Dubai, UAE, 21st April 2010 - Centre of Aviation and Security Studies (CASS), part of the Emirates Group, has awarded diplomas to 100 professionals in the aviation security and ground handling industries, in association with Edith Cowan University of Western Australia. The event was hosted by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and graced by the attendance of Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
 
The Diploma in Aviation Security was awarded to 62 graduates, the majority of whom are Emirates Group staff members, with others from various government and private enterprises, such as Certis Cisco, Al Futtaim Group and several private security companies. Increasing in popularity, the well established Diploma in Ground Handling will be graduating 34 successful students. For the first time, the Diploma in Security Investigation has been introduced and four Emirates Group staff members have been conferred in this inaugural batch.
 
Presenting the diplomas at a ceremony at the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai were HH Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group; HE Ms Bryce, AC; Gary Chapman, President Group Services & DNATA; Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Group Security; and Professor Kerry Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President, Edith Cowan University.
 
Family and friends of the graduates attended the event, along with senior management of Emirates and Edith Cowan University, delegates for various consulates and representatives from the security and aviation industry in the UAE.
 
In his keynote speech at the ceremony, Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, said: "The strong response to the programme demonstrates the need for education in the industry. Emirates is proud to partner with Edith Cowan University to meet this need. This is a partnership and a programme that works, because it combines practical industry experience with academic best practices. It keeps security education relevant, cutting-edge, and brings it to new heights.
 
"The diploma course takes nearly one year to complete. Balancing work, family commitments and study is never an easy task. I would like to congratulate the graduates on their successful completion of the diploma programme, and also recognise their family and friends whom I know have been a source of encouragement and support for them," he added.
 
In congratulating the graduates, Professor Cox said: "Emirates is a world leader in aviation and it is our pleasure to be working with them in developing and implementing world leading education and training programs on aviation security. I applaud the graduates and wish them tremendous success in their careers."
 
Commenting on the requirement for security training cum education among aviation industry professionals, Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Group Security, said: "The close relationship between CASS and Edith Cowan University allows us to offer dynamic, tailored programme, to fit the needs of the industry while also meeting regulatory standards. This significant joint collaboration between an educational institution and business is key to meeting challenges such as international terrorism and organised crime facing the aviation industry today."
 
The diploma courses in Aviation Security Management, Ground Handling, and Security Investigation includes home study and monthly tutorials held at the Emirates Aviation College, with assessments assessed and graded by Edith Cowan University.
 
Caption: (L-R) HE Mr Doug Trappett, Australian Ambassador to the UAE; HE Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia; HH Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group; Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group; Professor Kerry Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President, Edith Cowan University and Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Group Security with the 100 CASS graduates after receiving their diplomas at today's graduation ceremony.
 
-Ends-

About Emirates Group Security 
Emirates Group Security is a multi-faceted organisation that formulates and administers security strategies and measures throughout the Emirates network.
 
Offering a spectrum of security services ranging from general to aviation, the department boasts strength of over 350 staff directly employed and over 1500 security staff supplied by service partner, Transguard. Not only limiting its services to Emirates Group but also extends its special aviation security services to other airlines that operate in and out of Dubai International Airport on commercial basis.
 
To constantly function and implement security policies, systems and procedures at base and throughout the network, The Group branches are divided into 8 functional units and each has its own core process. Each individual functional unit plays an important role and contributes to the success and the growth of the department and to the company as a whole.
 
Emirates Group Security has long been an industry leader in the development of systems and procedures to secure and facilitate business flow, combat fraud, thwarting of illegal immigration and also in the area of aviation security training/education. Based in Dubai, the division has achieved significant success through its association with Arab Air Carrier Organisation and ICAO and other reputable organisations world wide to add further dimensions to its already accredited training/education   by both GCAA and its education partner, ECU.
 
The   implementation of the Group Security Quality Management System (QMS), in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 standards by every member of the team reflects the commitment of the management and staff towards excellence.  Group Security was the first in the UAE and Middlle East to be certified by TAPA (Transported Assets Protection Association) in 2006 and has continued to be recertified.

Centre of Aviation & Security Studies 
 
Run in close partnership with Edith Cowan University of Western Australia and several universities world wide e.g. Open University of Malaysia. The centre provides high-quality, university-affiliated educational and training programmes. The centre employs qualified trainers and education consultants who provide client-specific programmes. Curricula development includes research into comparable international syllabi to ensure a comprehensive programme.

A panel of specialists with academic and industry-specific expertise will approve all programmes.

The centre aims to become a world-class leader in the provision of educational programmes. The distinguishing factor of the centre is that it takes training to new heights by combining knowledge from various sectors and making all their programmes competency-based whilst providing an expanded educational component. What this means is that programmes offered are based on sound training and educational principles. Students may qualify for credits in comparable institutions internationally.  All students receive certificates with international affiliations.

Contact: 
Siobhan Oswald,
Emirates Corporate Communications;
Tel: (+9714) 708 3363;
M: (+97150) 950 8654;
email: siobhan.oswald@emirates.com,
www.ekgroup.com/mediacentre

© Press Release 2010