Aviation training company set for take-off after takeover deal
A training company for airline cabin crew and pilots is set to soar after its acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, by Manchester-based EDM.
London-based SkyPeople holds accreditation from the Civil Aviation Authority as a cabin crew training organisation and security training provider, with a rating of ‘outstanding’.
This enables the business to provide the Attestation of Initial Cabin Crew safety training, which is recognised and approved by the CAA and airlines. All cabin crew working on UK-registered aircraft must possess the qualification.
Following the takeover, the business will trade as SkyPeople Training.
EDM, founded in 1971, has a 100,000 sq ft facility at its Newton Heath base, and manufactures and assembles training simulators for clients in sectors including civil aviation, defence and rail. It also operates an Aviation Training Academy, serving organisations around the world.
Sarah Ferguson, EDM group financial director, has assumed the role of chief executive of SkyPeople Training.
Katie Wood, one of three SkyPeople founders, remains full time in the business. Co-founders Collette and Shaun Waddingham will continue to support the company with their industry knowledge and experience.
SkyPeople has seven full-time staff and employs a network of specialist trainers to deliver its courses across the UK and globally.
Sarah Ferguson said: “The acquisition marks a significant addition to EDM and represents another milestone in our continued expansion. SkyPeople is a respected business which has a long history of providing high quality training to cabin crew and pilots all over the UK and worldwide. We have exciting plans to grow the business as we look at new contracts with a range of airlines and the opportunity to deliver cabin crew training to them at our own base in Manchester.”
She added: “Having opened our Aviation Training Academy in 2021, we have fantastic facilities which will enable us to expand our offering. We are looking at creating a similar facility in the South of England, as well as expanding our training offering in different areas and sectors, such as customer sales and support, leadership and management, and first aid.”
EDM group managing director, Tony Bermingham, said: “We have worked with SkyPeople for a number of years, and the combination of expertise and resources across both businesses will allow for a comprehensive approach to cabin crew training, from design and consultancy to delivery, recruitment, facility supply and crewing.
“We aim to grow our offering to airlines to reduce their costs and transform the delivery of cabin crew training by being a one-stop shop for airlines of any size.”
