Inaugural Cabin Crew Heads of Training meeting at WATS 2025

A new dedicated forum for cabin crew training leaders will debut at the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2025, creating a fresh opportunity for discussion and action in this crucial sector of aviation training.

The inaugural Cabin Crew Training Leaders / Heads of Training meeting, scheduled for Monday 7th April from 1600-1800 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, follows the success of the Halldale organised Pilot Heads of Training Conference that runs at Halldale's APATS and EATS events.

"The success of our Pilot Heads of Training meetings demonstrated the value of bringing training leaders together in a dedicated forum," said Andy Smith, Halldale Founder and CEO. 

"Extending this model to cabin crew training was a natural evolution, recognising the unique challenges and opportunities in this critical area of aviation safety."

The new session will mirror the collaborative approach that has made the pilot forum so effective, bringing together Chief Cabin Instructors, Cabin Crew Training Managers, and other senior professionals to address emerging challenges in cabin crew development.

Moderated discussions will cover crucial topics including emergency evacuation procedures, lithium-ion battery fire management, instructor standardisation, and multi-generational training approaches. 

The format encourages open discussion and practical problem-solving among peers facing similar challenges across different airlines and regions.

Industry leader Ian Mitchell returns to also moderate the broader Cabin Crew Conference, sponsored by Spatial, which runs alongside the new Heads of Training meeting. 

The three-day conference programme features a number of key industry figures including Joao Cunha, Cabin Crew Training Manager at TAP Air Portugal, who will discuss their journey in implementing CBTA for Cabin Crew Training. 

Additionally, British Airways' Quality & Compliance Manager Natalie Scarr will participate in a Human Factors panel examining how to close the gap between training and flying.  

Training professionals interested in participating in the inaugural Heads of Training session are invited to register through the WATS 2025 website, where they can also influence the meeting agenda by indicating their preferred discussion topics.

This initiative recognises the distinct requirements of cabin crew training while building on WATS' proven ability to facilitate meaningful professional dialogue that leads to actionable industry outcomes.