NANTGARW-BASED health and safety specialist CHSS has opened a new office in Dubai on the back of a consultancy contract at the Gulf state's new airport.

CHSS is benefiting from international sales of the Airbus A380 superjumbo as the company can advise on the safe handling of both the plane and its payload of 600 to 800 passengers.

As the order book currently stands, Dubai will be home to the largest fleet of A380s due to Emirates' order for 45 planes.

CHSS will be working closely with the airport's main consultants Dar al-Handasah / Aeroport de Paris J.V.

CHSS managing director David Lea said: "The level of work we had in the Gulf States meant that we needed a permanent presence so we've responded by opening an office in Dubai."

The contract brings the new business secured by CHSS since last July to over £3million.

Emirates' is preparing to run scheduled services with the Airbus A380 in October 2006 using 25 departure gates and aero-bridges specifically designed for the superjumbo.

CHSS (which stands for corporate health and safety solutions) claims to be one of the UK's leading health and safety providers.

The firm has been active in the Gulf for five years. It provides its services at 16 training centres across the UK and others in Europe and North Africa. Its client base includes Exel, Metronet Rail, BBC, HBOS, and Rolls Royce.