DAE University partners with MIT to introduce global best practices in training curriculum

DAE University is the education and training arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).

Through the pioneering regional collaboration, which is expected to be a multi-year program, MIT will help in designing an innovative curriculum for DAE University's aviation degree programs by incorporating competitive simulation games and case studies that are used in MIT courses. MIT will also deliver seminars and short courses specifically focused on the aviation and aerospace industry.

His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Managing Director of DAE, said:

"DAE University's collaboration with MIT creates an opportunity to develop a strong regional data warehouse for the aviation industry. This is of particular relevance given the dearth of region-specific industry data. Dubai's advantage as the region's aerospace hub will drive the research programs in analyzing and presenting the trends, success drivers and potential pitfalls that face the industry. The close evaluation will also give us a referral source on the risks, challenges and opportunities facing the aviation and aerospace industry here."

The MIT Global Airline Industry Program, established in 2000, brings together a multidisciplinary team of faculty, staff and graduate students drawn from world-leading universities and research centres including several MIT schools like the Sloan School of Management. The program aims to develop an evolving body of knowledge that understands the development, growth and competitive advantages of the global aviation industry. It addresses all aspects of the economics, management and operations of air carriers around the world through its research and industry outreach.

MIT's Global Airline Industry Program will collaborate with DAE University faculty in association with global research institutions, university and professionals in several areas creating a database of aviation statistics for the Middle East, the impact of air transportation on the environment, airport hubs in the region, and the impact of Very Light Jets (VLJs) on the region.

Explained Bob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise: "Environmental sustainability is an increasing concern for the aviation sector globally. Our collaborative research initiative specifically addressing the environmental aspects will mark a new era in sustainable aviation development strategies."

Added Dr George Ebbs, President, DAE University: "The MIT Global Airline Industry Program, through its focus on the economic aspects, management and operations of air carriers internationally, has created a valuable knowledge pool of industry best practices. The collaboration with DAE University will further scale up the institution's educational programs and offer students an all-round perspective of the industry."

DAE University has already established a Centre for Advanced Aerospace Research and Innovation to strengthen regional R&D in the aviation and aerospace industry. It currently offers Bachelors programs in Flight and Aviation Management and Business Administration and plans to add two more Bachelors programs in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. The University has recently received accreditation for four Masters Programs in Aerospace Management, Global Logistics, Operations & Airline Management and Air Transport Management which will commence from September 2008.