Etihad Flight College receives GCAA approval

29 January 2015 - Etihad Flight College, the world-class flight training college based at Al Ain International Airport in the UAE, is now authorised to provide the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training program following certification as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Etihad Airways, Etihad Flight College was established to train ab-initio pilots for the airline’s rapidly expanding fleet, and currently provides fixed wing training to over 90 Emirati and international students.

The MPL training program provides students with the core competencies required of an airline pilot in today’s ever changing aviation marketplace.  It focuses on relevant and operator-specific training, rather than the traditional model of performance-based training in a generic format.  It produces pilots with not only the skills to fly a modern commercial aircraft to the most exacting standards, but the competencies and attitudes required of a professional pilot as well.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Establishing our own world-class training facility is a long-term strategy to support our needs for the future. As the national airline of the UAE, it is vital for us to offer training and manpower development for Emirati’s while also providing a source of well-trained, highly-skilled pilots for our growing operations.”

Established following the acquisition of the fixed wing division of Horizon International Flight Academy from Mubadala in September 2014, the Etihad Flight College will train up to 200 Emirati and international cadets annually.

Etihad Airways currently employs over 2,200 pilots to operate its fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.