ETIHAD Aviation Training, part of Etihad Aviation Group, has relaunched its world-class aviation training organization with the aim of becoming one of the most comprehensive aviation training facilities in the world.

Based at two locations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Etihad Aviation Training, previously known as Etihad Flight College, is a commercially-focused business open to external customers, while retaining the operational and safety values that have underpinned Etihad’s training services to-date.

Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Etihad Aviation Training is an ambitious enterprise, pursuing its mandate to provide outstanding training services to a global audience.

“The growth of the business will mirror the expansion of the global training market and we are excited about our expanding portfolio of programs and products. These services are accessible to both Etihad Airways and now, for the first time, to external customers.”

Etihad Aviation Training offers a wide range of training products and services, including airline training, type rating, cabin crew safety training, instructor training and cadet programs, and aircraft maintenance training, making it one of the largest training facilities in the Middle East.

Ten full-flight simulators are currently in operation at with two additional devices arriving later this year, including the first Airbus A350-900 and a third Boeing 787-9.

This will enable Etihad Aviation Training to take advantage of the increasing global training demand, particularly from within the GCC, Europe, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Captain Paolo La Cava, Director Etihad Aviation Training, said: “We are always looking for ways to expand our operations and activities, and the relaunch of the center is the perfect platform for us to do this.

“By expanding and redeveloping our facilities within the UAE, we are able to offer a one-stop solution to our customers —from individual pilots to global airlines, and I’m confident that we will grow to become a globally recognized aviation training center.”

Etihad Aviation Training’s packages are complemented by the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) programs that are delivered from the company’s well-established Flight Training Organization based in Al Ain.

Of particular pride to the organization has been the success of the UAE National Cadet Pilot Training program which to date has trained 231 UAE Nationals, 91 of whom are active flight crew in Etihad today, with a further 200 plus cadets continuing through the program during 2018-2022.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Etihad Aviation Group is a diversified global aviation and travel group with a business model driven by partnership and an innovative approach to growth. Etihad Aviation Group comprises five business divisions — Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates; Etihad Airways Engineering; Etihad Airport Services; Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners.

Etihad Airport Services manages Etihad Aviation Group’s investment in the support businesses at its Abu Dhabi hub. Formed in 2013, Etihad Airport Services cover catering through EAS Catering, above and below wing ground handling through EAS Ground Handling, and cargo logistics operations through EAS Cargo. All are located at Abu Dhabi International Airport. In addition, Etihad Airport Services oversees the Group’s investment in its dedicated Flight Crew and Cadet training operations through Etihad Aviation Training. — SG