Emirates and Edith Cowan University honour aviation security and ground handling professionals

The Diploma in Aviation Security was awarded to 74 graduates, the majority of whom are Emirates Group staff members, with others from various government and private enterprises, such as Al Ain Civil Aviation and DHL Express.

The Diploma in Ground Handling was awarded to 12 Emirates Group staff members.

Presenting the Diplomas in Aviation Security at a ceremony at the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai were Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Group Security, and Professor Kerry Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President, Edith Cowan University.

They were later joined by Nasser bin Kherbash, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Human Resources & Employee Services, who presented the Diplomas in Ground Handling.

Family and friends of the graduates attended the event, along with senior management of Emirates and Edith Cowan University.

In his keynote address, Maurice Flanagan CBE, Emirates' Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, noted: "The partnership between Emirates and the Edith Cowan University began in 2001 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The relationship has since flourished, leading to the establishment of the Emirates Group Centre of Aviation and Security Studies in Dubai last August.

"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 programmes. I must also thank their family members and friends whom I know have encouraged and supported them throughout their studies".

In congratulating the graduates, Professor Cox said: "We at Edith Cowan University derive immense benefit from working with Emirates. By establishing this academic centre outside the confines of the university campus in Perth, we are in close contact with professionals working in their various fields, which increases our knowledge-base of the industry, thereby enhancing our academic programmes for the benefit of our students".

"I congratulate the graduates and join in the celebration of both them and their families who supported them during their studies".

The diploma courses in Aviation Security Management and in Ground Handling involve home study and monthly tutorials held at the Emirates Aviation College, with examinations assessed and graded by Edith Cowan University.