Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Programme, designed by Emirates airline to support the development of UAE nationals, celebrated yesterday the largest graduating class in its 23-year history. The graduation ceremony was held in the presence of H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group and attended by representative of CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, family, friends and Emirates' senior management.

During the graduation ceremony, held at the Emirates Group Headquarters, Sheikh Ahmed presented trophies and certificates to 80 graduates who have successfully completed the four-year pilot training programme. Counting this year's number of cadets and trainees, now Emirates has nearly 500 Emirati pilots.

"We are confident that this class of graduates will contribute to shaping the future of Emirates, playing a key role in servicing our expanding network. They will not only be assets to the airline, but will serve as role models for future generations in the UAE.I wish the graduates all the best in their future career and I look forward to see them succeed," said Sheikh Ahmed.

"More than two decades ago, Emirates began the UAE National Cadet Pilot programme with only four trainees. Since then we have steadily built the programme and I am delighted to be standing here today to honour 80 Emirati cadets- our largest graduating class. This is an incredible achievement and further highlights Emirates' drive towards increasing and maintaining UAE Nationals within our workforce. It is my goal and the goal of Emirates to see this number grow year after year," said Captain Nabil Al Boom, Emirates' National Cadet Pilot Manager In tandem with the rapid development of the aviation industry and the growing demand for pilots in the region, Emirates has recently announced the establishment of Emirates Flight Training Academy which will officially launch next year. With the ability to accommodate 400 pilots training at the same time, the academy will bring the full training programme back home to the UAE. It will offer training programmes using the latest available technology and advanced aircraft to prepare our cadets to succeed in this ever-changing industry.

Emirates commitment to training UAE Nationals extends to every corner of the Emirates Group. Each year, Flight Operation and National Recruitment and Development work together to invest in UAE Nationals.

The division makes continuous efforts throughout the year to attract Emiratis, from regular visits to educational institutions and summer training programmes for students, to career fairs across the UAE and proactive recruitment.

Source: WAM