The UAE has moved forward its aviation safety goals by making Serco the first GCAA certified aerodrome training provider following the new national regulations. The milestone demonstrates how the UAE continues to progress its goal to improve aviation safety, increase regulation and improve the skills of Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS). Serco has been given permission to provide training and assessment to operational, supervisory and managerial staff to ensure they are trained to nationally approved standards. This shows how the UAE continues to develop its highly-skilled aviation workforce, improve emergency preparedness at airports and ensure safer, more efficient aerodrome operations throughout the country.
The newly established framework introduces a comprehensive, competency-based system for training and evaluating ARFFS professionals. It aims to standardise training practices across the aviation sector while ensuring that personnel possess the technical knowledge, practical skills and operational expertise required to fulfil their responsibilities and meet aerodrome safety regulations.
With this approval, Serco is authorised to conduct specialised training programmes and competency assessments for ARFFS personnel across operational, supervisory and management positions, in line with GCAA-approved regulatory standards. The accreditation further reinforces Serco’s established role in aviation safety and emergency response, drawing on its experience in delivering specialist firefighting and rescue operations, professional training and aviation support services across the region.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General – Aviation Safety Affairs at GCAA, said: “The certification of the first training provider under the new regulatory framework marks an important milestone in strengthening the competency and readiness of Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services personnel across the UAE through a training and qualification system founded on clear regulatory requirements and advanced professional and operational standards. The framework further strengthens the integration between regulatory oversight, specialised training and operational readiness, contributing to the highest levels of safety and response effectiveness while supporting the sustainability of national competencies capable of keeping pace with the continued evolution of the aviation sector and its future requirements.”
The certification reflects the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) ongoing commitment to strengthening the UAE’s aviation safety infrastructure through the development of comprehensive regulatory standards and specialised training programmes. These initiatives are designed to improve the operational preparedness, technical expertise and professional capabilities of aviation personnel while maintaining alignment with internationally recognised safety standards and industry best practices. The approval also represents another important milestone in the UAE’s broader strategy to develop national aviation capabilities, accommodate the sector’s rapid expansion and maintain high standards of safety, operational reliability and efficiency across its aviation network.
Hana Abu Kharmeh, General Manager, Serco Middle East, said: “This certification is an important milestone for Serco and reflects the GCAA’s continued leadership in strengthening aviation safety and raising standards across the UAE. We are proud to be the first training provider certified under this new regulatory framework and to bring Serco’s extensive fire and rescue training expertise to support its implementation. Highly skilled fire and rescue teams play a critical role in keeping airports, passengers and
communities safe. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the GCAA and our partners to develop these vital capabilities and support the continued advancement of the UAE’s aviation sector.”
