UAE | Employment
Middle East needs 8,000 pilots in next 20 years
More than 8,000 commercial pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to satisfy demand from expanding Middle East carriers, aerospace experts say.
- WAM
- Published: 15:22 November 4, 2007
- Salma Mohammad Al Baloushi and Aisha Hassan Al Mansouri are set to become the first female UAE national pilots to take to the skies.
- Image Credit: Supplied
Abu Dhabi: More than 8,000 commercial pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to satisfy demand from expanding Middle East carriers, aerospace experts say.
Massive fleet development among the region's commercial carriers, including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, is spurring demand for manpower, according to the Al Ain-based Horizon International Flight Academy (Horizon).
Aerospace experts are predicting that the world's aviation fleet will double to more than 35,000 aircraft by 2025.
"The only thing that can be done to meet the shortfall is to train more people for careers as pilots," said Mohammed Humaidan Al Zaabi, General Manager of Horizon.
Al Zaabi added that more Emirati men and women are showing interest in taking up a profession in aviation. "The career potential for locals is huge," he said.
Al Zaabi said they are offering alternative "cost effective training courses" for aspiring pilots.
"With much of the new demand for pilots originating in the Middle East, it makes sense to train them here," he said.
Share this article
More from UAE Employment
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Sounds of Arabia: Majida El Roumi to participate
- UAE Haj pilgrims 'in good health'
- Accountant jailed after pleading guilty
- Guard sentenced for molestation
- Brothers jailed for alcohol-fuelled rampage
- Expats come together for Lebanese national day
- Authority to conserve books on Islam
- Forum to combat human trafficking launched
- UAE, Portugal sign accord on diplomatic representation
- Blaze destroys ‘biggest UAE flag' in Ras Al Khaimah
- Police chief urges region to strengthen GCC institutions
- Mohammad leads high-level delegation for visit to UK
- Big surge in Dubai arrivals
- Fatality rates on Dubai roads drop considerably
- A weighty issue for Gulf News readers
Community Reports
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
-
Construction site turned into dump
Sharjah residents using abandoned spot to dispose of waste
-
Stop disregarding road rules
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to curb reckless driving during rush hours in Mussafah industrial area underpass
