Cathay boosts pilot training capacity amidst $100b fleet modernisation drive

New A320neo simulator forms part of $100b investment plan.

Cathay has installed an Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator at its Hong Kong training centre as part of its $100b fleet renewal and infrastructure investment plan, the airline said.

Built by CAE, the simulator will train pilots for Cathay’s expanding A320neo and A321neo fleet. The group has ordered over 100 aircraft, including 30 narrowbody models, to replace older jets and increase capacity.

Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan said the simulator strengthens training capability, while CAE Division President Michel Azar-Hmouda said it features CAE’s Prodigy visual system for higher accuracy.

Cathay’s training centre houses several CAE simulators supporting its 230 passenger and freighter aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific and HK Express.