Training Trend

Southwest isn’t the only major airline beefing up employee training.

United Airlines opened its new $16 million training center for flight attendants. 

United plans to train up to 650 flight attendants per month at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) once the 20,000 square foot facility become fully operational.

First class of students began May 14.

The facility will include simulators of United’s six aircraft models. In addition, the facility will provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), fire extinguishing and aircraft egress training.

“I’m loving the area, being able to see everything that’s new and the excitement around it from our flight attendants being able to come back and have training close to home,” United Airlines Regional Manager Patricia Caraballo told the Fairfax County Times. “A lot of our team members are Dulles-based flight attendants that have stepped up into leadership (roles) to help facilitate.” (Dulles is located in Fairfax County in Northern, Va.)

The training facility includes adult and infant mannequins for training purposes, including learning how to calm and, if necessary, restrain unruly passengers.

The facility will have four classrooms. Each class can hold up to 32 students.

Initial flight training will still occur in Houston, which includes aquatic or ditching training.

United provides nearly 280 daily flights out of Dulles to over 100 destinations. United began hub operations at Dulles over 40 years ago.

For insight into how Southwest is similarly investing in employee training, see our report on its new Denver facility.