Third class of Emirati cadet pilots starts training

The cadet pilots, who recently completed their initial foundation training course, have now embarked upon the rigorous 18 month training programme at Horizon.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said:

'The Emirati cadet programme goes from strength-to-strength and we are very proud to welcome Etihad's third class of cadet pilots and wish them the very best of luck in their flight training. Etihad continues to build its Emiratisation scheme which by the end of 2008 will boast more than 100 participants across the cadet pilot, management trainee and technical engineering programmes. With Etihad's incredible growth set to continue it is crucial that we develop our multi-talented, multi-cultural workforce with strong Emirati representation.'

To complete the Etihad pilot programme each cadet has to undertake 905 hours in the classroom and 205 hours flying experience in single and multi-engine aircraft as well as Etihad's state-of-the-art flight simulators.

A further 12 applicants are currently undertaking a foundation course in subjects such as physics, maths and English in order to achieve the required standard to join the Etihad programme at Horizon.

The programme will continue to operate throughout the year with new intakes of cadet pilots joining the scheme at Horizon every three months.

Etihad Airways launched an international cadet pilot programme in March, to run alongside the Emirati programme, which will see the first intake of 12 cadet pilots begin the 18 month training course in July with a second class scheduled to start at the end of 2008.

Etihad Airways' third class of Emirati cadet pilots includes Majid Al-Dusari; Ahmed Al-Hosani; Saif Al-Amimi; Ebrahim Al-Mehri; Ahmed Al-Suwaidi; Ahmed Al-Mansoori; Khaled Al-Junaibi; Qabous Ba Shatah; Hasan Al-Mansoori; Mohammed Bin Hussain; Yousef Al-Shehhi; Mansoor Al-Shamsi and Rawdha Al-Mansoori.

Meanwhile Etihad's first class of cadet pilots were recently presented with a set of Etihad flying wings by James Hogan and Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' executive vice president operations, following the completion of their first solo flight.

In addition to the cadet pilot programme, Etihad Airways' Emiratisation initiatives focus on two other streams which include the technical engineering development programme and graduate management development programme.