GENEVA, SWITZERLAND -- (Marketwire - May 20, 2008) - (NYSE:CGT)(TSX:CAE) - CAE and Bombardier Aerospace began offering pilot and technical training on Global Express aircraft at the CAE Burgess Hill training centre in the U.K., marking the first time that training on Global Express aircraft has been made available in Europe. The program is the first operational milestone of the 20-year Authorized Training Provider agreement signed by CAE and Bombardier in June 2007, which designates CAE as Bombardier's Authorized Training Provider for Global Express, Global 5000, Global Express XRS and Challenger 300 aircraft. In May 2008, the agreement was expanded to include Learjet 40/40 XR and Learjet 45/45 XR aircraft training in Europe.
The program, fully qualified by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), utilizes Bombardier's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) courseware and incorporates the latest simulation-based training methodologies, such as CAE Simfinity(TM) tools. The first course in the program started in April, with the program expected to expand to full capacity by summer 2008.
"The introduction of this new program is a clear demonstration of CAE's commitment to bring our training services closer to customers across Europe and the globe," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Innovation and Civil Training & Services. "With a growing number of Bombardier Business aircraft operating outside North America, offering training in Europe has become increasingly critical. CAE will work with Bombardier to continue to meet the needs of this expanding market," he added.
"Together, Bombardier and CAE have built a best-in-class, technically advanced training course for Global Express aircraft," says James Hoblyn, President, Bombardier Aircraft Services. "We have proven to be a great team and look forward to continue working with CAE on other opportunities."
A second Global Express aircraft training program is scheduled to be offered in late summer 2009 in Emirates-CAE Flight Training, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A Challenger 300 aircraft training program is expected to debut in CAE's North East Training Centre in Morristown, New Jersey in fall 2008.
CAE will also build and deploy a new Learjet 40/40 XR and Learjet 45/45 XR aircraft full-flight simulator (FFS) to the CAE Burgess Hill Training Centre in the U.K. and a Challenger 300 aircraft FFS in Europe (exact location to be determined) in the fall of 2009, marking the first time that training programs for these aircraft types will be available in Europe.
About Bombardier (TSX:BBD)
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.About CAE (NYSE:CGT)(TSX:CAE)
CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1 billion, CAE employs approximately 6,000 people at more than 75 sites and training locations in 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 27 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 75,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments and through CAE's professional services division, we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs. www.cae.com
