Qantas and CAE have officially opened their new purpose-built flight training facility in Sydney today. The state-of-the-art centre will train thousands of current and future pilots for both Qantas and Jetstar annually.
It also marks the return of flight training to Sydney; further reinforcing the capital city’s position as a major aviation training hub. Located strategically in St Peters near Sydney Airport, the advanced facility boasts an impressive array of training equipment.
It features five full-flight simulators, three fixed training devices, and ten modern classrooms equipped with the latest aviation training technology.
The center’s capabilities will expand further in coming years with additional equipment installations, most notably Australia’s first Airbus A350 simulator, which will prepare pilots for Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights.
The Return of Flight Training to Sydney
This opening represents a welcome return of flight training to Sydney after a brief hiatus. Qantas had temporarily relocated its simulators to Melbourne and Brisbane in 2021.
This measure was to accommodate the NSW Government’s Sydney Gateway Road project. The new facility not only restores but significantly enhances Sydney’s training capabilities.
Under the operational structure, CAE manages the facility and maintains all training equipment, ensuring peak performance and reliability.
However, the actual training remains in the hands of experienced Qantas and Jetstar training captains. Their comprehensive training program requires pilots to complete four simulator sessions annually to maintain their qualifications. This requirement increases to as many as 15 sessions when pilots transition to new aircraft types.
St Peters Centre Training Programs
The St Peters centre serves multiple functions in its current configuration. Until mid-2026, it will host ground training for both pilots and cabin crew. This will include crucial emergency procedures and realistic cabin mock-up exercises.
After this training relocates to a new dedicated facility in Mascot, the CAE center will evolve into a specialized pilot training facility, positioning it perfectly to meet the growing demand driven by fleet expansion.
The facility is already proving its worth, currently training Qantas’s first group of A321XLR pilots in preparation for the aircraft’s arrival in 2025.
This launch is part of a broader investment in aviation skills and training, encompassing several initiatives including a new Qantas Group Safety Academy.
There is a substantial $40 million investment in nationwide ground training facilities and equipment, doubled Pilot Academy scholarships for 2025, and the upcoming January launch of the Qantas Engineering Academy’s inaugural class.
Stakeholder Comments
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, spoke of the the facility’s strategic importance. “This center plays a crucial role in maintaining our globally recognized safety standards as we introduce new aircraft and train the next generation of aviators.”
“With more than a hundred new aircraft on order, we’re creating unprecedented opportunities for our people and Australia’s aviation industry. The facility will be particularly vital for Project Sunrise pilot training once the A350 simulator arrives.”
Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Chief Operating Officer, also reflected on the milestone. “This center represents three decades of aviation training support in Australia. Our advanced simulators and expert team will ensure Qantas and Jetstar crews develop the essential skills and confidence needed for safe operations.”
“With our extensive global network of training centres, including three in Australia, we’re ideally positioned to support Qantas Group’s ambitious growth plans and Project Sunrise operations.”
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