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'USW Aviation Academy' will introduce a highly-specialized aerospace & aeronautical engineering curriculum for the first time in the region
Dubai - UAE - Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), an entity wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai and the parent organization of Dubai South, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK-based University of South Wales (USW), for the establishment of 'USW Aviation Academy' - the region's first-of-its-kind specialist campus facility offering advanced aerospace engineering education at Dubai South.
Central to the agreement that was signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and the Pro Chancellor Professor John Andrews of the University of South Wales, is the delivery of the build-to-suit campus facility by Dubai South to USW over a two-phase period.
Also present at the signing ceremony were HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, HM Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham, and HM Consul General Paul Fox.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin, said: "We are witnessing the start of a critical chapter in Dubai's journey to become the aviation capital of the world. A fundamental part of the aerospace super system that we building is the gathering of several leading, international institutions at Dubai South - organizations that can offer specialized vocational education. Thereby, we also are grooming and supplying talent to the region's fast expanding aerospace industry. Today's memorandum of understanding with University of South Wales - an established leader in the world of aerospace education - is a vital step towards achieving that essential dimension.
"The presence of USW at Dubai South brings a world of exciting career options right to the doorstep of our region's youth. The timing of the memorandum of understanding is also opportune, as its implementation will meet the growing demand for talent as the Al Maktoum International Airport expands to welcome more airlines in the coming years."
He added: "We gratefully acknowledge the strategic role the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) department based at the British Embassy in Dubai has played in the facilitating of this agreement. It represents as a solid testimonial to Dubai South's gathering prominence as a global investment destination par excellence."
Scheduled to launch its first class in 2017, the Academy will subsequently expand its facilities to include offices, classrooms, laboratories, workshops and aircraft hangar, as well as access to social and residential amenities at Dubai South.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales, Professor Julie Lydon OBE, said: "This is an important step in developing the long term relationship between the University of South Wales, one of Britain's major higher education institutions, and the growing economic force of Dubai. Drawing on our experience with some of the world's leading aerospace engineering companies, we look forward to a future of successful cooperation and mutual value with the support of HM Government."
The under-graduate and post-graduate courses to be introduced by the USW Aviation Academy at Dubai South will feature European Aviation Safety Agency ('EASA') certified training programs, including degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Management, as well as other unique and specialized aviation curriculum.
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About Dubai South
Dubai South - the rebranded Dubai World Central - is an emerging 145 sq. km. city situated within the emirate of Dubai that will ultimately sustain a population of one million.
Launched as a Government of Dubai project in 2006, the city is mandated to embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum by manifesting the urban and societal themes as outlined in the Dubai Plan 2021. These themes relate to becoming a city of happy, creative and empowered people, an inclusive and cohesive society; the preferred place to live, work and invest, a smart and sustainable city, and a pivotal hub in the global economy.
Dubai South's economic platform supports every conceivable kind of business and industry. The city is also home to the now-operational Al Maktoum International Airport and the World Expo 2020.
About University of South Wales
Founded in 1841 by industry and the professions, the University of South Wales has over 30,000 students and is one of Britain's most exciting new universities and a major player in higher education. USW competes equally for students and reputation with the UK's major regional universities with major city regions such as Bristol, Manchester, London and Tyneside, and was rated as one of the top 10 UK universities in the WhatUni? Student Choice Awards 2016. With students from over 120 countries, USW is unique in the breadth of its role, encompassing a major modern industrial university and two subsidiary colleges. The University is renowned for its partnerships with major employers, from British Airways and GE Aviation to the BBC, National Health Service and UK government agencies. Its relationship with employers as a leading university for careers is reflected in the high employment rate of its graduates, with 94% of students in employment or further study within six months of graduating. USW's courses are developed hand in hand with the professional bodies and leading organisations who employ graduates, including many of the world's major corporations.
In the aerospace sector USW offers accredited industry-standard EASA training in aircraft maintenance engineering, including degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and top up programmes. Undergraduates on the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering degree courses have access to laboratory space where they can learn about avionics systems, electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics: the key features of developing hands-on practical expertise. A major extension of USW's aerospace centre was opened by BA Executive Chairman Keith Williams in 2015 with an industry audience including major UK defence and aerospace primes such as Airbus, GE, and General Dynamics for a guest lecture by USW honorary doctor Lord Paul Drayson, formerly Minister of State for Defence Procurement, and Minister for Science, in HM Government. The development houses a further aircraft assembly hangar, a military training jet to complement the existing civilian airliner, aircraft simulator and gas turbine (jet) maintenance workshop. Also included is a simulated aircraft shell riveting area, hand tools workshops, welding bay, and clean and dirty composite workshops for specimens and repairs. The University's aerospace expertise was initially developed in a unique partnership with British Airways, in which aircraft maintenance graduates leave university with a degree and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) training. This partnership is the only one of its kind in Britain and is testament to the University's reputation for excellence with major international flag-carriers in the aviation industry.
For media-related queries, please contact:
Burgess Baria
Dubai South
burgess.baria@dubaisouth.ae
Tom Griffin
University of South Wales
Tom.Griffin@southwales.ac.uk
© Press Release 2016
