CEB-CAE deal adds flight simulator in Clark

Budget airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) and aviation training firm CAE are expanding their joint venture with the addition of a new Airbus A330neo full-flight simulator at their training center in Clark, Pampanga. 

In a disclosure on Wednesday, the Gokongwei-led carrier said the new simulator, set to be operational by December 2026, will support training for its expanding network and widebody fleet. It will join the existing A320 and ATR 72-600 simulators currently in use at the Clark facility.

“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,” said CEB Chief Operations Officer Javier Massot.

“This expansion will help meet the growing demand for pilot training as CEB continues to grow its network and widebody fleet,” he added.

CEB currently operates 11 A330neo aircraft, with more deliveries expected.

Michel Azar-Hmouda, Division President for Commercial Aviation at CAE, said the expansion reaffirms the companies’ long-term commitment to pilot training in the region.

"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 CEB and further enhancing our centre’s position as a key aviation training hub in the region," Azar-Hmouda said.

The CEB–CAE joint training center in Clark was established in 2011 to support pilot development in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.