Cathay Pacific has installed a new Airbus A320neo flight simulator at its Flight Training Centre, bolstering its capacity to train pilots as the airline prepares for significant fleet expansion.
The simulator, built by leading aviation training technology provider CAE, has arrived in time as Cathay ramps up preparations to welcome more than 100 new aircraft over the coming years.
Cathay said that among these aircraft are over 30 A320neo and A321neo narrowbody jets that will require trained crews ready to fly them.
The new simulator is part of Cathay Group’s broader investment exceeding HK$100 billion (US $12.8 billion) that the airline is pouring into its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital systems. The goal is to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a major international aviation hub while improving the passenger experience across the board.
Welcoming new technology
Cathay marked the simulator’s arrival with a ceremony at Cathay House on October 24, 2025, attended by noted officials from Cathay, CAE, and Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department.
The timing of the new simulator’s arrival is critical: Cathay’s fleet renewal includes not just narrowbody aircraft but also regional widebodies, long-haul widebodies, and large freighters.
All these aircraft will require comprehensive pilot training to maintain the airline’s safety and operational standards.
“Cathay and CAE have built a longstanding partnership focused on delivering high-quality training for pilots and crew, with a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. Over the years, we have integrated a wide range of CAE training devices at our Flight Training Centre in Hong Kong. This partnership has helped Cathay to establish a state-of-the-art training environment, supporting the development of world-class aviation professionals,” Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan said.
“The recent addition of the A320 Neo CAE 7000XR Simulator marks another milestone in this collaboration, further strengthening Cathay’s training capabilities, advancing our training technologies, as well as nurturing future aviation talent,” McGowan further added.