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CAE plans to acquire live-flying training business

CAE of Canada plans to buy the live pilot training business of Bombardier and take over as prime contractor for the government's NATO Flying Training in Canada program.

By Richard Tomkins
Aircraft operated as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program. CAE to acquire Bombardier’s Military Aviation Training unit to expand training systems integration offering. Department of National Defence photo released by CAE
Aircraft operated as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program. CAE to acquire Bombardier’s Military Aviation Training unit to expand training systems integration offering. Department of National Defence photo released by CAE

MONTREAL, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Canadian simulation training system company CAE is expanding into support of live flying training through the acquisition of a Bombardier business.

The business, Bombardier Military Aviation Training, is being purchased for about $15.9 million. The sale is expected to close this year upon conclusion of usual closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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"As a training systems integrator for air forces globally, this addition to CAE gives us another important capability and opportunity for growth," said Marc Parent, CAE's president and chief executive officer. "We are happy to welcome Bombardier's Military Aviation Training team to CAE. We are also proud to now operate one of the world's premier military pilot training programs and deliver the total training required, including support for live aircraft training, to produce the military's next-generation fighter pilots.

"We plan to expand the NFTC program, and leverage our new capabilities into future integrated training systems programs worldwide."

NFTC is the NATO Flying Training in Canada program. CAE will become the prime contractor for the program that produces qualified military pilots for NATO-member defense customers once the acquisition of the Bombardier unit is completed. It will operate the NFTC base facilities in the country, deliver ground-school classroom and simulator training, and support the live flying training.

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"We are honored to address the pilot training requirements of the Royal Canadian Air Force with CAE's full-service capabilities and to continue to be its training system integrater partner of choice," said Mike Greenley, Vice President and General Manager, CAE Canada - Defense and Security.

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