JetBlue Airways readies for new Airbus A220 entry-into-service with training partner CAE

CAE announced at the World Aviation Training Symposium the sale of two Airbus A220-300 CAE 7000XR Series full-flight simulators (FFSs) and two CAE 500XR flight training devices (FTDs) to JetBlue Airways, which is preparing the entry-into-service of its new aircraft.

“We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with CAE,” said Steve Forte, Vice President JetBlue University. “These state-of-the-art training devices will help us develop industry leading training programs to ensure a smooth launch of the A220.”

“The Airbus A220 is a key component of JetBlue’s growth strategy and we are thrilled to be part of this airline’s journey,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President Civil Aviation Training Solutions. “We have been partners with JetBlue for over 15 years, and the purchase of these new FFSs and FTDs is yet another testament to the value CAE brings to its airline partners.”

The two CAE 7000XR Series FFSs will be equipped with the innovative CAE Tropos™ 6000XR visual system. The first FFS and FTD will be delivered in the first half of 2020 at JetBlue University, located in Orlando, Florida.

With this addition, CAE has sold a total of eight A220 full-flight simulators to operators worldwide.

CAE and JetBlue Airways share a training relationship with the Gateway Select pilot provisioning program. To date, more than 60 aspiring pilots have started training in the Gateway Select Program. CAE also holds an exclusive training centre operations services agreement to support the airline’s growth at JetBlue’s University in Orlando.