Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC), a joint venture that is 55%-owned by Airbus and 45%-owned by SGX-listed Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a contract with New Caledonia’s Aircalin to provide flight training for its A320 and A330 pilots.

Under the agreement, up to 35 pilots from Aircalin could undergo recurrent training on both aircraft types to maintain their skills and qualifications.

As part of the training package, Aircalin will also be able to undergo Airbus cross crew qualification (CCQ) training.

The training prepares pilots who already hold an A320 type rating to be qualified to fly the A330 aircraft and vice-versa. Aircalin’s fleet comprises one A320neo and two A330neo, with another A320neo on order.

Aircalin, on July 1, launched a non-stop service between New Caledonia’s capital Noumea and Singapore. The nine-hour flight is operated by the A330neo widebody

“We are extremely proud to welcome Aircalin to the Airbus Asia Training Centre,” says Zakir Hamid, general manager of AATC. “This agreement is another strong endorsement of the first-class services offered by AATC, meeting airline training requirements closer to their home bases.”

AATC is the largest Airbus-operated flight crew training centre. The centre spans almost 10,000 sqm in size and comes with two A320, two A330, one A380 and four A350 simulators. ATC also hosts one ATR 72-600 FFS.

“With regular flights between New Caledonia and Singapore, it was the prime choice for us to pursue a training agreement with AATC. Our pilots will benefit from Airbus’ world-class training services and facilities,” says Didier Tappero, Aircalin’s CEO.

Shares in SIA closed 3 cents higher or 0.59% up at $5.13 on July 1.

$SINGAPORE AIRLINES LTD(C6L.SI)$