The CEO of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Etihad Airways, Dr. Nadia Bastaki, confirmed that “(the carrier) aims to employ 600 Emirati pilots until 2030, within its (trainee pilots) program, which has been relaunched in its new form.”
Bastaki said, in statements on the sidelines of a media briefing at Etihad Airways headquarters in Abu Dhabi, that “the trainee pilots program is of great importance, as it is in line with Etihad Airways’ plans to grow and double the size of its network and fleet, and triple the number of passengers by 2030.”
She added that the number of Emirati graduates has reached 400 pilots since the launch of the program in June 2007 until now, while it is targeted to graduate about 60 Emirati pilots annually until 2030, with the program being relaunched again after it was halted during the “Covid-19” pandemic period.
She explained that the 400 graduates have already begun their careers in the field of aviation. 48 were promoted to the rank of captain, 237 are now flying as first copilot and 25 as second copilot, noting that the program in its new form aims to support Emirati cadres and talents, enable them to begin their careers in the aviation industry, and contribute to Etihad Airways’ growth plans.
For his part, Vice President of Aviation Operations, Captain Mohamed Ahmed Anwahi, said, “The trainee pilots program adopts the latest training methods, aircraft models, simulators and technologies,” noting that the trainee pilots have the opportunity to operate one of the most modern fleets in the aviation sector and train in modern facilities.
Anwahi added that the program lasts for two years at the Etihad Training Academy, which includes six weeks of secondment in Spain, noting that the courses comply with aviation regulations, and include a mix of theoretical and practical training, including full flight simulator sessions.
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news
