George H. Ebbs names Chief Executive Officer of DAE University

Dr. Ebbs (63), retired as President of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), in Florida last year. During his seven years in the post, he helped expand the institution into the biggest aviation university in the world with internationally recognized curricula in engineering, aviation sciences and aviation business administration.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of DAE and President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group said: "This appointment is an important step in DAE University becoming a world-renowned focal point for aerospace education. We welcome the extensive knowledge and experience that Dr Ebbs brings with him."

Ebbs will take up his new role in August and become part of DAE's leadership team.

His appointment follows the announcement last week that Bob Johnson, formerly Chairman of Honeywell Aerospace, will become CEO of DAE from August 1.

Johnson said: "In George Ebbs we have recruited one of the most experienced and talented individuals in aerospace academia. We are scouring the world for a leadership team with the enthusiasm, commitment and ambition to leave deliver the ambitious objectives for DAE and George has these qualities in abundance. He will be a vitally important asset to DAE and I look forward to him officially joining our team."

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Ebbs said: "DAE has laid down a bold mission for the future, with DAE University at the heart of its ambition to deliver an aerospace legacy to the region and to the world. One rarely has an opportunity to build from scratch an education, institution second to none - an institution that will shape a new generation of aerospace professionals. I am honoured to have been chosen to lead DAE University going forward."

Dr Ebbs was named as DAE University's new President at a press conference at the Farnborough Air Show. During the event DAE University signed a 20-year partnership agreement with Cranfield University, enabling DAE to offer a wide range of top-level courses when doors open in Dubai this October.

The institute will commence by offering the first aerospace-focused business and engineering Master and Doctoral programmes in the Middle East.

Courses will be validated by Cranfield University and utilise a team of its specialist tutors, who will be permanently based in Dubai, working alongside a range of reputed international guest lecturers.

DAE University will eventually emerge as a purpose-built facility at Dubai World Central - the 140 square kilometre new airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The location of the interim site will be announced shortly.

DAE University also plans to enter into partnerships with other internationally renowned institutions, and is currently in negotiation with a number of other universities and educational providers to offer aerospace-specific undergraduate programmes next year. Through these partnerships, DAE University plans to offer a wider range of aerospace and aviation-focused education and training in Dubai - from additional degree courses, to vocational training and pilot training.

DAE University will create 2,000 direct and indirect new jobs in Dubai, with plans to contribute more than $250 million to Dubai's economy each year.