KLM UK Engineering is flying with new online training course

An online training course for aircraft maintenance engineers developed by Norwich Airport based KLM UK Engineering Limited has taken off in a big way following a long-term deal with the Nilai University in Malaysia.

The online EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) course has been developed to allow engineers to achieve the qualification through part time, pay-as you-go study in their own time rather than attending college and can be completed in around two and a half years. The company received an enquiry from the Nilai University to support them with the delivery of their aviation engineering courses and offered the online training product as part of this package. KLM UK Engineering has many years experience in

exporting the company’s aircraft maintenance business, but limited opportunities for the new online training product. The company approached UK Trade & Investment East for advice before proceeding with the support for Nilai University.

“ The UKTI is actively researching opportunities to further assist KLM UK Engineering in the expansion of this product worldwide ”

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Published July 2016 by UK Trade & Investment

Chris Tubby, Training Sales Manager - “We were recommended to get guidance from the UKTI International Trade Adviser James Gillespie, who has been a great support in making sure we talk to the right people in the right places.” James supported KLM UK Engineering with market intelligence, and general local information, whilst also supporting ‘doing business’ in Malaysia. “Working for several years in the town of Nilai, Malaysia, certainly helped me provide the right support and guidance,” says James. Following this KLM UK Engineering signed a long-term contract with the University of Malaysia at a ceremony in the country last month. The first students will be starting their training in May.

This success has given KLM UK Engineering a foundation to develop more opportunities for international growth for this online training product, with Chris Tubby attending a three-day visit to Budapest with UKTI this month. The company will look to further expand its presence in India, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines as well as Europe. James Gillespie has also found a live business opportunity in Dubai that the company is currently exploring. “The EASA qualification is essential for aircraft maintenance engineers to have, to be able to working in the UK & Europe, and currently we are one of the only companies offering this online option,” explains Chris. “The UKTI is actively researching opportunities to further assist KLM UK Engineering in the expansion of this product worldwide, which is an exciting prospect for aviation training.”

As well as obtaining direct advice from James Gillespie about the Malaysian market and others, the company has been utilising its existing membership with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, undertaking a number of webinars, including doing business in India and Turkey. If all that’s not enough, opportunities will arise from the new International Aviation Academy - Norwich, where KLM UK Engineering’s technical training college will be based and will deliver courses from, which is due to open in January 2017.

“ We were recommended to get guidance from the UKTI International Trade Adviser James Gillespie, who has been a great support in making sure we talk to the right people in the right places.”

KLM UK Engineering Limited is a leading regional aircraft and narrow body MRO, wholly owned by KLM and member of the AFI KLM E&M Network. Services include base maintenance, UK line maintenance, technical training, and component sales and aircraft disassembly of Boeing 737’s, Airbus A320’s, Fokker 70/100, BAe146/Avro RJ’s and Embraer E170/190. KLM UK Engineering has been based at Norwich International Airport for 40 years and employs over 400 people. The Company prides itself on having an experienced and skilled work force, delivering a superior service and high quality product at a competitive price.

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