Airport company BAA has implemented a new learning management system across seven major UK airports, to help maintain safety standards and meet aviator regulations.

BAA said it needed a method of managing delivery of all training, while at the same time constantly assessing the acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and accredited competencies.

Once a year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) audits BAA against strict competency standards for rescue and firefighting personnel.

The standards provide a detailed role-map with 12 different competencies that are to be met by all personnel, from firefighters to station commanders.

The CAA also mandates quarterly assessments throughout the year, which require audits and extensive records for all competencies.

If BAA fails to comply, the CAA has the power to close any given airport at any given time.

The company chose Saba's Enterprise Learning Suite which allows BAA employees, including firefighters, to get direct access to the system at any given time via airport workstations.

David Whittington, Fire Service Group Training Manager explains, "The firefighters typically need to log on to check records, determine when upcoming assessments are due, and begin preparing for them.

"Meeting data management and reporting requirements is a challenging task and Saba Enterprise Learning enables BAA to ensure our fire service teams comply with best practice," he added.