Emirates-CAE Flight Training is reaping the benefits of the spate of new aircraft orders from Middle East and Indian airlines, announcing several major contracts at Dubai 2005. Oman Air, India’s Kingfisher Airlines and low-cost carrier SpiceJet have all signed for training with the Emirates-CAE training center here in Dubai, which opened in December 2003, becoming the first pilot training facility in the Middle East to be qualified to both Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

Emirates-CAE already trains Oman Air’s Boeing 737 flight crews, but in the latest agreement, due to be announced today, the deal is extended to provide a “total training solution” for the airline.

Yesterday at the Dubai 2005 show, Emirates-CAE signed a multi-year pilot training contract was signed with Kingfisher Airlines covering pilot training for the Airbus A320s ordered by the carrier, while SpiceJet opted for Emirates-CAE to train pilots flying its Boeing 737NGs.

To support the Kingfisher training requirement the facility has ordered a second A320 full-flight simulator. “We’re also taking a new Boeing 777-300 simulator for delivery in the second quarter of 2006,” said Emirates-CAE managing director David Barette.

Emirates-CAE’s original business plan envisaged six simulators at the Dubai-based facility. “Now we’re at seven and soon ten. We’re sure to add more types after that,” said Barette. Simulators now offered by the joint venture include an Airbus A330/A340, a Hawker 800, Gulfstream IV and V, A320 and a pair of Boeing 737NGs. Barette decline to discuss plans to order an ATR 42/72 simulator following the Kingfisher order for 20 ATR 72-500s.

In a separate announcement, Emirates has signed with CAE to supply an Airbus A380 three-dimensional maintenance/flight training device and a Boeing 777-300ER integrated procedures trainer in a deal worth $4 million.