Enhancing our incumbent position by adding value was fundamentally in the fore, when the college achieved a ‘first’ by receiving Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval to use the BAE Systems C-ITS 3D tower simulator for Air Traffic Control (ATC) training. As the only UK aviation facility equipped with this virtual training capability, Cwmbran saw its market share grow considerably, and as a consequence, a second simulator was added to meet customer demand. A total of 30 United Kingdom students have been trained specifically in aerodrome control and on-the-job instructor disciplines using the 3D synthetic platform.

“3D dynamic training heightens the student’s awareness to the busy and complex aerodrome environment, enhances their ability to deal with multiple inputs, and has demonstrably delivered a quicker transition from synthetic to live training” says the Cwmbran College Principal, Steve Ward.

Focus on the home market continued as the college promoted its diverse capability in order to achieve potential partnering across BAE Systems wide range of training activities. A series of internal courses were developed and delivered for Military Air Solutions (MAS) and Surface Ships (formally BVT Surface Fleet), as well as awareness courses for Insyte’s Renewable Energies and JMATS projects. This will continue throughout 2010 as Cwmbran’s capabilities are elevated through BAE Systems business units and joint ventures.

The International market provided a particularly demanding challenge last year, due mainly to the economic downturn, and stiff competition from new players in the export training arena. However, things look set to improve as an air traffic control training programme for the Kuwaiti Air Force has commenced and is due to graduate in Q2. Additional business is also tentatively confirmed for 2010 from the Kuwaiti Air Force, the Brazilian Air Force and the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

Going forward, the Cwmbran College will strive to become the preferred partner of choice for all the UK’s domestic airports, add value and benefit to BAE Systems projects that require training expertise, whilst continuing to improve capability and optimise efficiency.