28 June 2011, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) has signed an agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to be the exclusive provider for the association's courses in the region. The new courses will allow delegates from the aviation industry to enroll in world-class training programs without travelling out of the region, saving time and costs for airports and airlines.

The newly introduced courses will cover a wide range of topics including airlines, airport, cargo, management, regulatory, and Safety and Security, which are aimed at extending knowledge and sharpening skills to improve the human performance throughout the operation at the airport and the aviation industry. IATA courses cover both vocational and technical training needs, offering a wide range of specialized content to achieve professional goals in a cost effective manner. IATA caters to the need of candidates starting a career in aviation, or seeking advanced management training at managerial levels.

One key program delivered now at GCAS is the Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), which was adopted by IATA to improve safety and cut airline costs by drastically reducing ground accidents and injuries. The ISAGO program is an audit system conducted in a standardized and consistent manner, using internationally recognized quality auditing principles.

Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Othman Al Khouri, Deputy General Manager of GCAS, said:

"Becoming the exclusive provider of world class IATA courses in the UAE, in addition to becoming the first TRAINAIR Plus certified centre in the world last month, puts GCAS on track to becoming the leading aviation training centre in the region.  We look forward to welcoming delegates from airports and airlines across the Middle East to these new and unique courses to further advance the skills of the aviation and airport industry in the region."

IATA represents 238 member airlines from over 120 countries that carry 93% of the world's scheduled international air traffic. The organization provides a powerful, unified and experienced voice to support and promote its member airlines' operations and aspirations.

For more information on training courses schedule 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 JAA-TO  , ACI, and IATA 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 coursed, or contact training@gcas.ae for more information.

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About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) 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, ADAC assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, ADAC 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. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.

For more information, please contact:
Asala Faddah
Mob: +971 56 696 0787
Tel: +971 2 447 2805
E-Mail: adac@hillandknowlton.com

Elham Bourani
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Tel: +971 2   504 3304
Fax: +971 2   575 8300
Mob: +971 50 818 0467
E-mail: ebourani@adac.ae;
Web sites:www.adac.ae, www.adacmediacentre.com
Time Zone:   GMT/UTC +4

© Press Release 2011