Taking flight beyond textbooks and theories, the newly launched Salle de Blagnac brings real-world aviation training to the heart of DLS-CSB’s Tourism Management (BSTM) program.
Inaugurated on Oct. 10 at the 7F of Angelo King International Center Campus (AKIC), the cabin service trainer features a fully equipped Airbus A320 mock-up built in partnership with SkyArk, the global leader in aviation-themed training facilities.
From authentic leather business class seats to functional passenger service units and operational intercoms, all details mirror actual aircraft specifications, transforming the seventh floor of the campus into a launchpad for future cabin crew professionals.
Before departure
Salle de Blagnac represents Benilde’s commitment to preparing students for the global aviation industry through immersive, hands-on experience. The mock aircraft accommodates 20 passengers across economy and business class configurations, complete with genuine aircraft panels, overhead cabins, and even illuminated exit signage.
Paired with a dynamic business lounge that serves as both a lecture venue and an interactive classroom, the facility ensures that Benildean Tourism students experience everything from boarding procedures to in-flight service in an authentic, aviation-grade environment—marking a place where learning truly takes flight.
Through state-of-the-art facilities such as Salle de Blagnac, students develop skills beyond just technical proficiency, as the immersive environments allow them to practice service excellence in settings that reflect current industry standards.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Mr. Frederick Ang, the program chairperson for BSTM, shared that, “This not only sharpens their technical skills but also instills the adaptability, confidence, and professionalism required in high-demand sectors of tourism.”
Cleared for takeoff
The creation of the mock cabin reaffirms the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management's (SHRIM) commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
“Salle de Blagnac was created to serve as a training facility designed to give our Tourism Management students a realistic experience of an airline cabin environment while undergoing training as a flight attendant,” Mr. Ang explained.
Salle de Blagnac’s name itself carries significant weight in aviation history. Named after Blagnac, a commune in the greater Toulouse area of southwestern France, the mock cabin pays homage to a city that hosts both the aviation museum Aeroscopia and the corporate headquarters of Airbus.
What truly distinguishes SHRIM’s Tourism Management program, according to Mr. Ang, is its departure from traditional classroom setups. “The Salle de Blagnac isn't just a mock cabin—it's a fully immersive learning space that mirrors the real experience of being on board,” he emphasized. This approach enables students to train and understand the nuances of guest experiences and premium hospitality, giving them what Mr. Ang calls “that distinct Benildean edge.”
Safe skies ahead
For Liezl Bernardo, an ID123 student from the Tourism Management program, the newly built training cabin represents a competitive advantage that will distinguish Benilde graduates in the job market. “This will stand out because alam nila na it’s from Benilde, it's like one of the best schools, and ito ‘yung isa sa mga colleges na mayroon tayong mock cabin.”
Bernardo firmly believes that this will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. “Yes, it will bring us closer to our future industry and the tourism industry, as it's set as a training ground for what is out there as a flight attendant.” This authenticity, she noted, converts abstract concepts into actual, tangible skills that will make the transition from students to professionals significantly smoother.
As the first cohorts of students complete their training in this state-of-the-art facility, they carry with them certificates, credentials, and the confidence that comes from having already operated in a space that mirrors their future workplace.
For these students, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning of where their Benildean training will take them.
