easyJet set to expand state-of-the-art pilot training operations to support the airline’s growth

• easyJet is expanding its training capabilities at CAE London Gatwick and CAE Milan to support the airline’s growth strategy
• The airline will also begin training pilots at CAE Amsterdam
• This means easyJet will continue to train its pilots in the most advanced training devices available in the world
• The move will support the airline’s planned growth in the coming years including a new base opening in Southend in spring and planned expansion in Italy, subject to European Commission approval.

Europe’s leading airline easyJet has today announced that it is expanding its flight training operations across Europe through its continued partnership with world-renowned training and simulation technology partner CAE.

The airline is expanding at existing CAE training facilities with two additional state-of-the-art full flight simulators in London Gatwick and one additional full flight simulator in Milan. easyJet is also beginning pilot training at CAE Amsterdam, which will house two full flight simulators exclusive to easyJet training operations. The additional full flight simulators will begin training operations from winter 2025.

The expansion will support easyJet’s continued growth across the UK and Europe. Next spring, the airline will open a new three-aircraft base at London Southend, alongside significant and strategic growth in Italy with new bases planned at Milan Linate and Rome, subject to the European Commission approval. easyJet will also take delivery of nine new Airbus A320 aircraft, following the delivery of 16 aircraft in its last financial year.

The move reinforces easyJet’s industry leading reputation for pilot training through its partnership with CAE, leveraging the latest generation technology. It means the airline’s pilot training facilities, with a fleet of 19 flight simulators across three countries, will be among the most modern in the world.

With the training centres operational for up to 20 hours a day during peak training periods, they will deliver the annual training needs for over 7000 easyJet pilots, including for newly-qualified pilots, recurrent training for experienced pilots and command upgrade courses – the training programme for experienced Senior First Officers to become Captains.

David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“easyJet is a growing airline and expanding these Europe-wide training facilities in partnership with CAE will play a critical role in supporting this growth across our network. By continuing to utilise advanced technologies, we are ensuring our thousands of pilots across Europe are trained to the global industry leading standards we are recognised for. That’s why around 100 million customers choose to travel with us each year.  

“We are pleased to continue working with CAE as a trusted global training provider, to help ensure easyJet is a centre of excellence for crew training.”

“We’re delighted to extend and expand our longstanding partnership with easyJet and to support their growth,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation “Through our state-of-the-art facilities and tailored training solutions, we’re shaping the future of aviation training while reaffirming our commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.”

easyJet continues to expand its network and operations across Europe with 31 bases across eight countries and operating a fleet of over 340 A320 family aircraft. The airline flies over 1000 routes to over 160 destinations in 37 countries.