HONG KONG, 2015-3-17 — /Travel PR News/ — The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with an inaugural ceremony held on 13 March to launch the 2015 activity. A total of 32 young people, shortlisted from more than 500 applicants, will take part in the nine-month aviation-related training programme.
The DACP, an integral part of the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy, offers local youth a solid platform to arouse their interests in the world of aviation through training sessions and facility visits hosted by various Dragonair departments and aviation-related organisations in Hong Kong. All participants will enjoy a unique one-on-one mentorship from a Dragonair pilot. The most exciting part is that participants will take part in an observation flight, join a pre-flight briefing and then board a scheduled Dragonair service to observe their mentor at work.
Aside from all the learning opportunities, participants will also be given the chance to give something back to the local community by designing and organising a social service activity leveraging on their leadership skills and team spirit. Participants from last year designed an educational experience for children with family members suffering from cancer.
Officiating at the inaugural ceremony, Dragonair Chief Executive Algernon Yau said: “We are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme this year, and it is fitting that we celebrate this landmark in the same year we celebrate the 30thanniversary of our airline. Aviation is an industry of huge importance to the Hong Kong economy and the demand for young talent will grow stronger than ever. As a home carrier of Hong Kong, one of our key missions is to keep bringing new blood into the industry to help it prosper. Through this programme we aim to equip young people with the knowledge and exposure they need to develop a rewarding career in aviation.”
Dragonair’s General Manager Flying, Captain Peter Healey, explained that the interview process for the DACP is thorough, with each applicant being assessed on their general aptitude as well as their enthusiasm and passion for aviation – qualities that are essential in any successful aviation career. “The programme is not designed to focus on what may be perceived as the glamorous aspects of aviation, but rather to provide insights into the importance of all aviation partners and the synergies that exist between them.” Capt Healey said.
Group Captain Lee Kwok-wing, Commanding Officer of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, the organising partner for the DACP, said: “The Corps feels privileged to have remained a partner of Dragonair ever since the DACP was launched a decade ago. We feel excited about seeing the programme go from strength to strength, and to see the number of industry partners increasing. We must ensure the continued success of this programme for the good of Hong Kong.”
Influenced by his father, who works in the local aviation industry, one of the 32 DACP participants Michael Yim said he has been passionate about aviation since he was a child. “I began to take photos of airplanes landing and taking off when I was in secondary school, which further aroused my interest in flying and aviation operations. Most of the programmes I have participated in provided only basic knowledge, but the DACP offers the chance to gain a holistic understanding of different aspects of the aviation industry. I am confident I can define my goals through this programme and be a part of the industry after I graduate.”
The programme’s success relies on continued support from various aviation-related organisations, including Airport Authority Hong Kong, Aviation Security Company Limited, the Civil Aviation Department, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited, Hong Kong Airport Services Limited, LSG Lufthansa Service Hong Kong Limited, the Hong Kong Police Force, Airport Meteorological Office of the Hong Kong Observatory, and TAG Aviation Asia Limited. All these organisations have shown they are ready and willing to help nurture the next generation for Hong Kong’s aviation industry.
More information on the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme and other activities in the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy can be found at www.dragonair.com/aviationacademy.
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32 participants took a pledge to show their commitment to the programme.