Mubadala Aerospace, through its subsidiary Horizon Flight Academy (Horizon), today announced at the Dubai Airshow a joint venture (JV) with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to establish an advanced flight training facility in the emirate dedicated to serving global commercial and defense customers.

Furthermore, Horizon announced that it had signed a contract with CAE (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) for the purchase of a CAE 3000 Series full-flight simulator (FFS) representing the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to be owned and operated by the JV.  The joint venture is subject to any required antitrust and other regulatory approvals.

“Mubadala Aerospace is at the forefront of creating a local and international aerospace industry in the UAE and surrounding region built on mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director, Mubadala Aerospace. “This joint venture between Mubadala and ADA will bring together over 40 years of combined aircraft operating and training expertise and will capitalize on the significant projected global aircraft fleet growth in the coming years in both the commercial and defense markets. This will require well-trained, highly-skilled pilots and through ADA and Horizon we aim to set the benchmark for pilot training in the Middle East.  The AW139 simulator from CAE will play a key role in delivering the highest-quality helicopter training.”

“ADA is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East and we are delighted to be partnering with Mubadala Aerospace to develop additional training capabilities for the region.  Both ADA and Mubadala have a long-term commitment to the aerospace industry, and this JV and the purchase of this simulator will ensure that our dedication to the highest standards of safety, quality and efficiency will continue,” said H.E. Nader Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, Chairman of ADA.

Captain Michael Burke, Director of Training for ADA added, “CAE has a long-standing reputation as the leader in helicopter simulation, and we are excited to bring the new CAE 3000 Series full-flight simulator to the Middle East. To ensure the highest level of training, state-of-the-art technology and facilities are essential and the JV’s investment in the 3000 Series is evidence to our focus on providing unparalleled training efficacy for our AW139 aircrews.”

“CAE has designed training systems for the greatest variety of helicopters, including a range of AgustaWestland platforms such as the AW139,” said Martin Gagné, CAE’s Group President, Military Products, Training and Services.  “We are pleased Horizon and ADA have selected the new AW139 CAE 3000 Series, which was specifically designed with extensive input from AgustaWestland and our Helicopter Advisory Board and incorporates some of the latest simulation technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.” 

Bruno Spagnolini, Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland, added “AgustaWestland is very pleased to support this new Joint Venture and looks forward to working closely with CAE in the development of the new AW139 simulator for Horizon. We also looking forward to extending our working relationship with ADA, Mubadala and the JV as an AgustaWestland Authorised Training Centre to support type conversion, recurrent and operational role training for our AW139 customers from the Middle East.”

Source: Press Release (Mubadala Aerospace / Horizon)