In the picture (left to right): Liu Qihong, Loong Air; Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE
CAE announced today that Loong Air’s first CAE-built A320 full-flight simulator (FFS) is now ready-for-training (RFT) at the airline’s newly constructed training facility in Hangzhou, China. This milestone marks a significant step in Loong Air’s strategy to expand and enhance its pilot training capabilities.
The CAE A320 simulator is the first device installed in Loong Air’s new facility, setting the foundation for a modern training environment. By leveraging CAE’s advanced solutions, Loong Air enhances operational efficiency and accelerates pilot readiness. CAE will provide Loong Air with three Airbus A320 full-flight simulators (FFSs) and three flight training devices (FTDs), with options for additional simulators in the future. Two additional FFSs are scheduled to be ready-for-training in 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Loong Air as a new customer to CAE. As they grow their fleet and pilot base, we look forward to supporting their vision with advanced training solutions that deliver immersive experiences and prepare their pilots for the moments that matter,” said Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE. “This partnership highlights CAE’s commitment to innovation and to helping airlines in China meet the evolving demands of modern aviation.”
Loong Air currently operates a fleet of 74 A320 family aircraft and employs more than 800 pilots. The new CAE simulators feature the CAE Prodigy visual system, delivering exceptional image quality and an immersive training environment that enhances realism and pilot engagement.
“Partnering with CAE, a global leader in aviation training, is a significant step for Loong Air as we expand our capabilities. The installation of our first CAE-built A320 full-flight simulator reflects our commitment to providing world-class training for our pilots,” said Liu Qihong, Chairman of Loong Air. “CAE’s reputation for excellence and innovation gives us confidence that we are equipping our crews with the highest standards of safety and operational performance.”
This partnership strengthens CAE’s footprint in Asia-Pacific, a region where demand for skilled pilots is projected to surge. According to CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, more than 98,000 new commercial pilots will be needed in this market over the next decade. By supporting Loong Air’s long-term training strategy with advanced solutions, CAE is helping address this growing demand while strengthening its role as a trusted partner in the region.
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.
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