Etihad to set up training college

Etihad Airways on Monday announced that it is establishing Etihad Flight College, a world-class flight training facility in the United Arab Emirates, for Emirati and international cadet pilots.

As a first step in establishing the college, Etihad Airways is in the process of acquiring the fixed wing training division from Horizon International Flight Academy (Horizon), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, said a press release.

Based in Al Ain, Horizon has provided helicopter (rotary wing) training programmes since 2003, and airplane (fixed wing) training since 2007. At Horizon, pilots can qualify for their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

Horizon currently has 210 trainees enrolled in its aviation training programmes and has been the selected training provider for Etihad Airways’ cadet pilots for the last seven years.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The establishment of the Etihad Flight College is a natural part of our strategy to produce the best pilots to support our rapidly expanding fleet. It also helps underpin the growth and development of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi.

“We’re committed to developing a world-class facility which combines new and best practice training programmes with high calibre instructors. The training facility will enhance the career opportunities in aviation, especially for UAE nationals.”

Subject to regulatory approval, Horizon’s fixed wing division will be acquired by Etihad Flight College, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Etihad Airways. The remaining rotary wing division will be Horizon’s key area of focus with plans to consolidate and continue to grow the business.

Etihad Flight College will also implement the innovative Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), a competency-based training programme that is focused on developing cadet pilot candidates into high quality First Officers on completion of their training.

Etihad Flight College will be the first organisation in the world to use multi-engine aircraft in the core phase of its MPL training programme. Cadet pilots will benefit from the utilisation of advanced aircraft and simulation training throughout the programme in a multi-crew setting- where two pilots conduct operations that are focused on the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft, as opposed to the traditional single-pilot model that is prevalent in the industry today.