SilkAir has signed a five-year pilot training agreement with Boeing.
The deal will see Boeing Flight Services, a unit of Boeing’s commercial aviation unit, provide Singapore-based flight training for pilots flying the airline’s new fleet of B737s. SilkAir ordered 54 B737s and B737 MAX aircraft last year, with options for another 14.
“SilkAir pilots will soon train with the most experienced 737 instructors,” said Leslie Thng, SilkAir’s CEO. “The experience and expertise at Boeing will ensure a smooth transition when we take delivery of our first new 737 next year.”
Boeing has forecast that the Asia Pacific region will need 185,600 new commercial airline pilots between now and 2030, 51,500 of which are expected to be employed with Southeast Asian carriers.
“We are pleased to provide training to SilkAir, and through the knowledge and expertise of our team, provide this important customer with the Boeing Edge in their markets,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Flight Services. “We are very proud to support SilkAir as they launch their new Boeing 737 fleet.”
