18 Emiratis complete airline pilot programme

Friday, Jun 13, 2008

Gulf News

Dubai: Emirates has honoured 18 Emirati graduates from the latest batch of its National Cadet Pilot Programme, including one female - the first in the programme.

At a graduation ceremony in the auditorium of Emirates' new headquarters, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, presented trophies and certificates to the 18 cadet pilots who have completed a two-and-a-half-year programme.

"The cadet pilot programme requires dedication and hard work, and I am proud to see our cadets, all young and talented Emiratis, successfully complete the rigorous training courses. Emirates is committed to the development and recruitment of UAE nationals," said Shaikh Ahmad

"In line with the airline's fleet and route expansion plans, we expect a 100 per cent growth rate for the cadet pilot programme over the next two years. We will continue to open our doors to young and hard-working Emiratis who are keen on joining the cadet pilot training programme," he added,

At present, Emirates' flight deck crew includes 110 Emirati captains and first officers. In addition, 130-plus ab-initio pilots from the UAE are undergoing training with the airline.

Launched in 1994, Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Programme comprises a foundation course in Eng-lish and aviation science conducted in Dubai, over about 12 months. Cadets then spend a year at Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport, Australia, to gain a commercial pilot's licence with a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating. In the third phase, spread over six months, the cadets train on flight simulators at the Emirates Training College in Dubai.

In line with the fleet and route expansion plans, we expect a 100 per cent growth rate for the cadet pilot programme over the next two years."