Specialists in cabin crew training equipment serve the Middle East market

And airlines in the Middle East are getting the benefit of the latest in training devices manufactured right on their doorstep. UAE based Spatial Composite Solutions makes Cabin Service trainers (CSTs), Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainers (CEETs) and Door Trainers in current Airbus and Boeing configurations. Since 2007 the Jebel Ali business has been producing exact replicas of aircraft and is the only such specialist in the Middle East to do so.

“The devices are constructed entirely from durable composite components affixed to an aluminium super structure,” says Joe McKeever, CEO. “These are similar in many ways to the assembly techniques used in the manufacture of actual aircraft. We use actual aircraft cabin interior components as a start point and from these we manufacture perfect 1:1 scale replicas which are in turn strengthened and reinforced before installation. No MDF or other timber products find their way into the build, as the end user expects the finished product to endure the rigors of day to day training over a 10 to 15 year period.”

Spatial has been working with Emirates to design, build and install a total of 12 cabin service trainers including the upper and lower deck of the Airbus A380, which was built in just under six months. Although McKeever is quick to point out: “This was exceptional however as the device was urgently needed to train their cabin crew prior to the arrival of their first aircraft last year. A typical lead time for an A320 or a B737 device would be 8 to 9 months”.

It is currently working on a combination A320 / B737 Emergency Evacuation Trainer which will have fully operational main and over wing exit doors for both aircraft types which will function exactly as per the actual aircraft. The device will also have a cockpit, evacuation slides, decompression and smoke simulation. 

With such great feedback from the airlines it is currently in new negotiations with Air Arabia, Oman Air, Gulf Air and Bahrain Air.  Being a newish company has it discovered any difficulties along the way?

“Our experience to date has been that the client tends to change plans at short notice,” says McKeever. “Usually there are other parties involved, the construction company or consultants responsible for the building in which the training device will be located for instance. As a result we must be flexible and we must respond quickly. It is vital to be close to the client and so our Dubai location does give us a real advantage with airlines based in the Gulf.”

The UAE is a major trading hub within the Middle East. With its current factory located in Jebel Ali are there plans to open up new plants anywhere else within the GCC? “The Emirates is a good place to do business,” says McKeever.  In the past many European and American manufacturers have viewed the Gulf as a place to make a quick buck and leave. That is simply not good enough anymore. If you are serious about your business in the Middle East you must have a presence here. Local support in absolutely vital as an interruption in training as a result of a breakdown is critical for the end user, the airline.”

The company says it is in ‘advanced stage negotiations” with several other airlines in the GCC which as yet can’t be mentioned. “We have no plans just yet to expand but it is an option. The aviation industry has been facing new challenges recently, there are greater prospects for growth in the Gulf region than in the more matured markets in the west. The order book at Airbus and Boeing is testimony to this. In order to survive we must adapt”.

The company has a staff of 25 professionals and that number is expected to increase to 40 within the next two years. McKeever says: “We are flexible, quality orientated and our pricing is competitive. We are ‘open for business’ and look forward to meeting new friends at the Dubai Air Show in November where we will exhibit for the first time.”