Cambodia-based Lanmei Training Center (LTC) has earmarked March for the launch of its Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) as it aims to become a key training provider within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The newly delivered FFS, produced by Canada's CAE group, is the first ever in Cambodia.
Speaking with AIN, LTC chief executive Darren Chan said the installation of the CAE-TSP 1000XR model has neared completion. CAE personnel led the setup with a multinational team from LTC. The FFS arrived in late December 2022 and features two simulated engine models: the CFM 56-6B4 and the IAE V2527-A5.
LTC’s initial plans for the FFS include training its current batch of students enrolled in its multi-crew pilot license (MPL) and aircraft maintenance programs while catering to the needs of domestic operators before expanding in Asean. The training provider also has taken steps to add to what it calls its value proposition, including inking an agreement with Singapore Flying College (SFC) last October. The tie-up will allow the two sides to collaborate on training and human resources.
“Short-term goals are filling up simulator spots, building human resource capabilities, and supporting the needs of local talent,” Chan said. “As we build our business case, we will expand to the regional market. We are looking at Lao PDR, Myanmar, and the Chinese market. Our medium-term goal is to acquire a second simulator.”
Launched in June 2020, LTC saw an “opportunity in crisis,” Chan said. While the pandemic brought delays and challenges with logistics, it also provided an opportunity to acquire aircraft, parts, equipment, and simulators, he added.
While the total cost of the FFS remains undisclosed, the agreement between CAE and LTC materialized with the help of financing from a local player, ABA Bank—a subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada. Canada's export credit agency, Export Development Canada (EDC), serves as a guarantor.
“With support from EDC, it signals that the government of Canada has faith in a small player like us,” said Chan.
LTC is the training provider for parent company Lanmei Aviation Group, headed by chairman Li Kun—a veteran of China Southern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines. The group's subsidiary Lanmei Airlines serves as a flagship for the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Framework – an important component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative involving six states across the region, namely China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The carrier’s network includes points in China and a handful of Asean destinations served by a fleet of four aircraft, including two Airbus 320s and two A321s.
As awareness of aviation and aerospace activities increases among Cambodia’s youthful population, Lanmei aims to expand its training offerings in the long term. Plans include building an advanced facility at one of the country’s new airports in development to house additional simulators.
For now, general manager Goh Chee Hong said both local and international students can enroll in their Phnom Penh-based MPL program, which lasts 18 to 24 months and costs $165,000. Aside from the FFS, LTC uses two training aircraft, a South African Sling 2 two-seater and a Magnus Fusion 212, both equipped with a Rotax engine.
“The uniqueness of our MPL program is that we train the cadets to be airline pilots from day one,” Goh said. “Once MPL graduates complete the training, they are guaranteed a minimum two-year paid contract with Lanmei. Since 75 percent of their training will be in the simulator, cadets entering the airline will feel very comfortable in the Airbus A320 flight deck.”