SOGECLAIR SIMULATION, a specialist in advanced simulation and training solutions, announces that it has been selected by Hello Paris Service (HPS), a subsidiary of Keolis and RATP Dev in charge of operating the future CDG Express line, to provide a complete simulation system for both initial and ongoing training of train drivers.
Starting in 2027, this strategic rail link will connect Gare de l’Est to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in just 20 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes, from 5 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week. Spanning 38 km, the new line will offer an additional transport service to the airport. Passenger welcome, quality of service in stations and on board, as well as comfortable trains accessible to people with reduced mobility and equipped with restrooms, will be at the heart of the CDG Express promise.
An Immersive Solution Serving Operational Performance
To support the skills development of the Hello Paris Service teams, SOGECLAIR SIMULATION will deliver a complete training system in summer 2026, including:
- A Type 2 simulator, an exact replica of the Coradia Polyvalent train cab (Alstom / CAF),
- A Type 4 Lite simulator, compact and mobile, for flexible training sessions,
- An instructor workstation for educational supervision,
- An observer workstation for real-time scenario analysis.
These tools will enable drivers to train in an environment faithful to real operating conditions, incorporating the technical specifics of the line, signaling, operational procedures, and driving scenarios under both normal and degraded conditions.
Malcolm Urie, Operations Director of Hello Paris, said:Implementing the most realistic driving simulators possible is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of CDG Express operations. By providing our drivers with a realistic and immersive training environment, we ensure full mastery of the rolling stock and the specific driving procedures for this new line. We are confident that SOGECLAIR SIMULATION’s expertise will enable us to effectively prepare our teams to meet operational challenges and deliver high-performance service.
Recognized Expertise Serving a Strategic Project
With over 35 years of experience in railway simulation, SOGECLAIR SIMULATION offers proven, scalable, and interoperable solutions, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as:
- A high-fidelity graphics engine, ensuring optimal visual immersion,
- Advanced behavioral modeling tools (signaling, weather conditions, incidents, etc.),
- A modular architecture adaptable to all types of rolling stock,
- A robust educational approach focused on safety, efficiency, and performance. This expertise enables SOGECLAIR to effectively support operators in their initial training and skills development challenges.
Monique Cortiade, Operations Director BL Rail, SOGECLAIR SIMULATION, said:We are proud to contribute to this flagship project, which is shaping the future of mobility in the Île-de-France region. Our solution combines immersive technology, operational realism, and educational rigor to prepare drivers under the best possible conditions.
A Project at the Heart of Tomorrow’s îLe-de-France Mobility
Supported by the government and major mobility stakeholders, the CDG Express represents a key lever for improving access to France’s busiest airport. In addition to easing traffic, this new service will help modernize daily transport, reduce the carbon footprint of home-to-airport journeys, and create jobs and attractiveness in the region.
This article was originally published by SOGECLAIR.
