Over the past three weeks we have shared our research in our ‘A Pennant Perspective’ carried out by our team of experts, encapsulating the threats, opportunities, and trends in the aviation industry. From COVID-19 and a fall in international travel, to Brexit, licensing and the return of growth in the industry. We hope you have found it interesting.
To round-off our findings the theme of this week’s article is ‘Future Predictions’ and we’re delighted to bring you thoughts from Pennant’s Operations Director and Head of Training Delivery.
Predication 1: Continued Growth
We’ve already seen growth in the industry and are sure we will continue to see the market advance and return to full capacity. With regular travel advice and many countries on the brink of normality, all the signs are positive.
Predication 2: Carbon Emissions and Environmental Change
Carbon Emissions is a notable area our experts have picked up on and believe there will be a strong drive to offset the CO2 footprint within the industry. Conclusions for this have been made based on the drop in pollution levels when nearly all non-essential methods of transport were stopped, as well as the high influential support from environmental champions. We suspect policies will come into play and we look forward to seeing the methods put in place for carbon emissions to be addressed, from the utilisation of training technology and software and services that improve processes.
Predication 3: Change In Training
Our last prediction for the future is the change in how training will be carried out. This is for several of the factors mentioned over the ‘A Pennant Perspective Series’, with COVID-19 encouraging educational institutes, training academies and colleges to embrace virtual and digital learning. Plus new methods to help reduce carbon emissions by decreasing the time the real equipment is used for.
Our Head of Training Delivery Pete Foreman, has commented of the move towards distanced based training and said “The classic training method is for the instructor, teacher or lecturer in a classroom-based environment using, ‘chalk and talk’ PowerPoints and training manuals supplemented by other media when appropriate. New technologies have made it possible to develop new training methods using multiple platforms. COVID-19 impacts and changes to regulated training delivery has to some extent forced the use of such platforms but also hastened the development. We can now meet more of the training requirement using a maintenance simulation training devices (MSTD) giving the student a better experience and deeper understanding. It’s about using all we have now that we did not have previously but critically at the right time and appropriate level of detail. We all know that hands on practical will not be replaced finding the right balance point is the key.”
Merv Skates, Operations Director says “There is no doubt that aside from the hospitality sector, the Travel sector, and civil aviation in particular, has been hardest hit since the start of the pandemic. This has resulted in a significant number of staff leaving the industry. There is a recognition that a large percentage of these leavers will retrain or find other sectors to work in. Presently this clearly does not hinder a downsized market and indeed curtails training for the time being. However, as the aviation sector recovers over the coming years there will be an increasing need to replace this lost skill-set. This will create increased training requirements and opportunities. We at Pennant will be looking to position ourselves through development of our training capability and new software driven low cost modular training devices (such as our new Engine Start Systems Trainer – ESST) to take full advantage of this recovery opportunity”
At Pennant we continue to invest in technology based training solutions, including immersive and digital devices through our VR and Emulation and Simulation capability. We predict that these innovative technical training solutions will be integral to supporting our customers address the challenges faced and enable the sector to rebound.
