CAE inaugurates Central European flagship business aviation training centre in Vienna

Rhea-AI Summary

CAE (NYSE: CAE) has officially inaugurated its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe, CAE Vienna. The state-of-the-art 86,000 square foot facility, operational since April, currently offers pilot training on four aircraft types with simulators for Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500, Global 6000, and Embraer Phenom 100/300.

The centre will add two more simulators: a Bombardier Challenger 3500 in October and a Pilatus PC-24 in late 2026. Designed to address the projected demand for 7,000 new pilots and 9,000 maintenance technicians in European business aviation over the next decade, the facility features smart technologies, self-serve kiosks, and comprehensive training programs for both pilots and maintenance personnel.

Insights

Aviation Industry Analyst

CAE's new Vienna facility expands European business aviation training capacity, positioning strategically to meet projected demand for 7,000 pilots over the next decade.

CAE's inauguration of its Vienna training center represents a strategic expansion in the high-margin business aviation training segment. This 86,000 square foot facility—operational since April—significantly bolsters the company's European footprint beyond its existing UK and Dubai facilities.

The center currently hosts simulators for four premium aircraft types (Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500, Global 6000, and Embraer Phenom 100/300), with a Bombardier Challenger 3500 simulator coming online in October and a Pilatus PC-24 simulator scheduled for 2026. This simulator mix targets high-value business jet segments where training margins typically exceed commercial aviation rates.

Most notably, CAE's own Aviation Talent Forecast projects demand for 7,000 new business aviation pilots and 9,000 maintenance technicians in Europe over the next decade. With Vienna's central location and capacity to train thousands annually, CAE is positioning to capture significant market share of this forecasted demand.

The facility's technological enhancements—including self-serve kiosks and digital training record access—align with industry trends toward more efficient training delivery while potentially reducing staffing requirements and improving margins. By offering comprehensive services from initial type-ratings through recurrent training across multiple regulatory frameworks, CAE has created a full-lifecycle revenue model for each pilot customer.

The Vienna location also creates geographic diversification in CAE's business aviation training network while placing assets closer to Central European business aviation operators, potentially capturing clientele who previously trained elsewhere.

MONTREAL, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - (NYSE: CAE) (TSX: CAE) – Today, global aviation training leader CAE officially inaugurated its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe, CAE Vienna. The new centre has been in operation since April and is now offering customers pilot training on four aircraft types: Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500 and Bombardier Global 6000. An Embraer Phenom 100/300 full-flight simulator (FFS), part of the Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) joint venture is also in operation. A fifth simulator, a Bombardier Challenger 3500 FFS, will be ready for training in October and the sixth, a Pilatus PC-24 FFS, will be deployed in the second half of 2026.

"The inauguration of CAE Vienna ushers in a new era for business aviation in Europe, adding critical training capacity in the region and making a broad portfolio of training programs more accessible than ever for our customers," said Alexandre Prévost, CAE's Division President, Business Aviation. "According to CAE's Aviation Talent Forecast, the business aviation industry in Europe will need 7,000 new pilots and 9,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 10 years. With the ability to train thousands of aviation professionals annually, CAE Vienna is ideally equipped and perfectly located to help meet that demand."

Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism: "With the location of CAE Vienna, we are sending a strong signal for Austria as a strategic hub for aviation, business, and innovation. This training center not only brings highly qualified jobs and local investment, but also clearly strengthens our competitiveness. We want Austria to be a player where the future and value creation are shaped – and aviation is a key sector in that." 

The 86,000 square foot centre reflects a customer-first transformation, designed to make training more personalized, seamless, and efficient. Smart technologies simplify booking, check-in, and access to training records, reducing friction and saving time. State-of-the-art amenities include self-serve kiosks, a barista café, and a pilot lounge that enhance pilots' comfort and convenience.

"This new centre represents our dedication to ensuring that every pilot and maintenance technician who trains with us receives the experience they deserve – one that equips them with the knowledge, skill and confidence to be at their best and always ready for the moments that matter," added Prévost.

Like all CAE training centres worldwide, including CAE Burgess Hill in the U.K. and CAE Dubai, CAE Vienna offers all phases of classroom and simulator training for established pilots to earn their type-rating and complete recurrent training for differing authorities. The maintenance technician training offered includes type training, engine run and taxi courses, technical training (including on avionics), as well as personal development courses geared at engaging, advancing, and retaining maintenance technicians.

About CAE

At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we're everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness—today and tomorrow.

Read our FY25 Global Annual Activity and Sustainability Report

Read our 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast.

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CAE Contacts:

General Media:
Samantha Golinski, Vice President, Public Affairs & Global Communications
+1-438-805-5856, samantha.golinski@cae.com 

Investor Relations:
Andrew Arnovitz, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Enterprise Risk Management
+1-514-734-5760, andrew.arnovitz@cae.com

Trade Media:
Jessica Shergill, Director, Marketing Operations
+1-514-264-9672, jessica.shergill@cae.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cae-inaugurates-central-european-flagship-business-aviation-training-centre-in-vienna-302546827.html

SOURCE CAE Inc.

FAQ

What aircraft types does CAE Vienna offer training for?

CAE Vienna currently offers training for Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500, Bombardier Global 6000, and Embraer Phenom 100/300. Additional simulators for Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Pilatus PC-24 will be added by 2026.

How many new pilots and technicians will Europe's business aviation sector need according to CAE?

According to CAE's Aviation Talent Forecast, Europe's business aviation industry will need 7,000 new pilots and 9,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 10 years.

What training programs does CAE Vienna offer for aviation professionals?

CAE Vienna offers classroom and simulator training for type-rating and recurrent training for pilots, plus maintenance technician training including type training, engine run and taxi courses, avionics training, and professional development courses.

When did CAE Vienna begin operations and how large is the facility?

CAE Vienna began operations in April 2025 and spans 86,000 square feet, featuring modern amenities including self-serve kiosks, a barista café, and a pilot lounge.

What new simulators will be added to CAE Vienna's training center?

CAE Vienna will add a Bombardier Challenger 3500 simulator in October 2025 and a Pilatus PC-24 simulator in the second half of 2026.