Avianca has signed a deal with CAE to establish a joint venture (JV) that will provide training, including full-flight simulator training, for commercial pilots in Colombia.

The JV will also provide training to airlines operating in Colombia.

Last month, Colombia’s Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC)granted approval of the JV, which will be equally owned by both the companies.

Avianca-CAE Flight Training will offer Airbus A320, A330, ATR and Boeing 787 aircraft operation training in Bogota, Colombia, using seven full-flight simulators (FFS).

The company has already started operating four simulators and expects to deploy three additional simulators built by CAE.

For the JV, Avianca and CAE will initially invest around$70m, which will be shared equally between the companies.

“This new joint venture will significantly increase the number of flight simulators available in Latin America.”

Under a 15-year exclusive training agreement, Avianca will conduct all its pilot training at Avianca-CAE Flight Training.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the JV is scheduled to begin operations later this year.

Avianca CEO Hernan Rincon said: “With this company, training of Avianca’s pilots will be carried out locally, which implies that they will not have to travel to other countries to acquire this service, improving their quality of life and optimising training times.

“This new joint venture will significantly increase the number of flight simulators available in Latin America, benefiting not only Avianca but all airlines operating in the region.

“Also, this company together with other projects such as the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Centre (MRO) in Medellin and the CEO (Operational Excellency Center) in Bogota, will allow Avianca to stay on track in positioning Colombia as a centre for specialised aviation services with leading-edge technology, and will make Avianca the greatest generator of currency for the region.”