Second group of Emirati graduates start at Etihad

The aim is to produce UAE national managers who will play a key part in Etihad's future growth and is part of Etihad's highly successful Emiratisation scheme which also includes an aircraft maintenance engineering programme and cadet pilot programme.

The extensive 18 month scheme involves a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience culminating with placements in a variety of Etihad departments where the trainee learns about different aspects of the airline's business.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said:

"Etihad is committed to developing the UAE's national talent and our graduate management development programme has proved a tremendous success with our first group already having a positive impact within the day-to-day operation of the airline."

"Etihad's Emiratisation programme - whether it's graduate trainees, cadet pilots or aircraft engineers - helps us to recruit, train and develop the best candidates and provide them with an exciting and fulfilling career plan."

Members of the first graduate programme have completed six months of their work placement phase in departments across the company. This includes customer service, sales and marketing, reservations, pricing and ticketing, network and schedule planning, finance and human resources.

Upon successful completion of the programme the trainees will attain an internationally recognised and accredited post graduate diploma.

Hassan Rashed Dhanhani, a member of the second group on the graduate programme, said: "The Etihad Airways Emiratisation programme has quickly gained recognition across the UAE as one of the most comprehensive and advanced schemes available to UAE nationals. I look forward to successfully completing the initial classroom phase and start training within the airline."

The second group of Etihad Airways' graduate management development programme are: Hassan Rashed Dhanhani, Saada Zaher Al Taei, Amna Mohammed Bani Hashem, Asma Faqqas Al Ameri, Fatima Mohammed Al Haddad, Haneefa Ebrahim Albloushi and Einas Saeed Mohamed Al Ameri.