EU training deal leads to Irish expansion for North West specialist provider

Specialist aviation training provider, Skypeople Training, is primed for further international growth with a new base in Ireland after getting the green light to deliver the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s cabin crew attestation course.

The Irish Aviation Authority has approved SkyPeople’s new subsidiary, SkyPeople Training (EU), as a cabin crew training organisation.

The EASA cabin crew attestation is a mandatory professional qualification requirement for cabin crew in Europe and is valid for all European airlines and operators.

SkyPeople Training, which is part of the Manchester-based EDM group of companies, is already accredited by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority as a cabin crew training organisation and security training provider.

SkyPeople Training (EU) is based in Dublin and is recruiting training and administrative staff.

Its EASA cabin crew attestation training will be offered to airlines and operators as well as to individuals enrolling in a private capacity who wish to gain the qualification before applying for a role.

The 11-day course involves practical and classroom-based training in all areas of safety, including aviation regulations, emergencies, security, the carriage of dangerous goods, fire and smoke, first aid, survival, communication and crew resource management.

Sarah Ferguson, SkyPeople Training’s chief executive, said the business is now the only independent training organisation able to deliver both UK and EASA cabin crew attestation.

She said: “Following Brexit, the UK’s CAA cabin crew attestation is no longer accepted in Europe, but we know there is significant demand for our services from the industry overseas.

“Many international airlines have aircraft which are registered in the UK and, therefore, come under CAA regulations. However, airlines with aircraft registered in the EU require EASA attestations, including UK operators.

“In order to cater for this market need and offer the EASA cabin crew attestation course, we decided to set up a cabin crew training organisation in an EU member state.”

She added: “It made sense to do so in Dublin, as we already work with operators such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus on the UK side. There are many other advantages too, such as being close to Manchester and having a common language.

“The IAA was very encouraging to our quest throughout the process, and we greatly appreciate its support.”

In addition to supporting airlines by providing cabin crew and security training in the UK and internationally, the business develops operators’ training manuals, training course design and then delivery of the product directly to crews.