Training academy reaches new heights

A North East aviation training provider is reporting record demand from customers around the world following its busiest-ever start to a year.

Newcastle International Training Academy, based at Newcastle International Airport, has welcomed 875 customers so far in 2026, marking the strongest opening period in the organisation’s history.

The specialist provider delivers training for aviation, industrial firefighting and emergency response professionals and is the only facility of its kind in the North of England.

Its facilities include a full-sized aircraft firefighting rig and a three-storey offshore platform training structure complete with helideck, allowing delegates to develop emergency response skills in realistic high-pressure environments.

Customers have travelled from across the UK and Ireland as well as overseas locations including the Caribbean, Bermuda, Egypt, Germany and Portugal.

Growth has been driven by strong demand for the Academy’s range of specialist courses, including aviation firefighting, fire warden, first aid and health and safety training.

Demand for offshore and industrial firefighting courses has also continued to increase, while the business has expanded its external training provision.

Recent additions include EV Awareness and Revalidation of Competence training for UK airports, supporting operational safety standards across the aviation sector.

Victoria Woodhouse, commercial training manager at Newcastle International Training Academy, said: “It’s been a fantastic start to the year and welcoming a record number of customers reinforces Newcastle International Training Academy’s position as a leading global provider of specialist firefighting and safety training. 

“This growth reflects our strong international reputation, the quality of our training programmes and facilities and the expertise of our highly skilled instructors. 

“We’re excited to build on this momentum and work with even more airports and organisations seeking our first-class training services.” 

Paul Farmer, director of operations at Newcastle Airport, added: “The continued success of the Newcastle International Training Academy reflects the strength of its industry leading training programmes, its highly skilled teams and our commitment to the highest operational and safety standards at Newcastle Airport. 

“As demand continues to grow, we’re proud to see the Academy extend its reach and support even more airports and businesses across the UK and around the world.” 

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