Etihad Airways cadet pilots begin specialised training programme in Ireland

ABU DHABI (WAM): A group of 36 Etihad Airways U.A.E. national cadet pilots have started a specialised aviation training programme at College Ireland Aviation Services at Weston Airport in Dublin, Ireland. The cadet pilots were welcomed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Francis Fitzgerald TD; Second Secretary of the U.A.E. Embassy in Ireland, Mohamed Al Shamsi and Brian Joyce, Executive Chairman of College Ireland Aviation Services. Also in attendance was Captain Salah Awadh Alfarajalla, VP Aviation Security and National Pilot Development, and Wissam Hachem, Vice President for Learning and Development at Etihad Airways. Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ Chief People and Performance Officer, said, "Etihad Airways continually identifies world class training and education opportunities to develop our aviation professionals. This partnership with College Ireland Aviation Services will help to grow and empower our Emirati cadet pilots who will play an important role in our business." Ireland's Ambassador to the U.A.E., Patrick Hennessy, said, "I warmly welcome the new programme launched by Etihad Airways and College Ireland in the framework of their strategic partnership. "This initiative underlines the significant cooperation between Etihad Airways and Ireland, and is also testament to the quality of Irish education, as reflected in the training programme developed by College Ireland in cooperation with Etihad Airways. "In welcoming these young Emirati cadet pilots to Ireland, I am also pleased to note this further enhancement of the rapidly growing positive relationship between Ireland and the U.A.E." As part of the programme, cadet pilots will enhance their language skills for real-life flying situations including abnormal and emergency scenarios. The cadet pilots will undertake aviation-specific subject modules, such as dangerous goods training. At the end of the programme they will take internationally recognised aviation language exams. Sara Al Naqbi, one of the cadet pilots taking the course, said, "This is a fantastic opportunity to study and learn in Ireland as well as develop our English language skills to meet the requirements to be a qualified Etihad Airways pilot. "While the classroom training is essential to develop our aviation language, this experience also gives us the opportunity to be immersed in an English speaking culture while we live with our host families." Since the launch of Etihad Airways’ graduate programmes, more than 1,000 people have joined the airline and are now deployed in positions across the airline. U.A.E. nationals are the largest nationality in Etihad Airways with 1,680 currently employed across the airline. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395270375189.html