ABU DHABI, 2015-1-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Etihad Flight College, the world-class flight training college based at Al Ain International Airport in the UAE, is now authorised to provide the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training program following certification as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Etihad Airways, Etihad Flight College was established to train ab-initio pilots for the airline’s rapidly expanding fleet, and currently provides fixed wing training to over 90 Emirati and international students.
The MPL training program provides students with the core competencies required of an airline pilot in today’s ever changing aviation marketplace. It focuses on relevant and operator-specific training, rather than the traditional model of performance-based training in a generic format. It produces pilots with not only the skills to fly a modern commercial aircraft to the most exacting standards, but the competencies and attitudes required of a professional pilot as well.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Establishing our own world-class training facility is a long-term strategy to support our needs for the future. As the national airline of the UAE, it is vital for us to offer training and manpower development for Emirati’s while also providing a source of well-trained, highly-skilled pilots for our growing operations.”
Established following the acquisition of the fixed wing division of Horizon International Flight Academy from Mubadala in September 2014, the Etihad Flight College will train up to 200 Emirati and international cadets annually.
Etihad Airways currently employs over 2,200 pilots to operate its fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 70 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.
Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia, Jet Airways and Alitalia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Etihad Regional also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.
For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
For more information contact:
Damian James, Etihad Airways Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 (0) 2 511 1035 / Email: djames@etihad.ae