Emirates honours Aviation Security Management graduates

The diplomas were conferred by the Edith Cowan University of Western Australia, in association with Emirates' security education wing, Transguard Education Academy, part of the airline's Group Security department.

In his keynote speech at the ceremony, Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, said: "The strong response to this programme demonstrates a demand for this area of training, and Emirates is glad to partner with Edith Cowan University to meet this need. This is a partnership and a programme that works, because it combines practical industry experience with academic best practices. It keeps security training relevant, cutting-edge, and brings it to new heights."

"The diploma course takes a year to complete. Balancing work, family commitments and study is never an easy task. I would like to congratulate the graduates on their successful completion of the diploma programme, and also recognise their family and friends whom I know have been a source of encouragement and support for them."

The majority of the 101 graduates are currently working in 20 different business divisions of the Emirates Group.

The remaining are from various UAE-based organisations and companies, including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the UAE Armed Forces, the Dubai Police Force, Emirates Flight Catering, Citibank, HSBC, Bentley and Falcon Airline FECA.

Professor Kerry Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President of Edith Cowan University, congratulated the graduates following the ceremony, adding: "It is a great honour for Edith Cowan University to be linked with Emirates through this diploma programme which combines academic principles with practical, day-to-day situations in the aviation industry that require the efficient management of security."

Commenting on the rising popularity of the programme, Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Senior Vice President Group Security, said: "The good response that we have received can be attributed to the change of mind-set with regard to Security. Security has become an integral, fundamental and indispensable component of the any industry, especially aviation. Thus, I am not surprised with the response that we have received from non-traditional business sectors, such as banks."