The Emirates Aviation College in Dubai is to launch a licensing course for commercial airline pilots - a first for the UAE.
Running for 13 weeks, successful completion of this multi-crew jet conversion course will give students their "frozen" Airline Transport Pilot Licence, which qualifies them to fly as first officers with some airlines.
Authorised by the General Civil Aviation Authority, the college is conducting the course with US-based Jeppesen Academy.
Emirates Airlines' cadet pilots graduating from BAE Systems Flight Training in Adelaide, Australia will be able to take the course and fly as first officers with the Emirates fleet.
The college holds the rights to offer the course to third parties in the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council states, the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Mohammed Al Budoor, principal of the college's aerospace and academic department, says: "The college has made a great effort in fulfilling the GCAA requirements and procedures for authorisation for this course which exceeds current standards available in terms of syllabi and instructors.
"I am very pleased that we can now offer this course to not only our own cadets but also holders of commercial pilot licences throughout the region and give them the opportunity to fly with a commercial airline."
Source: Flight International
