CAE Opens New Training Center in Vienna

CAE Opens New Training Center in Vienna

Expansion of European Training Capabilities

CAE has inaugurated CAE Vienna, its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe, marking a pivotal advancement in the company’s European expansion strategy. The 8,000-square-foot facility began operations in April with the introduction of a Gulfstream G550 full-flight simulator (FFS). The centre is set to expand its simulator offerings, with plans to install a Pilatus PC-24 FFS in the latter half of 2026. Ultimately, CAE Vienna aims to accommodate up to nine full-flight simulators, including Europe’s first Bombardier Global 7500 simulator, which is scheduled to enter service in June. Additional simulators for the Bombardier Global Vision and Embraer Phenom 100/300 will be introduced this summer, followed by a Challenger 3500 simulator in October 2025.

Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President for Business Aviation, emphasized the significance of the new centre, stating that it provides customers with an enhanced training experience within a state-of-the-art facility. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming introduction of new simulators and the anticipated increase in customer engagement at CAE Vienna.

Integration with Existing Operations and Market Impact

CAE Vienna complements the company’s existing European training operations, such as the Burgess Hill facility in the United Kingdom. The centre is designed to deliver comprehensive training programmes for pilots and maintenance technicians, covering type ratings and recurrent training tailored to meet diverse regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

The market has responded positively to CAE’s expansion, with industry experts noting that the new centre will improve access to advanced training resources for European operators. However, this development also introduces new competitive dynamics, as local training providers may seek to enhance their own facilities and service offerings in response. Additionally, CAE Vienna may encounter regulatory challenges as it establishes its presence within the region’s aviation training landscape.

Customer Engagement and Training Offerings

The centre welcomed its first customer, Alexander Vagacs, Chairman of Avcon Jet, in April. Prévost remarked on the longstanding relationship with Vagacs, who has trained with CAE for 25 years and has entrusted the training of his pilots to the company since founding Avcon Jet in 2007.

Beyond pilot training, CAE Vienna offers an extensive range of maintenance technician programmes. These include type training based on real-world scenarios, engine run and taxi courses, avionics instruction, and personal development sessions aimed at career progression and retention. Training is also available at CAE’s Burgess Hill and Dubai centres, or can be delivered directly at operator locations, providing flexibility to meet client needs.

Upcoming Official Inauguration

CAE Vienna’s official inauguration is planned for this autumn, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint and capabilities within the European aviation training market.