Horizon International Flight Academy launches higher diploma for UAE pilots

"This Diploma program is a much needed breakthrough for pilots in particular as it is especially valuable to those individuals who later want to move from flying to management. The UAE aviation industry in general too will benefit as qualifications such as this will enable individuals to sustain a long term career in aviation", Al Zaabi explained.

Students who already hold a pilot license (CPL) receive credit for the flight training and are able to follow a shorter one year course (three semesters), instead of the usual two year programme.

The Higher Diploma in Aviation Business Administration is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Horizon is the only Academy to receive licensure from the Ministry to offer the Diploma course alongside the pilot training program.

Explaining the benefits that pilots get from acquiring this diploma, Al Zaabi said:

"The training of pilots is specific to learning to fly, and this training will be further enhanced with business studies such as this Diploma, to turn out better rounded individuals who can later move from the cockpit to the ground."

The academy is constantly expanding its training courses to cater to the needs of the aviation industry in the region.

"We have organised school trips to the Academy, where students visit the different departments and get the feel of working in the aviation industry. This gives students a better perspective into this exciting industry while educating them about the various career opportunities in the aviation industry that they might be encouraged to pursue," Al Zaabi concluded.

Horizon has been in operation for over six years and has graduated close to 300 pilots and instructors since opening in September 2003.