Aviation Training Center Opens Across from Harry Reid Airport

Aircraft simulation software maker CAE recently cut the ribbon on the company’s first west coast training center in Clark County.

The 50,000 square foot facility sits across from Harry Reid International Airport, complete with classroom space to educate more than 2,000 pilots a year, along with 7 state-of-the-art flight simulators.

“We’re so happy to be here in Las Vegas,” said Marc Parent, President & CEO of CAE. “When I was presented a proposal for a Las Vegas facility, I thought it was a fantastic idea, but I still needed to see a good business case. What I found was a business-friendly environment and a highly skilled workforce.”

Parent added that the region’s talent pool was one of the main reasons the company choose Greater Vegas for its new facility. With many of their employees being veterans, they can pull from the region’s large military presence.

Congresswoman Susie Lee, whose district includes the new facility, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, noting there is no better place to have a state-of-the-art facility to train pilots.

“This is an incredible investment in our community,” said Rep. Lee. “This is really about our vision of diversifying our economy, investing in a technological future, and taking advantage of our natural assets in Southern Nevada.”

The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance guided CAE through the state tax incentive process in 2021, and the company was approved for incentives to create more than 70 jobs at an hourly rate of $57.58.

“This is a great example of how we can successfully diversify our community’s economy,” said Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “In order to build a resilient economy, we need to attract high wage, high skilled jobs just like these.”

As general aviation continues to bounce back after the pandemic, it’s expected that 600,000 more employees will be needed over the next decade. CAE and their training facilities are crucial for the overall success of the aviation industry.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us,” said Chris Rocheleau, Chief Operating Officer of the National Business Aviation Association. “By leveraging the great work of CAE, we’ll equip pilots with the skills needed to advance the industry safely.”

As the need for pilots increases, CAE says they’re grateful to Clark County for helping them turn their vision of a west coast training facility into a reality.

“They say home means Nevada, and on behalf of my colleagues, thank you for embracing us with open arms,” said Ash Zare, Center Leader for CAE Las Vegas. “We are proud to call the Silver State home.”