CAE opens business aviation training entre in Vienna

September 9, 2025 in Business, Companies by Editor

Global aviation training provider CAE has inaugurated its first Central European business aviation training centre, marking a major expansion of its pilot and maintenance technician training capacity in the region.

The new CAE Vienna centre, which has been operational since April, now offers training on four aircraft types: the Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500, Bombardier Global 6000, and Embraer Phenom 100/300, the latter operated under the Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) joint venture. Two more simulators are set to follow — a Bombardier Challenger 3500 full-flight simulator in October 2025 and a Pilatus PC-24 simulator in the second half of 2026.

“The inauguration of CAE Vienna ushers in a new era for business aviation in Europe, adding critical training capacity in the region and making a broad portfolio of training programs more accessible than ever for our customers,” said Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President, Business Aviation.

According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, Europe’s business aviation sector will require 7,000 new pilots and 9,000 new maintenance technicians over the next decade. With the ability to train thousands annually, CAE Vienna is expected to play a central role in closing that gap.

Austria’s Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, described the new centre as a boost to the country’s competitiveness:
“This training center not only brings highly qualified jobs and local investment, but also clearly strengthens our competitiveness. We want Austria to be a player where the future and value creation are shaped – and aviation is a key sector in that.”

Spanning 86,000 square feet, the centre has been designed with a “customer-first” approach. Smart technologies allow for easier booking, check-in, and access to training records, while amenities such as self-service kiosks, a café, and a pilot lounge are intended to enhance comfort and convenience.

Like other CAE facilities worldwide — including CAE Burgess Hill in the U.K. and CAE Dubai — the Vienna centre offers both simulator and classroom training for pilots seeking type ratings or recurrent certification. Maintenance technician training includes type training, engine run and taxi courses, avionics and technical training, as well as personal development modules aimed at retention and career progression.

Prévost said the centre underlined CAE’s commitment to the region. “This new centre represents our dedication to ensuring that every pilot and maintenance technician who trains with us receives the experience they deserve – one that equips them with the knowledge, skill and confidence to be at their best and always ready for the moments that matter.”

The launch of CAE Vienna cements Austria’s role as a strategic hub for business aviation in Europe, as demand for skilled professionals accelerates in line with fleet expansion and operator growth.