Cebu Pacific Extends Pilot Training Agreement with CAE Through 2037

This article is based on an official press release from CAE and Cebu Pacific.

At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Cebu Pacific (CEB) and CAE announced a significant extension of their long-standing pilot training partnership. The renewed agreement secures training services for the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet through the year 2037, alongside a long-term extension for its ATR 72-600 fleet. This move underscores the Philippine carrier’s strategy to lock in essential operational resources amidst a period of aggressive fleet expansion.

The agreement ensures that Cebu Pacific’s pilots will continue to train at CAE Philippines, a joint venture facility located in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. By securing local, high-fidelity training capacity for the next decade and beyond, the airline aims to support its growing order book and maintain rigorous safety standards.

Securing Long-Term Operational Stability

According to the joint announcement, the extended contract covers the entirety of Cebu Pacific’s narrowbody and regional operations. The specific extension of the Airbus A320 training services until 2037 represents a substantial commitment, aligning the training pipeline with the lifespan of the aircraft currently entering the fleet.

Javier Massot, Chief Operations Officer at Cebu Pacific, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership for the airline’s future.

“Extending our training services agreements with CAE underscores Cebu Pacific’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and long-term growth. As we continue to expand our fleet and network, it is critical that we invest in world-class pilot training to support a strong and sustainable pipeline of aviation professionals.”

, Javier Massot, Chief Operations Officer, Cebu Pacific

In addition to the A320 extension, the agreement prolongs the training services for the ATR 72-600 fleet, which is vital for the carrier’s inter-island connectivity across the Philippines.

Infrastructure and Fleet Expansion

The training will continue to take place at the CAE Philippines facility in Clark, which was established as a joint venture between the two companies in 2011. The center currently houses three Airbus A320 Full-Flight Simulators (FFS) and one ATR 72-600 FFS.

To accommodate Cebu Pacific’s shift toward larger aircraft for high-density and long-haul routes, the facility is also preparing for an upgrade. As previously announced, a new Airbus A330neo Full-Flight Simulator is scheduled to be operational at the center by December 2026. This addition will be the first widebody simulator at the site, allowing the airline to consolidate training for its entire fleet within the Philippines.

Alexandre Prévost, Division President, Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of the renewed collaboration.

“The renewal of these agreements reflects the strength of our partnership with Cebu Pacific. We are proud to support Cebu Pacific’s expanding operations and to extend our partnership by delivering high-fidelity training solutions that prepare their pilots for safe and successful careers.”

, Alexandre Prévost, Division President, Civil Aviation, CAE

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Context

We view this extension as a necessary defensive measure in an increasingly competitive labor market. With Cebu Pacific finalizing a historic order for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft in late 2024, the physical hardware is secured, but the human capital required to operate it remains a bottleneck.

According to CAE’s own 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to require approximately 98,000 new commercial pilots over the next decade. By locking in simulator capacity through 2037, Cebu Pacific is insulating itself from potential training capacity shortages that could plague the region as other carriers ramp up operations.

Furthermore, the localization of training in Clark offers a distinct cost advantage. It eliminates the logistical complexity and expense of sending crews abroad for recurrent training, thereby lowering the unit cost of operation, a critical metric for a low-cost carrier.

Sources

• CAE Press Release