On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, which was held during the period from 14-18 November, GCAA Commercial Services, International Aviation Consulting & Training (IACT) has signed several Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Civil Aviation – Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Dubai Airports.

The  purpose of these MoUs will encourage the strengthening of existing relationships and work together to reach a close view of opportunities for improvement and empowerment in the field of required training needs and skills, in addition to helping to enhance the level of competency of individuals, which will lead to enhancing the efficiency of aviation personnel.

GCAA, IACT (International Aviation Consulting & Training) provides more than 250 training programs on executive leadership in aviation, aviation safety, aviation security, quality, risk management, air transport agreements, corporate development, strategic planning and organizational development. So far, it has trained more than 4,000 aviation specialists from more than 100 entities inside and outside the country.

As more travelers turn to business aviation to help ensure their safety during the era of COVID-19, three highly experienced private aviation executives have launched SUITS on the Ground, an innovative concierge service providing on-site, bespoke service at FBOs and private jet terminals worldwide.  Drawing on decades of experience in business aviation, charter and ground handling, David Rimmer, Andy Ferguson, and Omar Diaz have come together to turn their focus on the often overlooked ground experience.

“The first 100 feet and last 100 feet on a business aviation trip can make or break the experience,” says SUITS CEO David Rimmer, adding “we are redefining the concept of door to door service.  While others focus on customer service that begins and ends at the aircraft door, we believe it actually begins and ends for passengers at the door of their vehicles before and after every flight.”

With record high levels of private jet activity – including an influx of new corporate and individual travelers – flyers may assume that everything will be taken care of, right through to their final destination. “We created SUITS to focus on the departures and arrivals, interfacing with the FBO, charter operators, brokers and corporate flight department to seamlessly extend an operator’s brand.” 

SUITS will fill a service gap that exists today.  Each tailored on-site service will meet a client’s precise needs and will be scaled to fit the mission for individual flights or large groups increasingly utilizing VIP corporate shuttles.   Services include meet and greets, facilitating ground transportation, movement of luggage, and last-minute requests that may be impractical or even impossible for busy FBO staff and traveler arrangers – who may be thousands of miles away – to fulfil.   

SUITS can also offer much needed relief to busy flight crews – assisting with aircraft restocking and passenger needs crews are unable to accommodate given their increasingly tight schedules and short turnarounds.  Rimmer added, “Changing travel habits brought about by the pandemic and increasing congestion at FBOs was the catalyst to launch SUITS on the Ground.”

The comprehensive program will equip the next generation of Cabin Crew professionals with the knowledge and skills required for their careers to soar

Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines(SAUDIA), has announced a Cabin Crew Professional Training Program that is set to open for registration soon. The program will encompass 438 hours of academic and practical training at the world-class aviation academy and provides trainees with the necessary credentials to qualify as a professional Cabin Crew attendant in any airline.

Aspiring applicants will be able to sign up for the program by visiting www.psaa.com.sa. The training program is set to commence during the first quarter of 2022.

Entry requirements for the program include a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Applicants must be aged 20 or above and pass fitness criteria. Candidates must also pass English language exams, interviews, and medical checks.

Captain Ismail Koshy, Managing Director of Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, stated that “As we continue to grow the education and training offered at Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, the latest program for Cabin Crew training comes at a time when aviation is well positioned for a strong recovery. We are preparing for the surge in demand in the air travel sector by providing a wide range of options for those wishing to pursue a career in aviation”.

Continued Captain Koshy, “At PSAA, we are cultivating and training those interested in working at an airline and helping the aviation industry prosper”.

The training program includes specialized courses covering topics such as in-flight service training, the tools and equipment used on board, industry terms and phrases, and the rules and regulations governing air service operations. Participants will be trained on safety and how to handle and use onboard safety equipment in the event of an emergency and will benefit from first aid and healthcare association courses.

Graduates from the course will receive official certification from the Academy that qualifies them to work for any airline, as well as a first-responder certification from the American Heart Association.