Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading domestic airline inaugurates its US $13 million Airbus A320 aircraft full flight simulator today at Clark Aviation, Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. This is the first and only flight simulator for Airbus aircraft in the Philippines. After CEB’s recent partnership with Clark Aviation, providing financial assistance to suitable candidates for the pilot training program, CEB has taken delivery of its CAE A320 aircraft simulator last February 2007 from Seattle, USA for the said training program. CEB’s cadet pilot training program is geared towards supporting CEB’s rapidly increasing fleet of Airbus jet aircraft. CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei said, “As CEB recently completed its re-fleeting program and announced the expansion of its fleet with 20 additional aircraft, we are very happy that we are now providing more Filipinos the chance to pursue a commercial pilot career. Those who undergo this training program will have access to the CAE full flight simulator.” The full flight simulator replicates in every aspect the cockpit of the A320 aircraft. It also reproduces the visual atmosphere that the aircraft appears to be flying in, including thunderstorms, clouds, and the landing approaches of airports around the world. The CAE simulator also simulates sound and motion, including the banking and turning of the aircraft, accelerations, and the feel of tires as they roll across the bumps and cracks in the runway. Aircraft malfunctions, such as engine fire, smoke in the cockpit or electrical and hydraulic failures can also be replicated. “With this state of the art full flight simulator in place, this will allow CEB to train new Filipino pilots for our growing Airbus fleet. We are especially proud that this is the first and only Airbus full flight simulator in the Philippines.” Gokongwei emphasized. “We are positive that more Filipinos will consider taking CEB and Clark Aviation’s pilot training program with the financial assistance provided and the access to CAE A320 aircraft simulator. This is part of CEB’s commitment to ensure that we are well equipped to continue with our growth agenda,” Gokongwei added. Now in its 12th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the Philippines with a fleet age of just a year. CEB operates 14 brand new Airbus aircraft to its 20 domestic and soon-to-be eight regional destinations.
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