High-tech pilot training in the heart of Europe: Why CAE chose Austria

10. August 20263 minutes reading time

Quick Info

Who is CAE?

CAE is a Canadian company with nearly 80 years of experience delivering advanced simulation and training solutions for civil aviation and defense. Operating more than 240 sites in over 40 countries, CAE trains over 155,000 civil aviation pilots annually and sets global standards in flight simulation and training.

Why does Austria stand out as a location?

Austria attracted CAE through its strategic location in the heart of Central Europe and its strong aviation ecosystem. Vienna serves as a regional hub, allowing the company to be closer to business aviation customers while complementing its existing European training network. Excellent accessibility and stable framework conditions further strengthen the location.

What is CAE doing in Austria?

In Schwechat, CAE operates an 8,000 m² state-of-the-art aviation training center. Five full-flight simulators are currently in operation, with capacity to expand to nine. As the first business aviation training center in Central Europe, CAE Vienna provides advanced pilot and maintenance training and is designed for long-term growth.

What role does the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) play?

The Austrian Business Agency supported CAE throughout the settlement process in cooperation with ecoplus Niederösterreich. While ecoplus coordinated the site search, ABA assisted with residence permits for qualified specialists and provided strategic support at federal level.

„Establishing our first business aviation training centre in Central Europe allowed us to bring advanced pilot and maintenance training closer to our customers. We benefited from strong local expertise and support from the Austrian Business Agency. With state-of-the-art simulators and capacity to grow, CAE Vienna enables us to meet rising demand in the region while delivering a world-class training experience.“

Image description: Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, speaks at an event in Vienna. © Alexandre Prevost Photos

Image description: Inauguration of the new CAE training center in Vienna. © CAE

Image description: A look inside the CAE Training Center in Vienna. © CAE

What makes Austria so attractive for aviation companies like CAE?

Austria benefits from its strategic location in Central Europe and a well-connected aviation environment. Vienna serves as a regional hub, enabling efficient access to pilot and maintenance training capacity while complementing CAE’s broader European network. Close cooperation between federal and regional authorities supports long-term investment and operational stability.

How is CAE using the potential for growth in Austria?

The facility is designed for long-term expansion, enabling CAE to gradually increase training capacity in line with customer demand. By training thousands of pilots and maintenance technicians each year, the center helps address the growing demand for aviation professionals. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, Europe’s business aviation sector will require 69,000 new pilots and 33,000 new maintenance technicians over the next decade. Simulator-based training also supports sustainability goals by reducing the need for live aircraft training while maintaining the highest training standards.

Good to know!

First  in Central Europe

CAE Vienna is the first business aviation training center in Central Europe, officially inaugurated in September 2025.

69000 pilots needed

According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, Europe’s business aviation sector will require 69,000 new pilots over the next decade.

How does ABA support international companies such as CAE?

ABA provides international companies with personal, free, and comprehensive support – from location and personnel issues to strategic positioning. In the case of CAE, ABA worked closely with ecoplus Niederösterreich to coordinate site selection, administrative procedures, and talent acquisition. ABA also supports management with reliable data and location comparisons, providing a solid basis for global corporate decisions and long-term investment decisions.