2024 EATS Cabin Crew Day 2 Stream Highlights

Our most successful EATS cabin crew stream is in the books. Here’s a snapshot of highlights provided on Day 2 (November 7) by an eclectic mix of community subject matter experts.

Session 5: Air Carrier Training Insights

Jamie Leggett & Francesco Scibilia (Jet2.com): discussed how the airline facing challenges in transitioning to the A321neo with a Boeing-skilled cabin crew, adopted virtual reality (VR) as a cost-effective and scalable solution. VR helps standardize training across 12 bases and enhances crew familiarity with aircraft, terminology, and emergency procedures before aircraft access.

Justin Slabbekoorn & Maaike Smit (Transavia Netherlands): outlined Transavia’s shift to a blended learning model combining interactive online courses and practical classroom sessions, enhancing knowledge retention and critical thinking. They also introduced a modular training approach, enabling faster training for experienced cabin crew and fostering a more flexible workforce.

Irina Udrea (SmartLynx Airlines): highlighted the airline’s challenges in training for ACMI operations, including resource constraints, post-pandemic staffing issues, and the integration of VR technology for realistic training. She emphasized the need for motivation and satisfaction among instructors to maintain quality training standards.

Session 6: Evolving Concepts in Cabin Crew Training

Anne Sølvsteen Knudsen & Sarah Hudson Knudsen (NaviMinds): explored new training methodologies, including blended learning, gamification, and personalized learning, aimed at engaging diverse learners. Key takeaways included the use of visualizations, group work, and quizzes to enhance learning and ensure student-centered, flexible education.

Victor Potesta (Columbia Institute): advocated for immersive simulations (VR/AR) and role-playing exercises to address real-world challenges, including emergency scenarios and soft skills development like communication and empathy. He stressed the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and continuous feedback to optimize training effectiveness.

Søren Seindal Agner (AEROTEAM Training Solutions): introduced an active learning approach where trainees engage in interactive, scenario-based exercises to practice non-technical or CRM skills, such as communication, workload management, and error management. This self-reflection method helps build core competencies in a safe, simulated environment.

Session 7: Training for Crew Member Safety

Stuart & Kathleen Lowe (Force Air Defence): demonstrated effective self-defence and restraint techniques for cabin crew, aimed at dealing with increasing incidents of unruly passengers. These techniques, useful both on and off duty, are designed to be simple and effective within the confined space of an aircraft.

Micah White (CGS Immersive): presented AI-powered simulations used by Scoot Airlines to train cabin crew in handling unruly passengers. The Cicero AI platform enhances soft skills such as conflict resolution and emotional intelligence, offering a more flexible and personalized training experience, free from scripted scenarios.

João Cunha-Rêgo (TAP Air Portugal): shared TAP’s journey in implementing Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) for cabin crew, focusing on developing a competency framework, scenario-based training, and continuous feedback mechanisms. Positive results included high satisfaction from the crew, with 98% of feedback being favorable.

Innovation for a Diverse and Tech-Savvy Workforce

EATS 2024 highlighted the evolving landscape of cabin crew training, with a strong focus on technology integration, blended learning models, and soft skills development. Airlines are increasingly adopting immersive, real-world simulations and personalized learning paths to meet the needs of a diverse and tech-savvy workforce. Key themes included the use of VR/AR, AI-driven tools, scenario-based training, and instructor methodologies that promote active engagement and practical application of skills.