CAE to Deploy Second Embraer E2 Simulator at Madrid Ahead of Paris Air Show 2025

CAE to Expand Embraer E2 Simulator Network with Second Installation in Madrid

CAE has announced the forthcoming installation of a second Embraer E2 full-flight simulator at its Madrid training centre, situated near Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. Scheduled for completion ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025, this development represents a significant expansion of CAE’s Embraer simulator network, aimed at addressing the growing demand for advanced pilot training across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

Strategic Expansion to Support EMEA Market

The new simulator will be operated by Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture between CAE and Embraer. It will be the first Embraer E2 simulator dedicated exclusively to the EMEA region, supporting the increasing number of E2 family aircraft entering service. This expansion aligns with the plans of airlines such as ANA, which is preparing to integrate Embraer E190-E2s into its fleet, alongside Airbus’s continued strong order book that signals robust growth in the commercial aviation sector and a corresponding need for sophisticated pilot training solutions.

Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE’s division president for commercial aviation, emphasized the importance of the new simulator in Madrid. He noted that the facility would enhance CAE’s partnership with Embraer and reinforce its commitment to E2 customers in the region. The training programme will incorporate CAE’s competency-based training assessment (CBTA) courseware and the CAE Simfinity virtual simulator, complementing classroom instruction and ensuring that pilots develop the necessary skills and confidence to operate the E2 aircraft safely.

Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, described the deployment as a milestone for the joint venture. He highlighted the benefits for customers in EMEA, who will gain access to world-class training and cutting-edge technology closer to home. Naufel reaffirmed Embraer’s dedication to meeting customer needs by expanding its training infrastructure in key markets.

Growing Simulator Network Amidst Intensifying Competition

The Madrid installation will become the second Embraer E2 simulator within the ECTS network, joining the existing full-flight simulator at CAE’s Singapore training centre. In addition to E2 simulators, ECTS operates nine Phenom-family full-flight simulators across CAE’s business aviation training centres in Dallas, Las Vegas, Burgess Hill (UK), São Paulo, and Vienna, with training scheduled to commence in Vienna this summer.

CAE’s expansion occurs amid increasing competition from other training providers such as Lufthansa Aviation Training and VoltAero, both of which are enhancing their simulator capabilities. As demand for advanced pilot training intensifies, these competitors are expected to respond with similar investments in simulator technology and strategic partnerships. This trend mirrors recent collaborations in the industry, including Embraer’s agreements with Skywest and Airbus’s ongoing order announcements at major events like the Paris Air Show.

The deployment of the new Embraer E2 simulator in Madrid underscores CAE and Embraer’s shared commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality training solutions. This initiative comes as the aviation sector anticipates continued fleet expansion and evolving regulatory requirements, necessitating advanced pilot proficiency and operational readiness.