Boeing subsidiary Alteon Training has begun building regional training center here in Singapore. Located near Changi Airport, the new training facility will have the capacity to train 6,000 pilot and flight attendant students annually.

The three-story building will house seven full flight simulator bays, a cabin emergency evacuation trainer and other advanced technology training devices such as flat-panel trainers. It will also have six classrooms, a computer- based training room and a student lounge.

The six simulators due to be installed initially will replicate all the 777 models, Boeing 747-400, 737-300, 737 NG, Airbus A320 and Fokker 100. There will also be a suite of A320 safety emergency procedures equipment.

“Alteon’s decision to set up its regional training center here will continue to strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a key aviation hub and attract other aerospace-related companies to invest in Singapore,” said Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, minister of state for finance and transport.

“We recognize the high growth potential of the region and the increased demand for pilots and operations crew required to operate and maintain the new aircraft ordered by many airlines in the region,” said Alteon president Pat Gaines. The company already has training centers in Brisbane, Australia; Seoul/Incheon, South Korea; and Kunming and Tianjin in China.

Meanwhile, Alteon has appointed Marsha Bell as its new vice president of officer programs. Bell, formerly director of marketing, will be responsible for developing a new business line addressing the global need for new pilots. “Marsha will lead the Alteon team in developing new, well integrated training programs that meet the ICAO multi-crew pilot licensing path,” said Gaines. “She will be working closely with airlines and regulators from several countries during beta testing of these programs.