Training & Certification
Cathay and CAE Enhance Pilot Training with New A320neo Simulator
Cathay Flight Training Centre adds advanced CAE A320neo simulator to boost pilot skills, supporting fleet expansion and aviation safety in Hong Kong.
In a move that underscores a significant investment in operational excellence and future growth, the Cathay Flight Training Centre has officially welcomed a new CAE Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator. This development is a cornerstone of Cathay’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance its training capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of safety and pilot proficiency. The arrival of this state-of-the-art equipment marks another chapter in the long-standing collaboration between Cathay and CAE, a global leader in aviation training solutions.
The acquisition is strategically timed with Cathay’s ambitious fleet renewal program. The airline has more than 100 new aircraft on order, a clear signal of its confidence in the future of air travel and its role in strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub. This expansion, which includes a significant number of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, necessitates a parallel growth in training infrastructure. By integrating advanced simulators like the CAE 7000XR Series, Cathay ensures its pilots receive the most realistic and effective training possible, preparing them to operate the next generation of aircraft safely and efficiently.
This investment is not just about hardware; it’s a foundational element of a larger vision. Cathay has committed over HK$100 billion towards its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation. The enhancement of its Flight Training Centre in Hong Kong is a critical piece of this puzzle, ensuring that the human element of aviation, the pilots and crew, are equipped with the best tools and skills. The inauguration ceremony, attended by executives from both companies and a representative from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, highlights the importance of this milestone for the airline and the broader aviation community.
The newly installed simulator is a CAE 7000XR Series model, widely recognized for its high fidelity and robust performance. A key feature of this particular device is its integration of CAE’s advanced Prodigy visual system. This technology is designed to create a deeply immersive and realistic training environment, replicating the experience of flying the Airbus A320neo with exceptional accuracy. From cockpit instrumentation to the visual cues of different airports and weather conditions, the system provides a comprehensive platform for pilots to hone their skills.
The realism offered by the Prodigy system is crucial for modern pilot training. It allows for the practice of routine procedures, emergency scenarios, and complex maneuvers in a controlled, risk-free setting. As noted by CAE, this level of realism supports an airline’s commitment to operational excellence and enhances pilot preparedness. For Cathay, this means its flight crews will be intimately familiar with the A320neo and A321neo aircraft long before they carry their first passengers, ensuring a seamless transition from the simulator to the real aircraft.
The focus on the A320 family of aircraft is particularly relevant. Cathay Pacific currently operates 16 A321neo aircraft, while its low-cost carrier, HK Express, utilizes a fleet of over 40 aircraft from the A320 family, including the A320neo and A321neo. The new simulator will serve as a vital training hub for pilots across the Cathay Group, standardizing training quality and ensuring a consistent level of expertise for this growing and efficient narrow-body fleet.
“The recent addition of the A320 Neo CAE 7000XR Simulator marks another milestone in this collaboration, further strengthening Cathay’s training capabilities, advancing our training technologies, as well as nurturing future aviation talent.”, Alex McGowan, Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer
The new simulator is a direct enabler of Cathay’s extensive fleet expansion plan. The airline has firm orders for over 100 new aircraft, spanning narrow-body, regional wide-body, long-haul wide-body, and freighter categories. This includes 35 Boeing 777-9s and 30 Airbus A330neos, in addition to the growing A320neo family fleet. Such a diverse and expanding fleet requires a sophisticated and scalable training program, and the investment in the CAE simulator is a proactive step to meet this demand.
The relationship between Cathay and CAE is built on a foundation of shared values, particularly a mutual commitment to safety and quality. This is not a new partnership but a collaboration that has evolved over many years. Cathay’s Flight Training Centre already houses a variety of CAE training devices, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind. The addition of the A320neo simulator deepens this alliance, with CAE acting as a trusted partner in Cathay’s journey of growth and technological advancement. As Michel Azar-Hmouda, Division President of Commercial Aviation at CAE, noted, the simulator marks a “meaningful milestone” in the collaboration. By providing cutting-edge technology, CAE helps Cathay maintain commonality and quality across its training infrastructure. This synergy ensures that as the airline grows, its capacity to train pilots to the highest international standards grows with it, securing its reputation for operational excellence well into the future.
The installation of the new CAE Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator at the Cathay Flight Training Centre is far more than a simple equipment upgrade. It represents a strategic investment in the airline’s future, directly supporting its ambitious fleet renewal and expansion. By equipping its pilots with the most advanced training tools available, Cathay is reinforcing its unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the professional development of its crew.
This move also strengthens the Hong Kong international aviation hub, demonstrating a clear vision for long-term growth. The enduring partnership between Cathay and CAE exemplifies how collaboration can drive innovation and raise industry standards. As Cathay prepares to welcome over 100 new aircraft into its fleet, this investment in training infrastructure ensures it has the skilled talent and technological capability to navigate the future of aviation with confidence and precision.
Question: What new equipment was installed at the Cathay Flight Training Centre? Question: Why is this new simulator important for Cathay? Question: Who is the manufacturer of the simulator? Question: What is a key technological feature of the new simulator?
Cathay and CAE Deepen Partnership with Advanced A320neo Simulator
A New Era of Pilot Training
Strategic Fleet Expansion and a Trusted Partnership
Conclusion: Investing in a Resilient Future
FAQ
Answer: A new CAE 7000XR Series Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator.
Answer: It is essential for training pilots to operate the airline’s expanding fleet of modern Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, supporting its overall growth and fleet renewal plan.
Answer: The simulator is manufactured by CAE Inc., a global leader in aviation technology and solutions.
Answer: It features CAE’s advanced Prodigy visual system, which provides a highly realistic and immersive training experience to enhance pilot preparedness and skill.
Sources
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Tecnam P2008JC NG Launches with Fuel-Injected Engine and EASA Certification
Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG featuring a fuel-injected Rotax engine, EASA CS-23 certification, 30% lower emissions, and advanced Garmin avionics for flight training.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2008JC NG (Next Generation), a significant upgrade to one of its most popular single-engine trainers. According to the company’s announcement, the new model integrates the fuel-injected Rotax 912 iSc engine and has been certified to the latest EASA CS-23 airworthiness standards. The launch targets Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) looking to modernize fleets with aircraft that offer higher fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The P2008JC NG represents a strategic move by Tecnam to solidify its position in the global flight training market. By replacing legacy carbureted engines with modern fuel injection technology, the manufacturer aims to lower operating costs for flight schools while simplifying engine management for student pilots.
The core of the “NG” evolution is the adoption of the Rotax 912 iSc Sport engine. In its press materials, Tecnam highlights that this 100-horsepower powerplant replaces traditional carburetors with a redundant electronic fuel injection system. This change eliminates the risk of carburetor icing, a common safety concern in general aviation, and removes the need for manual mixture or choke adjustments during flight operations.
According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the new engine configuration delivers substantial efficiency gains:
Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s Managing Director, emphasized the balance of efficiency and utility in the company’s official statement:
“The P2008JC NG represents a significant leap in training safety. By certifying to the latest CS-23 Amendment 6 standards, we have enhanced the aircraft’s safety characteristics specifically at very low speeds, the typical mission profile for ab-initio training. We needed an aircraft that works hard, consumes little, and inspires confidence.”
The P2008JC NG is certified under EASA CS-23 Amendment 6. This certification standard is rigorous, placing the aircraft in a high safety tier for General Aviation. Tecnam notes that this certification ensures enhanced handling characteristics, particularly in the low-speed regimes where student pilots spend much of their training time practicing stalls and landings.
The aircraft retains Tecnam’s signature hybrid construction approach. The fuselage is constructed from carbon fiber, allowing for a wider cabin and aerodynamic sleekness that is difficult to achieve with sheet metal. However, the wings and stabilator are built from metal. This design choice is intentional for the training market; metal wings are generally easier and cheaper to repair if they suffer “hangar rash” or minor damage in a busy flight school environment.
To prepare students for modern commercial cockpits, the P2008JC NG comes equipped with a glass cockpit as standard. The avionics suite features the Garmin G3X Touch, which provides situational awareness tools and flight data presentation similar to what pilots will encounter in airline operations. The interior has also been redesigned with ergonomics in mind. Updates include a new central console, improved window design for better visibility, and 3-point safety belts with inertial reels. An autopilot system is available as an option, allowing schools to conduct more advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedural training on a VFR-capable platform.
The introduction of the P2008JC NG highlights a broader trend in the flight training industry: the shift away from 1970s-era designs toward modern, efficient platforms. While legacy aircraft like the Cessna 152 and 172 remain workhorses, their fuel burn and maintenance requirements are significantly higher than modern Rotax-powered alternatives.
For a flight school, the difference between burning 8–10 gallons per hour in a legacy trainer versus 3.7 gallons in the P2008JC NG represents a massive reduction in direct operating costs. Furthermore, as European regulators and airports place increasing pressure on noise and emissions, the “green” credentials of the NG model, specifically the 30% CO2 reduction cited by Tecnam, may become a critical selling point for academies operating in environmentally sensitive regions.
However, the challenge for modern composite or hybrid aircraft remains long-term durability. Metal legacy fleets have proven they can survive 40+ years of student abuse. It remains to be seen if the hybrid carbon-metal construction of the P2008JC NG can match that longevity, though the metal wings are a strategic concession to that reality.
Tecnam Unveils P2008JC NG: A Fuel-Injected Evolution for Flight Training
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
Safety and Certification Standards
Hybrid Airframe Design
Avionics and Interior
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Gains EASA and UK CAA Certification for Europe
Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series G7+ receives EASA and UK CAA type certification, introducing Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland to European piston aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Cirrus Aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft has officially received type certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its SR Series G7+ aircraft. Announced on December 9, 2025, this regulatory milestone clears the way for immediate deliveries of the manufacturer’s latest single-engine piston models, the SR20, SR22, and SR22T, to customers across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The certification marks a significant technological shift for the European general Commercial-Aircraft market. The “G7+” designation distinguishes this model from the standard G7 introduced earlier in 2024. While the G7 focused on a flight deck redesign, the G7+ introduces the Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system as standard equipment. According to the company’s announcement, this makes the SR Series G7+ the first single-engine piston aircraft in the European market to feature a certified autonomous landing system capable of taking control during pilot incapacitation.
The primary differentiator for the newly certified G7+ is the integration of the Safe Return™ system, powered by Garmin Autoland technology. Previously available only on the jet-powered Vision Jet, this technology has now been standardized for the piston fleet. In the event of an emergency, such as pilot hypoxia or a cardiac event, a passenger can activate the system via a button on the cabin ceiling.
Once engaged, the system performs a complex sequence of autonomous actions without human intervention:
In addition to the Autoland capability, the G7+ certification includes other automated enhancements designed to reduce pilot workload. These include “Smart Pitot Heat,” which automatically engages based on outside air temperature to prevent icing, and Cirrus IQ™ Pro, a connectivity suite that facilitates real-time health monitoring and automatic database updates.
“We are pleased to receive EASA and UK CAA approval for the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland… European owners enjoy premium innovation, safety and quality with the SR Series G7+.”
, Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft
The dual certification from EASA and the UK CAA is a critical component of Cirrus Aircraft’s growth Strategy in the region. According to data referenced in reports by Flight Global, Europe currently represents the company’s second-largest market, accounting for approximately 11% of global deliveries. Cirrus has stated a strategic objective to increase this market share to between 20% and 30%.
By securing approval for the G7+, Cirrus aims to leverage the region’s focus on safety features. The complex airspace and variable weather conditions in Europe often drive buyers toward aircraft with advanced Avionics and redundancy. The immediate availability of the G7+ allows Cirrus to fulfill existing Orders and target new buyers looking for the specific safety net provided by the Autoland system. The certification of the G7+ establishes a significant competitive advantage for Cirrus in the high-performance piston sector. While competitors like Diamond Aircraft (based in Austria) and Piper Aircraft (USA) offer strong alternatives in the single-engine piston category, Cirrus is currently the only Manufacturers offering a certified autonomous landing system in this class within the European market.
We observe that this move effectively blurs the line between high-end piston aircraft and entry-level turbines. By migrating “Vision Jet” technology down to the SR Series, Cirrus is likely attempting to upsell owner-pilots who might otherwise consider moving to a competitor’s turboprop for perceived safety gains. Furthermore, achieving simultaneous certification from both EASA and the UK CAA demonstrates a successful navigation of the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, ensuring that the G7+ faces no friction in accessing the continent’s two most vital general aviation jurisdictions.
The rollout of the G7 platform has been rapid. The initial SR Series G7, featuring the new touchscreen flight deck and improved ergonomics, was launched in January 2024. The “Plus” variant, adding the Autoland capability, was introduced to the US market in May 2025. With the December 2025 certification, the European market has now caught up to the North American standard, unifying the product line globally.
Deliveries to European and UK customers are expected to commence immediately.
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Secures EASA and UK CAA Certification, Bringing Autonomous Landing to Europe
The “Plus” Distinction: Safety and Autonomy
Strategic Expansion in the European Market
AirPro News Analysis: A Competitive Moat
Timeline of the G7 Evolution
Sources
Photo Credit: Cirrus
Training & Certification
Diamond Aircraft Restarts European DA20i Production with First Delivery
Diamond Aircraft resumes European production of the DA20i Katana at its Austria facility, delivering the first unit to Aviation Academy Austria.
Diamond Aircraft has officially restarted European production of its two-seat DA20 trainer after a hiatus of more than a decade. In a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, the manufacturer delivered the first newly built DA20i Katana to its launch customer, Aviation Academy Austria (AAA).
The delivery, which took place on November 28, 2025, marks a strategic shift for Diamond Aircraft. For the past 13 years, the DA20 was manufactured exclusively in London, Ontario, primarily for the North American market. By bringing production back to Austria, the company aims to address the surging demand for flight training across Europe while mitigating the logistical costs and tariffs associated with importing aircraft from Canada.
The resumption of the DA20 line in Europe is a direct response to the region’s growing need for modern, cost-effective training fleets. According to Diamond Aircraft, the decision to produce the aircraft locally allows for faster delivery times to European flight schools and offers a configuration specifically tailored to the local market.
Aviation Academy Austria, located directly adjacent to the Diamond factory at Wiener Neustadt airfield, was the natural launch customer. The academy ordered two DA20i aircraft; the first was handed over during the ceremony, with the second scheduled for delivery in early 2026. AAA already operates a mixed fleet of Diamond aircraft, including older DA20s, DA40 NGs, and DA42 NG-VI twins.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Oliver Karall, CEO of Aviation Academy Austria, highlighted the importance of modernizing training equipment:
“We are thrilled to welcome the new DA20i Katana into our fleet… [it] allows our students to experience the very best in modern flight training. This aircraft perfectly aligns with our mission to provide state-of-the-art training solutions.”
While the North American DA20-C1 has remained a staple in flight schools, the new European DA20i Katana introduces significant technical updates designed for European operating environments. The most notable difference lies in the powerplant and avionics suite.
The European model is powered by the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine (100 hp), replacing the Continental IO-240-B32B (125 hp) found in the Canadian variant. According to technical specifications released by Diamond, this switch results in substantial fuel savings:
To prepare students for modern airline cockpits, the DA20i is equipped with a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit. This upgrade replaces legacy analog instruments, allowing ab-initio students to train on digital interfaces from their very first flight hours.
Jane Wang, Sales Director for Diamond Aircraft Austria, emphasized the blend of heritage and modernity in the new model: “Relaunching production of the DA20i Katana, and now delivering the first unit in Europe, marks another exciting chapter for Diamond Aircraft… The DA20i blends tradition with innovation.”
The relaunch comes at a critical time for the aviation industry. Citing data from CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, industry reports indicate a need for 64,000 new pilots in Europe over the next decade. Flight schools are expanding their fleets to meet this intake, driving demand for efficient primary trainers.
The market has already responded to the availability of the European-built model. Shortly after the announcement involving AAA, AELO Swiss Academy signed a deal for 12 DA20i aircraft with options for six more. Based in Locarno, Switzerland, AELO cited the aircraft’s environmental credentials and operating efficiency as key drivers for their fleet standardization.
The return of the DA20 to European production lines is more than a nostalgic nod to the company’s history; it is a calculated economic maneuver. European flight schools face significantly higher fuel costs and stricter noise abatement regulations than their North American counterparts. By offering a Rotax-powered variant produced locally, Diamond eliminates the trans-Atlantic shipping costs and import tariffs that made the Canadian DA20-C1 less competitive in Europe.
Furthermore, the shift to the Garmin G500TXi in a primary trainer reflects a broader industry trend. Airlines increasingly prefer cadets who are “glass-cockpit native,” reducing the training gap when students transition to complex turbine aircraft. The DA20i appears positioned to serve as a bridge between cost-effective ab-initio training and professional airline preparation.
Diamond Aircraft Resumes European Production with First DA20i Delivery
A Milestone for European Flight Training
Technical Evolution: The DA20i Katana
Engine and Efficiency
Modern Avionics
Market Context and Future Orders
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft
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