addition of the simulator in Clark is expected to streamline training for current and future flight crews, reducing reliance on overseas training facilities and further establishing the Philippines as a regional aviation training hub.
Michel Azar-Hmouda, Division President for Commercial Aviation at CAE, emphasized the strategic importance of the new simulator, “The deployment of this new A330neo simulator strengthens our shared commitment to delivering world-class pilot training. We are happy to be expanding our longstanding partnership with Cebu Pacific and further enhancing our centre’s position as a key aviation training hub in the region.”
Since its establishment in 2011, the CAE-Cebu Pacific joint venture has played a vital role in advancing aviation training in the Philippines. With the addition of the A330neo FFS, the training center in Clark continues its mission to support fleet growth, promote flight safety, and develop the next generation of aviation professionals across the Asia-Pacific.