British Airways plans bespoke training rooms at Heathrow

A substantial investment has been made to inaugurate three new bespoke training rooms at its Heathrow maintenance base.

According to a statement, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved classrooms each have a capacity of 12–16 students and will be used to deliver theoretical and practical training elements dedicated to the Boeing B787, the Airbus A380 and the Airbus A318/9/20/21 variants.

Both the B787 and A380 rooms will initially be used to prepare British Airways for its entry into service of the next-generation aircraft in 2013.

It is planned to make these facilities available to commercial customers seeking the advanced technical training required to serve these aircraft.

To enhance and modernise the learning experience, simulations will be available in the classrooms to take staff through aspects of the aircraft’s mechanical and avionic systems behaviour.

David Smyth, manager of engineering training at British Airways, said: ‘The advanced technologies and materials used in the Boeing and Airbus next-generation aircraft require a new level of skill and technical expertise.

‘As British Airways gets ready to become the first airline to have both the A380 and B787 in service next year, we need to ensure all our engineers are “match fit”. These new ultra-modern facilities are evidence of our investment in the future and reflect the change needed in how technical training is shaped and delivered to serve these aircraft.’