1 April 2014 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS), based in Al Bateen Executive Airport, hosted the first International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional TRAINAIR PLUS Course Developers and Instructors Standardization Meetings (CDI/STDs) from 17 to 19 March 2014.

The meeting was aimed at instructors, course developers and TRAINAIR PLUS validators from around the region who want to keep pace with changes affecting the aviation training industry.

The CDI/STDs enable participants to enhance their knowledge and implementation of the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS course development methodology, which is based on ICAO Doc 9941 - Training Development Guide, Competency-based Training Methodology, as well as any other Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies they may be using.

The TRAINAIR PLUS Programme's goal is to improve the safety and efficiency of air transport through the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of high standards in training and competency of aviation personnel on a world-wide basis and in a cost-effective manner. 

Comments from Capt. Mostafa Hoummady, ICAO Global Aviation Training Manager:

"This first ICAO training standardization meeting, graciously hosted by GCAS, was geared toward training professionals from the Middle East, Africa and Europe regions to keep pace with training standards and best practices, in addition to the evolution of technology. The meeting also allowed the aviation training community to identify challenges and potential solutions for their training functions related to the development and delivery of training courses. We very much look forward to the conclusions and recommendations of this event, which will further enhance training in aviation and be shared by all the TRAINAIR PLUS Community with the ultimate goal of producing and conducting high quality training courses."

Aws Al Khanjari, General Manager of GCAS said:

"ICAO CDI/STDs are a key element of the TRAINAIR PLUS Programme. They provide a unique platform for training professionals to exchange best practices, discuss challenges and identify opportunities for the improvement of training deliverables. Hosting the first meeting at GCAS provided a space for discussing the major aspects in the line of aviation training."

Backed by leading global aviation training organisations, GCAS designs, develops and delivers the best possible training solutions to meet the needs of the industry in the Middle East. GCAS is one of the few aviation training centres in the world located in an operational airport, providing training with a unique on-the-job learning experience

GCAS is one of the world's first Gold Member of the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS programme, and is both an IATA Regional  Training Center and an Authorized Training Center, as well as an Airports Council International (ACI) Global Training Hub and an exclusive provider for Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation (JAA TO) programmes in the region.

For more information, please visit www.gcas.ae

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About GCAS
The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS), a GCAA certified centre and member of ICAO TrainAir PLUS programme, was created to serve the aviation training needs of the aviation industry stakeholders in the region. GCAS has partnered with leading international organizations such as ACI, IATA, ICAO JAA TO & Kenyon International Emergency Services to ensure that industry best practices and leading-edge courses are brought to the Middle East. Through its own proprietary courses and those of its partners, GCAS provides cost effective training solutions to address the challenges of the 21st century aviation industry.

With its new facilities at Al Bateen Executive Airport, GCAS offers its students the unique chance to observe a leading international airport in operational circumstances.

The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies offers ongoing training programs covering different sectors of the aviation business including:

  • Airline

  • Airport

  • Cargo

  • Management

  • Regulatory / Civil Aviation

  • Safety and Security

  • Aviation Law

Go to GCAS's website at www.gcas.ae to see the latest courses, or contact training@gcas.ae for more information.

About Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year.

© Press Release 2014