Etihad Inks $14m Deal For Crew Training Equipment

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways has awarded a $14 million contract for new cabin crew training equipment to Spatial Composite Solutions, a UAE-based manufacturer of flight staff training equipment.

As per the deal, Spatial will design and manufacture around 14 cabin crew-training devices, including Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner models, to Etihad’s specifications. The devices will then be installed at the new Etihad Innovation Training Academy, a statement said.

Spatial will build a series of door and cabin trainers for Airbus A320, Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft in Etihad Airways’ fleet. It will also conduct an extensive refurbishment programme on all existing cabin crew training equipment at the Etihad Training Academy, located next to the airline’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The devices are currently being manufactured under license from Boeing and Airbus at Spatial’s facility in Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority Free Zone, with the initial handovers of the equipment already commencing, the statement said.

Aubrey Tiedt, vice president guest Services at Etihad Airways, said that the airline would take delivery of its first Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 training devices in December.

“High quality safety and hospitality is an Etihad Airways trademark, and we continuously invest in the best available training facilities. These will provide our cabin crew with the best environment in which to hone their skills,” said Tiedt.

Etihad has been on a massive expansion drive, launching new routes while also buying up stakes in other carriers.

In line with its growth plans, the airline recently announced a global recruitment drive for cabin crew and other flight operations staff.

The Abu Dhabi carrier said that recruitment will take place in over 12 cities across five countries including Italy, Germany, Japan, Morocco and Tunisia.

Etihad will also hold a hiring event in Abu Dhabi on October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 while conducting open days for food and beverage managers and inflight chefs on October 13 and 27.