Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways welcomed the latest group of graduates from its innovative development programme to join divisions across the airline as pilots, managers, contact centre staff and technical engineers.
The 217 graduates included 65 Emirati cadet pilots and 20 cadet pilots of other nationalities; 74 Emirati graduate managers, 44 Emirati contact centre staff and 14 Emirati technical trainees.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The development of talented UAE nationals is a top priority for Etihad Airways. Since the launch in 2007 of our UAE National Development Programme, we have continued to enhance the training programmes to include all aspects of the airline business and invest and expand our state-of-the-art educational facilities for trainees.”
The 52 cadet pilots who graduated in this latest group join Etihad Airways as second officers, having completing an 18-month training course at Horizon Flight academy in Al Ain.
The graduation ceremony also recognised the first 33 cadet pilots to successfully complete the first phase of the enhanced Cadet Pilot programme and obtain a bachelor’s degree in aviation.
The Cadet Pilot Programme works in partnership with Abu Dhabi University, and spans three years, including classroom-based academic studies as well as internships at the airline’s offices.
“The addition of an Aviation Science degree to the Etihad Airways Cadet Pilot Programme is a great example of how we continue to develop our training. This will empower our future pilots with knowledge alongside their practical training.” Hogan added.
