Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013-04-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — In line with its strategy to develop the aviation sector of the U.A.E and the region, Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) held informative aviation sessions to Diploma and High School level students in Abu Dhabi last month at its headquarters in Al Bateen Executive Airport.
The aviation and airport industry has been witnessing double digit growth in the region in the past decade, a growth trend that is anticipated to continue in the coming decades, which highlights the urgency to develop the needed pool of aviation professionals that will be able to carry this industry well into the future. GCAS plays a stringent role in attracting the younger generation from students and youth through many initiatives that will increase awareness of this dynamic industry and its needs as well as its opportunities.
The latest of these initiatives was a group of informative sessions organised by GCAS, at the back of Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, aimed at raising awareness to students in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi highlighting the growth and development of the aviation industry.
More than 120 aeronautical engineering students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and 12th Grade students from the Emirates National School attended the sessions and were acquainted with the vital role the aviation industry plays in the U.A.E; as well as the various careers opportunities available in the industry.
Aws N. Al Khanjari, General Manager of GCAS commented: “The aviation industry has been a key driver in bringing the world closer together, connecting places, people, cultures and nations. Aviation is a key driver of the UAE economy with direct & indirect contribution to the UAE GDP exceeding 14.7% and currently employing more than 433,000 people. Aviation is expected to play an even more vital role in the UAE economy with the UAE firmly establishing itself as the “centre” of the aviation world.”
“Through the informative sessions, GCAS aims to raise awareness that a career in aviation is beyond being a pilot or a flight attendant. There is a whole range of varied and exciting career opportunities today, such as in Traffic Control, Operations, Aviation Marketing etc. The courses will have opened doors for students to consider the industry for untraditional career opportunities.”
Some of the topics covered during the sessions included: The Future for Aviation, Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 & Aviation, Sustaining aviation growth in the Middle East, Commercial Airlines versus Private Jets, Alternate Careers Beyond Pilots and Engineers.
Attending students were also given the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi Air Expo, the first General Aviation Exhibition in the region and view the various aircraft on display as well as interact with a number of leading operators, manufacturers and suppliers.
###