Canada-based CAE has entered into a long-term agreement with Qatar Executive, Qatar Airways' corporate jet subsidiary, for pilot training services on the Bombardier Global Express XRS (GEX) and the Bombardier Challenger 605.

The training will be conducted at Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) in Dubai, a statement from the company said.

As anchor customer, Qatar Executive pilots will be the first to train on the new Challenger 605 full-flight simulator (FFS) when it is qualified by regulators in early 2012.

Training on the Bombardier Global Express XRS (GEX) will begin this month. Training will include initial and recurrent courses for both aircraft as well as a range of CAE e-learning general operating subjects, the statement said.

'Private aircraft operated in the Arab world are set to triple over the next 10 years so there will be a growing need for training and maintenance support as this sector flourishes,' said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways.

'To meet this growing demand, it is essential for us to acquire the best possible quality training for our crew, and to ensure the continuity of Qatar Executive's success and its growth in the region and across the world we have selected CAE both for their global leadership in training and the convenient access to advanced technology and world-class facilities,' he said.

'Qatar Executive is known for providing a 5-star experience for their clients, and at ECFT we consistently deliver a 5-star training experience for pilots and maintenance technicians,' said Jeff Roberts, CAE Group, president, civil simulation products, training and services. 'We are very pleased for the opportunity to help them achieve their goal of maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety through continuous training of flight crews.'

In the two years since its inception, the company has rapidly evolved into a world-class corporate aviation company backed by the global expertise and track record of 5-star ranked carrier, Qatar Airways, the statement said.

In the short time span, Qatar Executive doubled its wholly owned all-Bombardier fleet, and today operates six corporate jets with an average age of just one year - the youngest fleet of business aircraft in the Gulf.

Onboard are the three Challenger 605s, two Global 5000s and an ultra-long haul Global Express XRS - one of the most luxurious business jets available in the sky, it said. – TradeArabia News Service